Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Highlights Health Issues in Governors’ State of the State Speeches

The following highlights health issues mentioned last week in governors' state of the state addresses.

• Hawaii: In her Jan. 23 speech, Gov. Linda Lingle (R) proposed several new initiatives, including a tax credit of $100 to people whose annual household incomes are less than $50,000 to provide relief for taxes on food, health care services and nonprescription drugs, saying "it is unconscionable that we tax people for eating and getting sick." She also proposed expanding Medicaid to cover "an additional 29,000 people over the next six years." Lingle also called for the "restor[ation of] dental coverage for needy adults," saying that such an action is "both the humane and the smart thing to do." The governor also proposed $10.2 million to expand the About Face and Healthy Lifestyles programs, which offer drug use treatment to at-risk residents (Lingle speech text, 1/23).
  
  
• Maryland: In his Jan. 26 speech, Gov. Robert Ehrlich (R) highlighted some of the state's recent accomplishments, including the creation of a state Department of Disabilities, Maryland's health coverage of 640,000 lower income residents and coverage of prescription medication for 30,000 low-income residents. The governor said his budget would provide funds to increase capacity at drug treatment facilities, because "treatment works." The governor also called for the creation of a "multiyear comprehensive strategy ... to combat infant mortality" through programs that would increase outreach to high-risk women and would gather data on infants with genetic disorders and/or hearing loss. He called for increased funding for programs to help those with traumatic brain injuries and autism and developmental disabilities and to promote senior nutrition. The governor also proposed increased funding for stem cell research programs in the state "to ensure dollars are directed to promising projects ... while respecting the diversity of social, religious and ethical views pertaining to the stem cell issue." Ehrlich also called for meaningful reforms to the medical liability system in the state (Ehrlich speech text, 1/26).
  
  
• Michigan: In her Jan. 25 speech, Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) said that she "will not support business tax breaks that would shift the burden to everyday citizens or force cuts to ... health care." Granholm said that health care has already been expanded in Michigan, adding that, "Beginning this year, we will revolutionize it." The governor proposed the Michigan First Health Care Plan, which would give low-income families "access to a basic, low-cost health care plan through a private insurance company." Granholm said that the plan would cover small business employees and individuals who are self employed and provide coverage for mental health services, adding that it "will make Michigan the state with the highest percentage of its population insured." Granholm also mentioned the Michigan Health Information Network, a group of health and technology professionals that will develop a statewide network of databanks, that if allowed by the patient, would be accessible by pharmacists, doctors and emergency rooms. The network "will reduce errors, reduce duplication, reduce insurance costs and increase your medical privacy," Granholm said. The governor also said, "Quality, affordable health care requires a healthy initiative by citizens to make lifestyle changes." She added that the state "will continue to implement current strategies targeted at encouraging personal responsibility for healthy lifestyles and outcomes ... for all Michigan citizens." Granholm said the state will incorporate "principles supported by Michigan's Surgeon General in the Michigan Steps Up initiative ... includ[ing] focus on healthy behaviors through better eating habits, getting regular exercise and avoiding tobacco use" (Granholm speech text, 1/25).
  
  
• Ohio: In his Jan. 25 speech, Gov. Bob Taft (R) said that the state is "providing health insurance and immunizations for more of Ohio's kids," adding that "more children than ever get off to a good start in life thanks to a broader array of newborn screening tests." Taft also mentioned the Golden Buckeye program -- Ohio's prescription drug assistance program for seniors -- which "over the past two years ... has helped seniors save more than $36 million" (Taft speech text, 1/25).