American Heart Association State Policy Update

Minnesota’s new Legislature gaveled into session on January 4th. The American Heart Association is already hard at work advocating on issues that combat Heart Disease and Stroke. Issues like: childhood obesity prevention, stroke care, affordable health care access, reducing tobacco use, and CPR training. Our top priority will be increasing the price of tobacco products to decrease smoking, prevent kids from starting, and reduce future health care costs. We will also oppose any efforts to weaken the Freedom to Breathe Act – the tremendously popular law passed in 2007 that ensures we can all visit bars, restaurants, and other workplaces without exposure to second hand smoke.

This session presents some real challenges and opportunities as we face an unprecedented $6.2 billion deficit, major shifts in political power as Republicans now lead the majorities in the House and Senate, a new Democratic Governor, and more than 50 brand new legislators. The budget issues threaten many important health care programs across our state, but we will be specifically trying to protect the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) that provides local communities with resources to reduce obesity and tobacco use, leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

All of these new developments, new faces and new challenges bring with them many great opportunities and fresh ideas. The American Heart Association is more focused than ever and our policy priorities remain consistent with our goal of improving Minnesota’s Cardiovascular Health by 20% and reducing deaths from Heart Disease and Stroke by 20% by the year 2020. With your help, this laudable goal can be a reality. Stay tuned for regular updates and please TAKE ACTION when you receive an alert. Our success depends on you!

Take action today to urge the new legislature to make heart health a priority in the 2011 session.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Register Today: Heart on the Hill - April 7th at the Minnesota State Capitol. The American Heart Association joins the rest of the Raise It For Health Coalition to advocate for increasing the price of tobacco in Minnesota. Click here to register for the event (you must login to register).

In the coming weeks, we will begin organizing in-district meetings with key members of the Minnesota Legislature and may call upon you for assistance. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We’re looking forward to working with you in 2011!

Take action today to urge the new legislature to make heart health a priority in the 2011 session.

Sincerely,
Your Minnesota Advocacy Team
Anne Simaytis, Justin Bell and Rachel Callanan