Description:
Despite tough economic times, California must remain in the forefront as a national leader in health, environmental protection and community prevention. Doing so will maximize federal resources flowing into California, while maintaining a focus on effective governance and good solutions.
Priorities for action are summarized below in the following categories: I. Administrative Actions; II. Legislative Priorities; and III. Federal Leverage Points.
I. Administrative Actions. The Brown Administration can take the following steps to position community
prevention as central to the economy, sustainability and equity:
a. Defend the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
b. Coordinate the State's response to Community Transformation Grants.
c. Continue to position health and equity centrally within the Strategic Growth Council.
d. Elevate recommendations of the Health in All Policies Taskforce and support implementation.
e. Emphasize community-based prevention in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education.
f. Foster collaboration between the Attorney General and the Governor's Office of Criminal Justice Planning and Gang and Youth Violence Prevention to advance a public health approach to prevent violence.
II. State Legislative Priorities. Cross-Agency support for the following legislation could expedite Administrative action; position California for much needed Federal funds; and encourage businesses and institutions to align their practices with cost-saving measures that ensure health, safety, equity and sustainability:
a. Support safe passages to school for all children AB 516 (Pérez).
b. Support baby friendly hospitals SB 502 (Pavley, de León).
c. Promote healthy food access in underserved communities AB 581 (Pérez).
d. Tax products that harm health AB 669 (Monning).
e. Facilitate equitable transportation planning AB 441 (Monning).
f. Showcase government as a model for buying healthy foods AB 727 (Mitchell).
g. Increase the number of students that start their day with a healthy breakfast AB 839 (Brownley).
h. Help eligible Californians access healthy foods AB 6 (Fuentes).
III. Federal Leverage Points. Federal resources are vital to California's economy. California's congressional leadership can help align federal allocations with local needs by articulating California's priorities of health, equity and sustainability in the following pieces of federal legislation:
a. Ensure that the Farm Bill supports healthy, equitable, regional food systems.
b. Emphasize active transportation in the next Federal Transportation Reauthorization.
