Safe & Healthy Kids

1997 Senate Bill 378 -
Prevention of Child Abuse

1997 Senate Bill 206 -
Child Immunizations

UPDATE

• Senate Bill 378 passed both houses and was signed into law by the governor.
• Senate Bill 206 did not pass as part of the budget adjustment bill. WEAC is pursuing this issue in the current legislative session.

Background:

Good health and a safe home environment are prerequisites for children’s ability to learn. Educators realize that an unhealthy child is a poor learner. To support that belief, WEAC recommends initiatives to help promote safe and healthy kids.

Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

More than 60 organizations in Wisconsin support recommendations of the bi-partisan Legislative Council Study Committee on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (POCAN).

This study committee recommended passage of Senate Bill 378, relating to improvements in comprehensive child abuse and neglect prevention grants, home visitor programs, case management services, and to establish flexible funds for early prevention “wrap- around” family services. $1.4 million for Senate Bill 378 was earmarked by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, but did not receive final approval prior to the end of the legislative session. WEAC supported funding for the provisions of Senate Bill 378.

Immunization of Children

Child vaccinations are most effective if provided at an early age. WEAC supports legislation that will take a positive step toward preventing childhood disease and controlling health care costs.

1997 Senate Bill 206 required insurance companies to cover certain immunizations of children from birth to age two. Health insurance coverage of immunizations helps to establish the first barrier against childhood disease.

The Wisconsin Education Association Insurance Group (WEAIG), the state’s third largest insurer, currently covers infant immunizations. The WEAIG believes requiring companies to cover vaccinations is cost effective and good, responsible, humane public policy.

WEAC/WFT Position:

The Wisconsin Education Association Council supports passage and funding of recommendations made by the POCAN Joint Legislative Council Study Committee and full insurance coverage of child immunizations up to age two as significant public policy designed to help children begin life safe and healthy.

Talking Points:

• Policies that prevent child abuse and neglect serve to protect children at their most vulnerable stages of life. WEAC supports full funding of the POCAN study committee.
• According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 24% of Wisconsin two-year-olds do not receive all the vaccinations they should.

For Additional Information:

Contact Bob Burke in the WEAC Government Relations Division at 800-362- 8034 ext. 254 or by e-mail at burkeb@weac.org with any reactions, comments or questions.