Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
From The State Capitols: Public Option Bills Clear Key Hurdle In Conn. Legislature; Measure Would Encourage Ga. Schools To Expand Recess
Legislation that would extend state health benefits to small businesses, nonprofits and individuals cleared a key hurdle Tuesday, winning a favorable vote from the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. Under two proposals, officials would open the state health plan to nonprofits and small companies – those with 50 or fewer employees – and form an advisory council to guide the development of a public option. (Carlesso, 3/19)
Since she arrived in the United States two months ago, Gislene Batista has been unable to find work and has had no permanent place to live. But a more pressing issue has consumed her: Getting her 11-year daughter Emily, who has cerebral palsy, access to quality health care. (Carlesso, 3/19)
House Bill 83 would make each elementary school establish daily recess for students in kindergarten through Grade 5. The bill “encourages’’ schools to make recess 30 minutes long.The recess proposal, though, has stalled in the General Assembly in previous years. (Miller, 3/19)
Government leaders throughout Massachusetts envisioned dollar signs when marijuana legalization passed. Taxes would help fund the subway, police, and schools. But because of the slow rollout of pot stores and their far-flung locations, tax revenues have been disappointing so far. (Martin, 3/20)
