The Pulse

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! While the holidays invite joy and goodwill, the constant hustle and bustle of this season can make visions of worry rather than sugar plums dance in our heads. Try some of these tips to reclaim your ho-ho-ho and stay happy and healthy.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! While the holidays invite joy and goodwill, the constant hustle and bustle of this season can make visions of worry rather than sugar plums dance in our heads. Try some of these tips to reclaim your ho-ho-ho and stay happy and healthy.

As we look toward 2024, it is the second year of a two-year session. There are a number of key legislative races in California in 2024, including the Governor, the state Assembly, some Senate seats as well as elections for United States Senate and some United States Congressional seats.

2024 is the second year of the two-year Alaska legislative session, with healthcare issues headlining the agenda.  Alaska's 121-day session convenes in Juneau on Tuesday, January 16th. The Republican Governor is not up for reelection, and both legislative bodies are controlled by bipartisan coalitions.

We are seeking volunteers to join Washington State's Advocacy Committee. Our Advocacy Committee is made up of passionate volunteers who have helped us champion policies at the state and local level. No experience in advocacy required; we will train you on everything you need to know!

Much to everyone’s surprise funding for the “Da Bux” program did not pass in the 2023 state legislative session despite the fact that the bill had unanimous support in all legislative hearings and floor votes. It, like many other measures, ran out of time in the hectic finish of conference committee negotiations.

Thankfully the Legislature provided the Governor with discretionary funding in the state budget for additional programs. With help from advocates like you the American Heart Association, along with coalition partners, was successful in getting Governor Green to allocate $500,000 to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to support the “Da Bux”, Hawaii's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentive program.

Looking ahead into 2024, the Arizona legislative session resumes its proceedings on January 8, marked by the grand opening ceremonies and Governor Hobbs' anticipated State of the State address.

More than a year ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and all flavored cigars. This proposal was supported by years of scientific evidence and hundreds of thousands of comments from the public. The White House announced that these lifesaving rules will be delayed even longer. 

Last week the Biden Administration announced that lifesaving final rules to prohibit the sale of menthol cigarettes and all flavored cigars will be further delayed.