American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Maryland Government Relations Update
April 26, 2017
April 10 was the last day of the 2017 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. ACS CAN had a mixed year in Annapolis this session.
Although our three priority bills did not pass we are poised to move these bills forward in the 2018 session. Following a very strong bill hearing, our bill restoring the original $21 million to the state’s tobacco control program was “set aside” in committee. Our bill prohibiting health insurers from making specified formulary changes during the plan year was withdrawn by the bill sponsors, however the coalition grew to approximately 60 organizations. Legislation we supported, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 failed in committee. We anticipate these three bills being re-introduced in the 2018 session and advancing.
In our success column: blocking county delegation bills giving two localities the authority to allow the sale of alcohol in cigar bars, passing legislation giving pharmacist authority to substitute an interchangeable biologic, protecting funding for tobacco control programs, protecting funding for cancer screening and cancer research at the state academic health centers, and protecting state funding for the breast and cervical cancer program. We have you to thank for the successes and progress.
Because of your efforts:
• Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Law will not be weakened by allowing the sale of alcohol in cigar shops in Harford and Fredrick Counties,
• The State Tobacco Control program will receive $10 million,
• Adults will have the support they need to quit smoking because of the continued funding of the MD Quitline,
• Fewer youth will become lifetime smokers,
• $13 million will remain in the budget for low or no cost mammograms, cervical exams and treatment for breast or cervical cancer for women whom are medically underserved, and
• Cancer patients will have increased access to lower cost drugs when an interchangeable biologic medicine is dispensed at the retail pharmacy.
These successes are a testament to the enormous grassroots support from our volunteers and staff throughout the state, as well as our constant face-to-face lobbying. Your calls, emails and letters to lawmakers made sure our voices were heard and our message heeded. Your willingness to take time from your busy lives to come to Annapolis to testify and respond to our many Action Alerts makes a difference.
You made it all possible. It is a pleasure working with such devoted individuals.
Thank you.
A report detailing information on all the bills ACS supported, opposed or monitored during the 2017 is attached. If you have questions, please contact Bonita Pennino at [email protected]