[Kreweoftruth] They were calling Karen C. Peterson a hero in BRLA today; read why...

[cbrylski at aol.com]

STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER PRO TEM KAREN CARTER PETERSON TO APPROPRIATIONS 
COMMITTEE ON 4-15-09:

I am pleased to announce that I have a 1 billion dollar budget solution 
for the state of Louisiana, that was confirmed yesterday by the 
Department of Health and Hospitals.

Yesterday, we had a healthy debate around the future of health care in 
Louisiana.  During testimony surrounding our budget cuts, Charles 
Castille, the Undersecretary for DHH confirmed that tobacco usage is 
the #1 cause of all preventable death in Louisiana.

Unfortunately, in addition to lives lost, we spend:

•   $1.5 billion in health care costs

•   $1.91 billion in lost worker productivity

•   $663 million in Medicaid alone

I think it is no secret that we have some tough budgetary decisions to 
make, and as we heard from citizens yesterday, countless Louisianans 
will suffer if these proposed budget cuts take effect.

However, there is hope. According to Mr. Castille, we are in a position 
to leverage a 5 to 1 federal-state dollar match, i.e.  if we found $214 
million dollars for the healthcare budget, we will bring in over $1 
billion…$1.07 billion to be exact.

This year the legislature has the opportunity to do just that.

I have filed HB 75, the Louisiana Healthier Families Act, which will 
bring $209 million dollars to the state, and I am confident we can find 
the additional $5 million Secretary Castille=2
0says is needed.

Not only will this legislation save lives and save the state critical 
health care dollars, but we will now also be in a position to utilize 
federal resources at a 5 to 1 ratio. There is no reason why the 
Administration and the Legislature can’t work together to make this 
possible for our families.