Advocacy Updarw from the American Cancer Society

	Dear Cathy, June 25th marked the end of the Louisiana Legislature’s third and final special budget session. Advocates like you helped make cancer issues a priority for lawmakers. Here’s a wrap-up of some key legislation the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supported or opposed this session: Despite a tough budget year, funding was sustained at current levels for the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Program (LBCHP), the Louisiana Tumor Registry (LTR), the Louisiana Smoking Cessation Trust, and the majority of the funding for the Louisiana Department of Health. ACS CAN supported a bill that will require insurance companies to cover subsequent preventative screenings for breast cancer survivors who have received double mastectomies. Additionally, ACS CAN supported a bill that would allow the Louisiana Obesity Prevention and Management Commission to continue for two more years. The commission is charged with studying ways to prevent, manage, and reduce obesity in the state. ACS CAN’s top legislative priority was the Smoke-Free Indoor Air Act, which would have made all indoor public spaces and workplaces in Louisiana smoke-free. ACS CAN volunteers made their voices heard loud and clear, with nearly every lawmaker being asked to make the right choice by voting yes. Unfortunately, this bill was unsuccessful in making it out of the House Health and Welfare Committee.  Despite this setback, we were able to turn the bill into a study resolution, which gives us more time to educate lawmakers on the dangers and costs associated with secondhand smoke. We’ll continue to work toward statewide protections from secondhand smoke for all Louisiana workers, residents and visitors. Throughout the legislative session, ACS CAN was there, educating lawmakers on issues that matter to cancer patients and their families. Nearly 40 advocates joined us in Baton Rouge for our annual Day at the Capitol to meet with their elected officials. Please consider becoming an ACS CAN member today to continue making the voices of cancer fighters heard throughout the halls of government \ Your ACS CAN Louisiana Team: Lance Barbour and Alice Williams