Health Policy Institute Internship Presentation Sarah E. Nelson, - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Health Policy Institute Internship Presentation Sarah E. Nelson, MD, MPH Candidate Johns Hopkins University May 7, 2020

Office • Senator Sarah Elfreth • District 30: Annapolis and Southern Anne Arundel County • Chief of Staff Johntel Greene • Legislative Director Dylan Behler • Additional interns and volunteers

3 Topic Areas of Focus • House Bill 4/Senate Bill 208 – Long guns bill • House Bill 839/Senate Bill 539 – “Time to Care”, paid medical and family leave • House Bill 1663/Senate Bill 1080 – Emergency bill in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Long Guns Bill • House Bill 4/Senate Bill 208 • Public health implications • Put together a graphic on important additional points to highlight

Long Guns Bill • Also: helped prepare responses to letters from constituents • Challenges & lessons: o senator was not the primary sponsor of the bill o can take a team to pass this bill • Legislative outcome : Passed both chambers and proceeded to governor

“Time to Care” – Paid Family and Medical Leave • House Bill 839/Senate Bill 539 • Public health implications • Collated several talking points that were lesser known benefits of the bill

Talking Points • What is [paid family and medical leave] and why is this important? • Are there benefits to employers who give paid leave? • How does paid family leave affect health disparities? • How does paid family leave benefit people’s own illnesses and caregivers? • How was support for this policy won in other states? • How does paid leave impact government revenues/spending? • What are some other compelling thoughts in support of paid family leave?

“Time to Care” – Paid Family and Medical Leave • Challenges & lessons: o The senator was not directly sponsoring the bill o discovered just how important it is and how well supported it is by the data • Legislative outcome: referred to the Finance Committee of the Senate

COVID-19 • House Bill 1663/Senate Bill 1080 • Public health implications • Prepared several talking points

Talking Points • About COVID-19 • About COVID-19 in Maryland • Who is at particular risk for COVID-19? • What can you do to minimize your or others’ risk of contracting COVID-19? • How can you prepare for COVID-19? • What do you do if you believe you are sick with COVID-19? • What is the Maryland Department of Health doing to help facilities prepare? • How are hospitals preparing for COVID-19? • Is there any assistance/relief being provided to businesses/events that have been negatively affected? • How can I find out more information regarding COVID-19?

COVID-19 • Challenges & lessons: o many unknowns about COVID-19 and its financial ramifications o legislators can be very quick to react to pubic health emergencies • Legislative outcome : approved by governor

Overall Lessons/Takeaways • Much more responsive and accessible to constituents than originally thought • It is inspiring to see the number of people within and outside of the senator’s office willing to collaborate on issues • Over 660 bills during the abbreviated Session • The senator’s office works hard!

Interactive Discussion • “Time to Care” - Paid Family and Medical Leave

Thank you