March 2017
Obama Era Protections From Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Overturned
Congress has passed House Joint Resolution 42 with a simple majority using the Congressional Review Act. This resolution overturns the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation act which mandated drug testing could only be done for unemployment recipients if they had been fired from a job due to drug use or testing was required for employment. The bill was originally passed in 2012 but was strengthened in 2016. Drug testing for welfare recipients harms public health indirectly by acting to further discourage and stigmatize individuals who may need to apply for unemployment, SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid.
Congress has passed House Joint Resolution 42 with a simple majority using the Congressional Review Act. This resolution overturns the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation act which mandated drug testing could only be done for unemployment recipients if they had been fired from a job due to drug use or testing was required for employment. The bill was originally passed in 2012 but was strengthened in 2016. Drug testing for welfare recipients harms public health indirectly by acting to further discourage and stigmatize individuals who may need to apply for unemployment, SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid.
February 2017
Pennsylvania S.B. 10 puts Philadelphia Funding at Risk
The PA S.B. 10 or the Municipal Sanctuary and Federal Enforcement (SAVE Act) passed the Pennsylvania state house on February 7th. This bill would prevent cities and municipalities throughout the commonwealth from declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” by cutting funding to any that label themselves as such. Sanctuary cities have come under attack from many republican lawmakers recently because they protect those who are undocumented from declaring themselves.
This bill, while claiming to make the commonwealth “safer” would actually do the opposite. Research has shown that in cities with the sanctuary declaration, undocumented individuals are more likely to call in crimes, creating lower rates of crime. Additionally, Philadelphia stands to lose over $600 million in funding should this pass, which could result in underfunding of vital public health and safety functions the city provides, such as police patrols and some services provided by the Philadelphia Department of Health.
Call your state legislators and Governor Wolf today to oppose S.B. 10!
The PA S.B. 10 or the Municipal Sanctuary and Federal Enforcement (SAVE Act) passed the Pennsylvania state house on February 7th. This bill would prevent cities and municipalities throughout the commonwealth from declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” by cutting funding to any that label themselves as such. Sanctuary cities have come under attack from many republican lawmakers recently because they protect those who are undocumented from declaring themselves.
This bill, while claiming to make the commonwealth “safer” would actually do the opposite. Research has shown that in cities with the sanctuary declaration, undocumented individuals are more likely to call in crimes, creating lower rates of crime. Additionally, Philadelphia stands to lose over $600 million in funding should this pass, which could result in underfunding of vital public health and safety functions the city provides, such as police patrols and some services provided by the Philadelphia Department of Health.
Call your state legislators and Governor Wolf today to oppose S.B. 10!
Pennsylvania S.B. 3 Would Impose the Strictest Abortion Restrictions in US
This bill, which Governor Tom Wolf has stated he will veto should it make it to his desk in Harrisburg, would ban many safe and vital abortion services currently available to Pennsylvania residents who become pregnant. It creates a ban on abortions after 20 weeks, with no exceptions for rape, incest, fetal genetic abnormalities, and the health of the mother. It also completely outlaws what is widely considered to be the safest method of abortion completely, putting the lives of many at risk.
This bill passed the state senate 32-18 and is expected to pass the house. While the Governor has expressed his willingness to veto this dangerous bill, it is expected to come close to meeting the requirements in the legislature to override his decision.
Please contact Governor Wolf and your state legislators today to tell them to vote against this measure!
This bill, which Governor Tom Wolf has stated he will veto should it make it to his desk in Harrisburg, would ban many safe and vital abortion services currently available to Pennsylvania residents who become pregnant. It creates a ban on abortions after 20 weeks, with no exceptions for rape, incest, fetal genetic abnormalities, and the health of the mother. It also completely outlaws what is widely considered to be the safest method of abortion completely, putting the lives of many at risk.
This bill passed the state senate 32-18 and is expected to pass the house. While the Governor has expressed his willingness to veto this dangerous bill, it is expected to come close to meeting the requirements in the legislature to override his decision.
Please contact Governor Wolf and your state legislators today to tell them to vote against this measure!
November 2016
Update: Mylan and Other Pharmaceutical Companies Under Federal Investigation for Antitrust Violation
The United States Justice Department has launched an investigation of a number of pharmaceutical companies for price fixing the list prices for many older generic medications. The Justice Department launched the investigation after public outrage led to a Congressional Report on the inflation of many drugs, including a number of antibiotics.
This investigation could potentially lead to a federal antitrust lawsuit against each of the companies being investigated.
The United States Justice Department has launched an investigation of a number of pharmaceutical companies for price fixing the list prices for many older generic medications. The Justice Department launched the investigation after public outrage led to a Congressional Report on the inflation of many drugs, including a number of antibiotics.
This investigation could potentially lead to a federal antitrust lawsuit against each of the companies being investigated.
August 2016
Congress Reacts to Spike in EpiPen Prices
In August, Mylan, the pharmaceutical company that distributes EpiPen added to the steady price increases of the lifesaving drug by increasing the price 150% since 2011 (500% since 2009). EpiPen Auto Injector is a lifesaving tool that can be easily used during anaphylactic shock by a lay person. There is currently no FDA approved generic version of the drug, making Mylan the sole manufacturer in the United States.
While Congress will be on summer recess until shortly after Labor Day, a number of Congressmen have spoken out against the price hike, calling for Mylan to lower the price and raising questions about the motives behind it.
In August, Mylan, the pharmaceutical company that distributes EpiPen added to the steady price increases of the lifesaving drug by increasing the price 150% since 2011 (500% since 2009). EpiPen Auto Injector is a lifesaving tool that can be easily used during anaphylactic shock by a lay person. There is currently no FDA approved generic version of the drug, making Mylan the sole manufacturer in the United States.
While Congress will be on summer recess until shortly after Labor Day, a number of Congressmen have spoken out against the price hike, calling for Mylan to lower the price and raising questions about the motives behind it.
July 2016
Senate rejects amendments to reduce gun violence in midst of worst mass shooting in U.S. history
On June 20, the U.S. Senate voted against advancing two commonsense amendments to reduce gun violence supported by APHA and other public health groups. The first amendment, offered by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., would have expanded criminal background checks for all gun purchases, including those sold at gun shows and on the internet. The amendment was blocked by a vote of 44-56.
The second amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., would have made it more difficult for known or suspected terrorists to purchase a gun. The Feinstein amendment was blocked by a vote of 47-53. Prior to the votes, more than 50 public health and medical organizations sent a letter to the full Senate urging support for both the Murphy and Feinstein amendments.
Following the first round of votes, the Senate also voted to “table” or kill an amendment by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, which would have excluded only those individuals on the federal No Fly List or the Selectee List from purchasing guns. The motion to table the amendment failed by a vote of 46-52, and it is unclear as to whether the bill will receive an actual vote by the full Senate.
On June 20, the U.S. Senate voted against advancing two commonsense amendments to reduce gun violence supported by APHA and other public health groups. The first amendment, offered by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., would have expanded criminal background checks for all gun purchases, including those sold at gun shows and on the internet. The amendment was blocked by a vote of 44-56.
The second amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., would have made it more difficult for known or suspected terrorists to purchase a gun. The Feinstein amendment was blocked by a vote of 47-53. Prior to the votes, more than 50 public health and medical organizations sent a letter to the full Senate urging support for both the Murphy and Feinstein amendments.
Following the first round of votes, the Senate also voted to “table” or kill an amendment by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, which would have excluded only those individuals on the federal No Fly List or the Selectee List from purchasing guns. The motion to table the amendment failed by a vote of 46-52, and it is unclear as to whether the bill will receive an actual vote by the full Senate.
June 2016
House Passes Legislation that Threatens Access to Healthy Food for Children
On May 18, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016, which was intended to reauthorize the federal child nutrition programs currently in place. Additionally, this reauthorization would allow canned and/or dried fruits and vegetables to be part of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. It would also weaken existing nutritional guidelines for schools that participate in the free and discounted school lunch programs.
This legislation would raise the eligibility threshold for schools that offer students free school meals, leading to an inability to participate in these nutritional programs for some children.
On May 18, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016, which was intended to reauthorize the federal child nutrition programs currently in place. Additionally, this reauthorization would allow canned and/or dried fruits and vegetables to be part of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. It would also weaken existing nutritional guidelines for schools that participate in the free and discounted school lunch programs.
This legislation would raise the eligibility threshold for schools that offer students free school meals, leading to an inability to participate in these nutritional programs for some children.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Redesigns Nutritional Labels
The FDA has approved a new design for the nutritional labels on food items. Changes will make it easier for consumers to better understand how many calories and other nutrients they are consuming by featuring new categories and labeling more realistic portion sizes. New categories include the amount of added sugar in a serving, and breakdowns of specific types of fat in lieu of the current “calories from fat”. All categories will contain values for one serving and the entire package, as well as updated “daily value” amounts.
In addition to these key changes, the label redesign will more prominently feature the serving size and caloric content of the product, allowing consumers to make quick decisions more easily.
The FDA has approved a new design for the nutritional labels on food items. Changes will make it easier for consumers to better understand how many calories and other nutrients they are consuming by featuring new categories and labeling more realistic portion sizes. New categories include the amount of added sugar in a serving, and breakdowns of specific types of fat in lieu of the current “calories from fat”. All categories will contain values for one serving and the entire package, as well as updated “daily value” amounts.
In addition to these key changes, the label redesign will more prominently feature the serving size and caloric content of the product, allowing consumers to make quick decisions more easily.
Senate Fails to Pass Common Sense Gun Reform
After the tragic events that occurred in Orlando, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy launched a record setting 15 hour filibuster to force a vote on gun control measures. On June 20th, four measures were introduced to close gaps in background checks and make them universal, and to keep individuals on the “no fly” list from purchasing firearms. Both Republican and Democratic measures were voted down in close votes, which tended to follow party loyalty lines.
The failure to pass even one gun reform measure will remain a major political talking point on both sides of the isle this election season and will most likely have effects not only in the presidential race, but in the congressional races as well.
After the tragic events that occurred in Orlando, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy launched a record setting 15 hour filibuster to force a vote on gun control measures. On June 20th, four measures were introduced to close gaps in background checks and make them universal, and to keep individuals on the “no fly” list from purchasing firearms. Both Republican and Democratic measures were voted down in close votes, which tended to follow party loyalty lines.
The failure to pass even one gun reform measure will remain a major political talking point on both sides of the isle this election season and will most likely have effects not only in the presidential race, but in the congressional races as well.
May 2016
Food and Drug Administration to Regulate E-Cigarettes
On May 4th, 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new rules placing e-cigarettes under their jurisdiction. The new rules require companies that produce e-cigarettes to submit premarket applications, or risk having them pulled off the shelves. The premarket applications allow the FDA to assess the product’s impact on public health
In addition to this, the rules also will prohibit e-cigarette sales to minors and require health warnings be placed on packaging and advertising.
On May 4th, 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new rules placing e-cigarettes under their jurisdiction. The new rules require companies that produce e-cigarettes to submit premarket applications, or risk having them pulled off the shelves. The premarket applications allow the FDA to assess the product’s impact on public health
In addition to this, the rules also will prohibit e-cigarette sales to minors and require health warnings be placed on packaging and advertising.
February 2016
Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approves bipartisan child nutrition bill
On Jan. 19, by unanimous consent, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee passed legislation to reauthorize federal child nutrition programs, including the school breakfast and lunch programs. Now, the full Senate has to support the measure and the House of Representatives will need to take a similar bipartisan approach to reauthorizing these important programs.
The Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act would maintain the major nutrition-related standards for sodium, whole grains and increased fruits and vegetables in school lunches established under the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. It would also require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revise guidelines for sodium and whole grain content to provide any struggling schools with additional time to meet the sodium standards and flexibility for whole grains. The bill would also support efforts to provide adequate kitchen equipment, technical assistance and training to school districts in need.
On Jan. 19, by unanimous consent, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee passed legislation to reauthorize federal child nutrition programs, including the school breakfast and lunch programs. Now, the full Senate has to support the measure and the House of Representatives will need to take a similar bipartisan approach to reauthorizing these important programs.
The Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act would maintain the major nutrition-related standards for sodium, whole grains and increased fruits and vegetables in school lunches established under the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. It would also require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revise guidelines for sodium and whole grain content to provide any struggling schools with additional time to meet the sodium standards and flexibility for whole grains. The bill would also support efforts to provide adequate kitchen equipment, technical assistance and training to school districts in need.
Ending Life without Parole Sentences for Youth
Each year in the United States, children as young as 13 are sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison without any opportunity for release. Currently, there about 2,570 children sentenced to life without parole in the US despite a global consensus that children cannot be held to the same standards of responsibility as adults and recognition that children are entitled to special protection and treatment.
In 2012, the U.S Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole sentences for youth were unconstitutional by labeling it as cruel an usual punishment. On January 25th, 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court gave hope to thousands of individuals when they declared that Miller v Alabama is retroactively effective—meaning that life without parole for children can apply in only the rarest of cases.
Eliminating juvenile life without parole does not suggest guaranteed release of these offenders. Rather, it provides an opportunity for review of the defendant's’ case after a reasonable period of incarceration in which the unique circumstances of each defendant, previous crime, and current actions will be considered.
Each year in the United States, children as young as 13 are sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison without any opportunity for release. Currently, there about 2,570 children sentenced to life without parole in the US despite a global consensus that children cannot be held to the same standards of responsibility as adults and recognition that children are entitled to special protection and treatment.
In 2012, the U.S Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole sentences for youth were unconstitutional by labeling it as cruel an usual punishment. On January 25th, 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court gave hope to thousands of individuals when they declared that Miller v Alabama is retroactively effective—meaning that life without parole for children can apply in only the rarest of cases.
Eliminating juvenile life without parole does not suggest guaranteed release of these offenders. Rather, it provides an opportunity for review of the defendant's’ case after a reasonable period of incarceration in which the unique circumstances of each defendant, previous crime, and current actions will be considered.
January 2016
Reducing Gun Violence in America
On Jan. 5, 2016, President Obama discussed his new strategy to reduce gun violence in America. His plan proposes a $500 million investment to increase funding and access to mental health care treatment and services. It will also implement background check requirements that will enhance the effectiveness of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the background check system has prevented more than 2 million guns from getting into the wrong hands.
Also on Jan 5th, House Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) proposed two bills. H.R.4315 - Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2016 will authorize funding for fiscal year 2017 to carry out programs and activities to increase access to mental health care treatment and services. H.R.4316 - Gun Violence Reduction Resources Act of 2016 authorizes the Department of Justice to hire 200 additional agents and investigators for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to enforce gun laws.
Click here if you want to know more facts about the new executive actions to reduce gun violence.
Contact your members of Congress and tell them to act now!
On Jan. 5, 2016, President Obama discussed his new strategy to reduce gun violence in America. His plan proposes a $500 million investment to increase funding and access to mental health care treatment and services. It will also implement background check requirements that will enhance the effectiveness of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the background check system has prevented more than 2 million guns from getting into the wrong hands.
Also on Jan 5th, House Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) proposed two bills. H.R.4315 - Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2016 will authorize funding for fiscal year 2017 to carry out programs and activities to increase access to mental health care treatment and services. H.R.4316 - Gun Violence Reduction Resources Act of 2016 authorizes the Department of Justice to hire 200 additional agents and investigators for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to enforce gun laws.
Click here if you want to know more facts about the new executive actions to reduce gun violence.
Contact your members of Congress and tell them to act now!
December 2015
The Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act of 2015
(S.993) will amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act enabling the Attorney General to grant funding for eligible entities which aim to collaboratively map and implement programs for mentally ill inmates both during and after time in jail or prison.
The Attorney General is now authorized to award grants for:
Introduced: 04/16/15 Passed by Senate: 12/10/15
(S.993) will amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act enabling the Attorney General to grant funding for eligible entities which aim to collaboratively map and implement programs for mentally ill inmates both during and after time in jail or prison.
The Attorney General is now authorized to award grants for:
- Collaborative programs which coordinate and implement community-based crisis services.
- Enhancement of correctional facility capabilities to provide the clinical, medical, and social needs of inmates including appropriate mental health and substance abuse treatment.
- Development of comprehensive training programs, protocols, and systems for law enforcement, mental health, substance abuse, housing, corrections, and emergency medical service personnel to provide coordinated assistance to individuals with unique needs.
Introduced: 04/16/15 Passed by Senate: 12/10/15
Public Health Implications of the Regulation of Marijuana
Decriminalization of marijuana has been supported by many health equity advocates because of disparities in law enforcement and imprisonment for marijuana possession among racial and ethnic groups. Of the 8.2 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010, 88% were for minor possession. Despite roughly equal usage rates, Blacks are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana. Within Pennsylvania, that rate rose to 7.5 in 2010.=. Nationwide, the arrest data revealed one consistent trend: significant racial bias. Disproportionate arrests force specific groups of people into the criminal justice system and those with convictions have a significantly harder time finding employment, enrolling in education institutions, obtaining access to health insurance, and ultimately, providing for their families. This creates a ripple effect in minority households
for generations leading to cyclical impoverishment, poor health, and lack of access to opportunities.
In the age of mass incarceration, or "targeted" incarceration, a term used by Dr. Marc Lamont Hill to emphasize racial inequality in our judicial system, steps are being taken to decrease the number of non-violent minorities arrested for marijuana possession.
Presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders proposed the Ending Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2015 (S.2237). This bill will repeal all federal penalties for possessing and growing marijuana by removing references to "marijuana" from the Controlled Substances Act. However, transporting marijuana from places where it is illegal to places where it is legal would still be prohibited and subject to penalties of fines and/or imprisonment up to one year. A similar proposed bill, the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act (H.R. 1013), will decriminalize marijuana at the federal level and allow states to establish their own laws. Both bills could have a significant impact on how many people, specifically those of color, are arrested for possession of marijuana. This change in language and shift of responsibility from the federal level to state governments could reduce the number of African Americans, and other ethnic minorities, incarcerated and improve access to vital resources for health and success.
Decriminalization of marijuana has been supported by many health equity advocates because of disparities in law enforcement and imprisonment for marijuana possession among racial and ethnic groups. Of the 8.2 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010, 88% were for minor possession. Despite roughly equal usage rates, Blacks are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana. Within Pennsylvania, that rate rose to 7.5 in 2010.=. Nationwide, the arrest data revealed one consistent trend: significant racial bias. Disproportionate arrests force specific groups of people into the criminal justice system and those with convictions have a significantly harder time finding employment, enrolling in education institutions, obtaining access to health insurance, and ultimately, providing for their families. This creates a ripple effect in minority households
for generations leading to cyclical impoverishment, poor health, and lack of access to opportunities.
In the age of mass incarceration, or "targeted" incarceration, a term used by Dr. Marc Lamont Hill to emphasize racial inequality in our judicial system, steps are being taken to decrease the number of non-violent minorities arrested for marijuana possession.
Presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders proposed the Ending Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2015 (S.2237). This bill will repeal all federal penalties for possessing and growing marijuana by removing references to "marijuana" from the Controlled Substances Act. However, transporting marijuana from places where it is illegal to places where it is legal would still be prohibited and subject to penalties of fines and/or imprisonment up to one year. A similar proposed bill, the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act (H.R. 1013), will decriminalize marijuana at the federal level and allow states to establish their own laws. Both bills could have a significant impact on how many people, specifically those of color, are arrested for possession of marijuana. This change in language and shift of responsibility from the federal level to state governments could reduce the number of African Americans, and other ethnic minorities, incarcerated and improve access to vital resources for health and success.