American Lung Association of Michigan

Proposed Public Policy Agenda

The American Lung Association of Michigan is dedicated to the prevention of lung disease and the promotion of lung health. All public policy initiatives recommended by staff and approved by the board of directors are deemed to be sufficiently in the best interest of lung health. They are also deemed to be within the the guidelines of the national public policy agenda for the present year.

Today, lung disease in Michigan is one of the most under funded chronic health problems in our state. The state budget includes no money for COPD, limited resources for asthma, and little funding for the states tobacco program. Funding for tuberculosis and asthma are provided through grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that allow sufficient awareness and outreach to occur.

According to the ALA State of Tobacco Control, Michigan consistently ranks among the worst states in the nation for tobacco control spending, clean indoor air, and youth prevention. Michigan also receives failing grades in the ALA State of the Air report. Many Michigan communities are regularly exposed to levels of ozone and particulate matter that exceed the national guidelines for clean air.

Based on these issues, the following public policy initiatives are proposed for the current legislative session:

• Secure ratification of legislation requiring all Michigan worksites, restaurants and bars to be 100% smokefree;

• Increase awareness of smokefree school campuses, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

• Secure funding for COPD programs, education, surveillance and epidemiology;

• Secure funding for tobacco control programs, including education and cessation;

• Support legislation that would require studying the health effects of school bus idling;

• Defend the Clean Air Act, particularly among populations most at risk, and;

• Support legislative attempts to overturn Michigan 's ban on stem cell research.

American Lung Association

Proposed National Public Policy Agenda

The American Lung Association recognizes that public policy change--legislation and regulation--at all levels of government is key to achieving its mission: To prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The American Lung Association advocacy program supports government, corporate and community policies to translate that mission into reality. The Public Policy Agenda for the current Congressional session identifies major legislative and regulatory issues where the American Lung Association has demonstrated leadership or can show leadership in the future. These issues are identified because there should be opportunities for the American Lung Association to move the issue forward over the next two calendar years or the importance of the issue to the mission of the American Lung Association compels us to begin the work to build to the point where we can see results. The Public Policy Agenda is designed to highlight the top priorities for the American Lung Association's federal advocacy. State and local advocacy efforts will continue with full support from the National Office. The American Lung Association Public Policy Positions provide a complete description of the public policy goals of the American Lung Association.

POLICY PRIORITIES

As designated by the American Lung Association Board of Directors, the public policy priorities for the current Congressional session are:

• Secure increased funding for tobacco control programs, including prevention, education and cessation, and full coverage for cessation services under Medicaid and Medicare;
• Secure adequately funded, full, unfettered, Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the manufacture, sale, distribution, labeling, marketing and promotion of tobacco products;
• Secure ratification of a strong, enforceable international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control;
• Secure federal support for the Asthma Clinical Research Centers;
• Secure funds to implement the development of  a comprehensive federal public health response to asthma, including a nationwide surveillance program;
• Defend and strengthen the Clean Air Act and its health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect the health of all Americans, including populations most at risk;
• Secure a new protective ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard;
• Secure new regulations to control emissions from locomotive and marine diesel engines;
• Increase funding for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures for all lung diseases including asthma, COPD, lung cancer and tuberculosis;
• Increase funding for lung-related behavioral and environmental research and research training; and
• Increase funding for the public health infrastructure and health programs related to the lung, including preparation for an influenza pandemic

The American Lung Association of Michigan is a constituent of the American Lung Association and is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization.

American Lung Association of Michigan
Headquarter Office
25900 Greenfield Suite 401
Oak Park, Michigan  48237
1.800.543.LUNG (5864) - Toll Free
1.248.784.2000 - Local
1.248.784.2008 - Fax

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