We are taking a look at some of the top priorities for state lawmakers this year — and keeping an ear to the ground for issues that may have an impact on kids with cancer. Are you aware of a bill in your home state that we should know about? Please use the form at the end of this blog post to share with us!

Of the 46 state legislatures convening in 2020,* a majority - 36 states - kicked off their sessions this month (January). Annual budgets will take top priority for most state legislatures, with other key issues including election reform and security, the 2020 Census and redistricting, education — and healthcare.

*Texas, Montana, North Dakota and Nevada only meet in odd-numbered years.

Some of the healthcare-related state issues we’re hearing about include: privacy policies related to genetic information; paid/family leave laws; Medicaid; imported prescription drugs; surprise medical bills, and more.

Children’s Cancer Cause is committed to working with and supporting advocates across the country who are working on state and local issues like these. Last year, for example, we helped advocates rally support around fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, remote technology for critically ill students, and license plates to benefit childhood cancer research.

More about our State Advocacy work →

Too often, state-level advocates in our community are working alone or with limited resources. To support those advocates, Children’s Cancer Cause offers “air cover” and coordination to those working in their state capitals. We can’t to be on the ground in every state, but working with local advocates, we can electronically send out “action alerts” to our state network of supporters to help in their campaigns. We can send endorsement letters to legislators. We can produce letters to local newspapers. And - perhaps most importantly - we can facilitate coordinated efforts in those state campaigns by breaking down silos, with such efforts as conference calls and pooling our resources.

Here’s how you can help:

We’re putting together some of the noteworthy state bills that relate to childhood cancer research, healthcare access, and support for survivors. If you are aware of or engaged in a state effort, we want to hear about it! Please fill out the form on this page with more information about the initiative.
The first place we turn to when we hear about a state bill that needs more constituent voices is our Kids Action Network (KAN). If you want to be engaged in state-level initiatives, be sure you’re part of this free members-only advocacy network. Join KAN →
One simple ‘ask’ of state lawmakers is for a proclamation in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Although awareness month isn’t until September, many legislatures aren’t in session during the summer months, so now is an ideal time to make your requests. Form templates provided by the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) make it easy to make that request. That toolkit is available here (PDF).

This effort, like so many in our community, depends on our ability to join together and support one another. Few of us have the bandwidth to conquer our challenges alone, but together we can move mountains for our kids.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

State legislation/initiative:

Please share with us a bit about the cancer-related state legislation you're aware of - and how you're currently engaged in this initiative, if at all.

Are you involved with a cancer organization in your area, either as a staff member or volunteer?

Please list which organization(s) you're involved in and whether they support the legislative effort listed above.

What kind of support from us would be useful to you in advancing this initiative?

Select all that might apply. We'll be in touch!

Technology support (i.e. Email or Twitter campaigns to lawmakers; Petitions, etc.)

Letter-to-the-Editor campaign

Information-sharing about this initiative (i.e. targeted social media promotion)

Connection to other advocates in your state (i.e. facilitated conference calls)

Policy/advocacy guidance (i.e. consultation with our policy experts in DC)

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

State Advocacy Initiatives in 2020

More about our State Advocacy work →

This effort, like so many in our community, depends on our ability to join together and support one another. Few of us have the bandwidth to conquer our challenges alone, but together we can move mountains for our kids.

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