Next Weds. May 26th: The March of Dimes has appointments scheduled with all state legislators for May 26. They would like to add CAH families to the other groups of volunteers making these visits. This will provide us with an opportunity to tell our stories to the leaders who will be making this important decision very soon. All families in the Sacramento area, please try to come for even part of the day.We need to have our voices heard! Call Keith Nash at the March of Dimes 916-922-1913 or email him at knash@marchofdimes.com to register or for more information. You can also reply to this email and I will get the info to Keith for you. This is really important! Legislation Update--Lots of Promising Good News! On May 10th, the Senate Budget Sub-Committee on Health voted to adopt the language of SB 142 (Alpert) into the Budget Health Trailer Bill. This is exempt from the Governor's line item veto power, so he would need to veto the entire bill in order for this to not pass. The motion was passed 5-0 with Senators Chesbro, Ortiz, Alpert, McClintock and McPherson all voting in favor.

Now is the time to send letters of support even if you have written before! I urge you to write a letter in support of SB 142. The bottom of this e-mail contains sample text for a support letter. All letters should be sent to:

Senator Dede Alpert Senate Appropriations Committee C/O Lisa Matocq
California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814
E-MAIL: senator.alpert@sen.ca.gov

Assemblymember Todd Spitzer, Vice-Chair Assembly Health Committee
California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814
E-MAIL: assemblymember.spitzer@assembly.ca.gov

Dear _____:

I am writing in support of Senate Bill 142 (Alpert). California currently screens children at birth for only four disorders - lowest among the 50 states. This bill will expand the number of disorders screened for at birth to more than thirty at the same cost of the four disorders we currently screen. This is made possible through technological advances implemented in many states across the country. Because this program operates out of a special fund, no general fund dollars are spent on the program. No additional blood or testing is required of the child. California will simply use the system currently in place to draw the blood from the heelstick test done on all babies born. The blood will then be tested using advanced technology and California will begin saving lives and costly medical bills for these families. When babies with these disorders are detected and treated with a simple diet change and/or medication they avoid developmental delays, mental retardation, and in some cases, death.

(Insert your personal story here)

I commend Senator Alpert for her efforts to save the lives of these children. I ask that you also support this legislation and help move California to the forefront in this national arena. Additional information on this bill can be obtained from Keith Nash, State Director of Public Affairs for the March of Dimes at (916) 922-1913 or from the CARES Foundation, Inc. at 973-912-3895 an organization dedicated to comprehensive newborn screening including Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Sincerely, Name and address

Postcards Still Available !

Please email me if you want more postcards. They have worked incredibly well so far--the Governor and the legislators are listening. We must redouble our effort now. Even if you have given lots out already, send out more. Give them out at the grocery store, the kids' schools, your place of worship. We have lots left so let's use them up!!! Thanks again to everyone who has put so much effort into making this a reality in California. Another GIANT step forward.

Warmly, Kelly