Day 16 - 2/09/2006

>> Back to Week Four, Feb. 6 - Feb. 10

Newborn Screening Bill Passes House

The newborn screening bill, HB 1066 by Rep. Judy Manning (36th), passed the House.  The bill would expand newborn screening from the current 13 tests to 29 tests for a fee of $40. According to testimony from DHR Division of Public Health staff, there are 135,000 births in Georgia each year and approximately 6,000 of those babies need follow-up and/or further evaluation based on screening tests currently performed. Newborn screening can prevent or ameliorate the development of chronic and life-threatening health problems as well as disabilities.

The Senate Appropriations Community Health Subcommittee and Human Development Subcommittee completed their recommendations on the 2006 Amended Budget.

The House Health and Human Services Committee declined to take action on HB 548 by Rep Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (85th).  It would require individuals applying for public benefits to list the names of their employers so that the public will know which employers have workers who must rely on public programs.  Rep. Benfield says the state has this information already, but has not released it in recent years.

Coming Events:

Friday, February 10th

The General Assembly will be in recess.

Monday, February 13th

The House convenes at 1:00 p.m., and the Senate convenes at 1:30 p.m.

Senate Appropriations Committee  10 a.m., 341 Capitol – Vote on amended FY 2006 budget

House Education Academic Support Subcommittee 10 a.m., 506 CLOB – HB 1098 Local school systems with 50% or more children eligible for free/reduced price school meals to establish a summer food service

Georgia CAN Meeting 11-12:00, 541A CLOB