Ms. and Ms. Smith

 

This is a photo of me and Kneka Smith from the March of Dimes. We are not related, but she and I have been glued together for the past few weeks trying to get LD460 passed. 

LD460 is the bill that requires hospitals to test all babies for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD).  If you have been reading my emails and this website, you know about this bill already.  Although many medical organizations support the “Pulse Ox” bill, the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association have really taken the lead. 

The good news is that the bill passed the House 131-0 and passed the Senate 35-0.  Amazing votes—but not completely unsurprising, the bill had strong bipartisan support and saves babies.  Usually a “win-win” situation at the state house.  However, it was not easy, Kneka and I had to work with legislative staff, folks at the Maine CDC and legislators of all parties and interests to come up with a bill that we all liked.  Also, we had strong support from our You’re the Cure volunteers, both online and in the state house, paving the way for our conversations--the key to our success.

Right now, Kneka and I are waiting to hear if the Governor will sign the bill, let it pass into law without his signature, or veto the bill despite unanimous support. 

Follow along throughout the next week and I will let you know how it turns out.

[email protected]  207-523-3007

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