Locally, our Government Relations Committee sets the Chapter’s legislative priorities. A nonpartisan body, it monitors and advocates for legislation beneficial to the disability community. The Committee’s advocacy efforts include face-to-face meetings with municipal and state lawmakers. It meets quarterly and is comprised of volunteers, including people with MS, their loved ones, legal professionals, and other experts.
The Society continues to advocate for research moneys and the healthcare rights of people with MS. We strive to promote public policy in the best interest of the disability community. Whether it’s the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Ticket To Work Act, or ongoing budget increases at the National Institutes of Health, the Society’s integrated nationwide advocacy has been crucial.
Our Priority issues for 2009 in California include:
- Protection of the Medi-Cal safety net ensuring that the state government does not cut services such as dental care, optometry, incontinent creams and washes, speech therapy and psychology and podiatry. It is also crucial to maintain current eligibility requirements for In-Home Supportive Services as well as Medi-Cal provider rates.
- Support Assembly Bill 214 (Chesbro) This state legislation will require health insurers to provide coverage of “durable medical equipment” (DME) in group and individual plans, and prevent plans from placing special benefit limits on DME.
- Sponsor the Safe Sharps Disposal Bill that will ensure that everyone in the state has access to convenient and affordable disposal options for all needles.
Full-time staff members work solely on advocacy from our public policy office in Washington, DC and from our chapter offices in Northern California. Each year, volunteers from our chapter also attend advocacy action days on Capitol Hill and in Sacramento, bringing our message to lawmakers.
Learn more about current hot topics in advocacy or for more information, contact Stewart Ferry via email or at 1-800-344-4867, (415) 230-6678.