Legislative Priorities

GASOPHE’s Legislative Priorities 2011:

Support the findings of the Public Health Commission that Georgia’s Public Health agency should be an independent Department

The Independent Department will provide Georgia with a more efficient and cost effective public health agency that will produce better health outcomes with the same dollars.   The new Department would report directly to the Governor.

Support implementation of a $1 per pack cigarette tax

Georgia's tobacco tax is the 47th lowest in the nation.  Research shows that if Georgia increased its tobacco tax by $1, the state could raise $350 million and bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding.  It would also help save over $2 billion in healthcare costs related to smoking.

Support adequate and sustainable funding for a statewide trauma system

The trauma death rate in Georgia is 20% greater than the national average due to a lack of a statewide trauma system. Improving access to trauma care could save 700 lives per year.

Support implementation of the Affordable Care Act

Several elements of the Affordable Care Act will be implemented at the state level.  GASOPHE will monitor legislation and support legislation specific to the establishment of a task force to oversee implementation within Georgia.

GASOPHE supports the following National Legislative Priorities for 2011: