Now that the Massachusetts House and Senate have each debated the Fiscal Year 2009 State Budget, conference committee members will be appointed to resolve the differences between the two versions. 

Please contact your legislators today and ask them to tell the conference committee members to protect sexual health matter-related items in the final version of the budget!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to ask you to contact the FY 09 Budget Conference Committee members and support three items that impact sexual and reproductive health matters in Massachusetts. Properly funding these three prevention-focused items would be a positive and cost-effective investment in improving public health in the Commonwealth.

1) Support the Senate funding and language for family planning programs. (Line Item 4513-1000, Funding: $6 million)

Comprehensive family planning programs include HIV counseling and testing services, medical and gynecological examinations, contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, screenings and follow-ups for breast and cervical cancer, and a number of other health screenings, among numerous other services. These programs provide vital outreach to low-income uninsured women, men and adolescents.

While funding has been increased over the last few years, there is still a huge portion of the population that is not receiving services. In addition to improving lives, these programs provide tremendous savings to the Commonwealth. Data show that every dollar invested in these programs saves almost $3.80 in Medicaid costs for prenatal and newborn care.

2) Support the Senate funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs. (Line Item 4530-9000, Funding: $4 million)

These prevention programs have been incredibly successful in Massachusetts, and this is no time to reduce their funding. These programs have contributed to a 40% drop in the teen birth rate, which saves Massachusetts nearly $150 million per year. However, there is still much more to be done. A recent national study by the CDC found that teen births are on the rise for the first time in fourteen years.

3) Support the Senate language and funding regarding the Health Disparities Initiative (Line Item 4000-0600)

This version of the line item would create an Office of Health Equity within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and fund that office at $750,000.

This new office would address racial and ethnic health disparities across the Commonwealth, including unequal health risks, access to health care, and the quality of treatment affecting people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. These disparities must be addressed in a comprehensive manner to ensure that every Massachusetts resident has access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services.

Sexual health matters, and programs that improve sexual health should be a priority for state government. Thank you for your consideration of these requests. As your constituent, I look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 02, 2008