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CC - Item VII B - Discussion Of SB928 (Romero) Emergency Medical Services Act Of 2002_5"1 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS ROSEW~AD CITY COUNCIL FROM: BILL CR'OWE, CITY MANAGER DATE: AUGUST 7, 2002 RE: DISCUSSION OF SB928 (ROMERO) EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 2002 This item is being placed on the Agenda at the request of Mayor Robert Bruesch. Attached is an information packet from Senator Romero's Office requesting the Council's support for the legislation which places a 5-cent fee per drink at the wholesale level on distilled spirits and beer sold in California. The funds collected would be placed in a trust with the California Department of Health Services used to support emergency rooms and trauma centers. Also attached is the most recent version of the Bill. RECOMMENDATION If the Council is in favor of supporting the legislation it would be appropriate to direct staff to prepare the necessary correspondence and direct the City Clerk to send copies to the recommended members of the Legislature and our Legislative Advocate. AU G 13 2002 ITEM No. :0~- -6 staf epor TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS ROSENILAD CITY COUNCIL FROM: BILL C&E, CITY MANAGER DATE: AUGUST 7, 2002 RE: DISCUSSION OF SB928 (ROMERO) EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 2002 This item is being placed on the Agenda at the request of Mayor Robert Bruesch. Attached is an information packet from Senator Romero's Office requesting the Council's support for the legislation which places a 5-cent fee per drink at the wholesale level on distilled spirits and beer sold in California. The funds collected would be placed in a trust with the California Department of Health Services used to support emergency rooms and trauma centers. Also attached is the most recent version of the Bill. RECOMMENDATION If the Council is in favor of supporting the legislation it would be appropriate to direct staff to prepare the necessary correspondence and direct the City Clerk to send copies to the recommended members of the Legislature and our Legislative Advocate. L AGENDA AU G 13 2002 ITFM No. SB 928 Assembly Bill - Status CURRENT BILL STATUS MEASURE : S.B. No. 928 AUTHOR(S) Romero. TOPIC Emergency medical services: alcohol: fee. HOUSE LOCATION ASM +LAST AMENDED DATE 07/02/2002 TYPE OF BILL Active Non-Urgency Appropriations Majority Vote Required Non-State-Mandated Local Program Fiscal Non-Tax Levy Page 1 of 1 LAST HIST. ACT. DATE: 07/02/2002 LAST HIST. ACTION From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to committee. COMM. LOCATION ASM HEALTH TITLE An act to add Section 23335 to he Busines and Professions Code, and to add Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1900) to Division 2.5 of the Health and Sfaety Code, relating to emergency medical services, and making an appropriation therefor. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_0901-0950/sb_928_bill_20020731_status.html 8/8/2002 SB 928 Senate Bill - History Page 1 of 1 COMPLETE BILL HISTORY BILL NUMBER : S.B. No. 928 AUTHOR Romero TOPIC Emergency medical services: alcohol: fee. TYPE OF BILL BILL HISTORY 2002 Active Non-Urgency - Appropriations Majority Vote Required Non-State-Mandated Local Program Fiscal Non-Tax Levy July 2 From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to committee. 2001 Aug. 21 Hearing postponed by committee. July 2 Joint Rule 61(a)(9) suspended. June 25 To Com. on HEALTH. June 7 In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk. June 7 From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 1533.) Read second time. To third reading. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes. 22. Noes 3. Page 1529.) To Assembly. June 6 From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to committee. June 6 Set for hearing June 7. June 6 Joint Rule 61(a) suspended. May 31 Set, first hearing. Held in committee and under submission. May 25 Set for hearing May 31. May 21 Placed on APPR. suspense file. May 16 From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to committee. May 10 Set for hearing May 21. May 3 Re-referred to Com. on APPR. May 2 Read second time. Amended. To third reading. May 1 From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 8. Noes 2. Page 807.) Apr. 24 Withdrawn from committee. Re-referred to Com. on H. & H.S. Apr. 19 Set for hearing April 25 in H. & H. S. pending receipt. Apr. 19 From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to committee. Mar. 15 To Com. on RLS. Feb. 26 Read first time. Feb. 25 From print. May be acted upon on or after March 27. Feb. 23 Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pubibill/senlsb_0901-0950/sb_928_bill_20020702_history.html 8/8/2002 ID=2994 SB 928 for League of California Cities brought to you b IRAQ Bill Status I Bill-Text-Analyses,-8t-Votes; I Send_US Comments Page 1 of I Measure SB 928 (2001 CA sen) Author Romero, Gloria (D) (Click on name to see bills by author) Topic Emergency medical services: alcohol: fee. House ASM Location Last Action Tuesday, July 02, 2002: From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to committee. Last Comm ASM HEALTH Location Bill Type Active, Non-Urgency, Appropriations, Majority Vote Required, Non-State-Mandated Local Program, Fiscal, Non-Tax Levy An act to add Section 23335 to he Busines and Professions Code, and to add Chapter 13 (commencing Title with Section 1900) to Division 2.5 of the Health and Sfaety Code, relating to emergency medical services, and making an appropriation therefor. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act imposes various functions and duties on the'Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control with respect to the sale of alcoholic beverages and related licensing. This bill would enact the Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Act of 2002, which would require the department to collect a $0.05 per drink fee, based upon a specified formula, from any wholesaler located within the state who distributes alcoholic beverages to retailers for consumption in Summary the state. The bill would establish the Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Trust Fund, to be administered by the State Department of Health Services, would allocate funds collected from the imposition of the fees, and would continuously appropriate money from the fund to the State Department of Health Services for allocation to local emergency medical service providers that meet the qualifications established by the department for reimbursement of expenses incurred in providing services for alcohol-related emergencies, and to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the State Department of Health Services for costs associated with implementing the above provisions. Last Amended Tuesday, July 02, 2002 Last Committee Monday, August 20, 2001: Hearing postponed by committee. Action Date Filed Thursday, May 03, 2001: 140, SEN THIRD READING Enter a bill: 1ISEARCH10- Use of this website subject to Terms and Conditions Legislative Information Realtime Advocacy@ (LIRA@) Copyright © 1998 - 2002 Tlus sire designed by-. ESS Group, Inc. http://advocacy.cacities.org/cgi-bin/lira/Bill.asp?ID=2994 . 8/8/2002 Aug-07-2002 10:17am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO :i c ern 4 11~ . t. 1 IC. 1 ~ ' ,..A. A l F ?.'c l Vii; • 626-312-2001 T-220 P.001 F-534 VLVllAI1 11 q r-LJA c.. &v State Senator, 24"' District (626) 312-2800 Phone facsimile transmittal Re: SB 928 EMERGENCY MEDICAL Pages: SERVICES ACT OF 2002 Q I/✓ r q. t x Urgent ❑ For Re%lew p Please Comment lease Reply ❑ Please Recycle ,;ir aim ISµ I I Please help ms save trauma centers and emergency rooms in Los YfAigeles County. Please write a letter of support for SB 928. A bill authored by Senator Gloria Romero that would generate more than $600 million dollars per year to fund these desperately needed services. The bill will also help ensure that emergency medical care is available to all who need it. The bill may be heard in Assembly Health Committee as early as Tuesday, August 13, 2002. Write the letter to Assembly Member HELEN THOMSON Chair of the Assembly Health Committee fax number 916-319-2197. If you have any questions, please call my District Direct, Dolores Sanchez at (626) 312-2800. m 1 ,„5.1. r v f lr ?f ~1 t 1+(~ _~~4~ r~ ~tf I ~1 l l ;N .1 a ~ II 6I ~ r1 k 6 I p~ii, ~'j~ ily~lj~, ;il ly a ~I~flei• . From: SENATOR ROMERO Date: 08707/02 Aug-07-2002 I0:I7am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO 626-312-2801 CAP.TO' OFr¢A STATE CART TOE ROOM 4002 SACRAMENTO. CA9,IR 19 ~~RTTyyyI y yy y~' ~y lif i St f ~ t te i8lA a arn a a p A ena t " [-y 50485 191819450.185 FAY C / 015TPILY OFFICE IOW iAN CABRIEL BOULEVARD SUITE 201 ROSEMEAD' CA 91770.9351 (626) 3122800 (82e) 312 2801 FAX SENATOR GLORIA ROMERO TWENTY-FOURTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT wC Qom. M SD 928 (Romero) Emergency Medical Services FACTSHEET Updated 8/01/02 T-220 P.002 F-534 C...11TEEG HEALTH a HUMAN SGRVICCS HOUSING 8 COMMUNITY OLVELCVMENT LABOR 81NDUSTRIAL RCUlT10NS PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT 8 RCTIRMENT RULES TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM: • Over 70 emergency rooms and trauma center in California have closed during the past decade. These medical service providers have faced increasing operating costs, and many report losing substantial sums of money as a direct result of being required to provide costly emergency medical services without reimbursement. Emergency rooms and trauma centers can no longer afford to continue to pay for these alcohol-related services without.reimbursement. Approximately 1/3 of all injuries treated in emergency rooms and trauma centers in California are the result of alcohol-related traffic accidents alone. Additionally, a study by the National Transportation Institute determined that for every alcohol beverage sold in California, 90 cents is spent on health care and related costs caused by alcohol-related injuries. • Californian's consume approximately 700,000,0000 gallons of alcohol per year Treating alcohol-related injuries adds additional stress to a healthcare system that is already overburdened, overworked, and on the verge of collapse. In Los Angeles County alone, patients are waiting up to 5 hours in emergency rooms. To add insult to injury, they will likely be forced to close at least two more ER's this year in light of the budget cuts. 1, Aurt-07-2002 10:ITam From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO 626-312-2801 T-220 P.003/010 F-534 SOLUTION • SB 928 (Romero) places a 5-cent fee per drink at the wholesale level on distilled spirits and beer sold in California. The funds collected under this measure will be placed in a trust fund within the California Department of Health Services (DHS). This bill will likely generate about $500 million per year to fund these desperately -needed services. According to a poll released by the field institute for the California Health Care Foundation, 78% of Californians support a 5 cent per serving increase in state alcohol taxes to avoid cutbacks in medical services and support health care. • Under the Romero proposal, all revenue collected would be reimbursed, dollar- for-dollar, to emergency departments, trauma centers, first-responders such as firefighters and paramedics, and to the.Califomia Medi-Cal program, for costs associated with treating alcohol related injuries. SB 928 is the only bill pending this year in the California State Legislature that would increase alcohol fees and guarantee the funds to be used for health care. • It is not a tax, this bill is drafted as a fee, a simple majority vote is required on the floor of each house for passage; taxes require a 2/3 vote and cannot be earmarked for specific purposes such as health care. SUPPORT California Medical Association California State Firefighters Association CA Ambulance Association Emergency Medical Services Administrators' Association of CA SEIU, Local 660 CA Council on Alcohol Problems CA Nurses Association CA Healthcare Association Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors American College of Emergency Physicians (partial list) Aug-07-2002 10:18am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO 626-312-2801 T-220 P.004/010 F-534 L v y v k i s JLs _L _LL JLJJLJ poi a 1 dy ~r JL~s1-i JLv ~ . LJ 1 ~1 ~ U j l ~ L~ AA CCronoy,FxvcvtivcDircctor/Lobbyist P.O. Box 2768 Offiic (916) 4465131 Sacramento, CA 95812 PAX. (916) 846-5744 duly 25, 2002 Assembly Health Committee please vote YES on ss 928 (Romero); alcohol wholesale fee. This bill would enact the "Alcohol-Related Emergency services Act of 2002" and create a trust fund by levying a 5 Cents per drink fee on alcohol. The Committee on Moral concerns supports this bill for the following reasons: 1. The difference between a fee and a tax is subtle, but important. Everyone knows what a tax is, but a fee may be charged against an industry and used to pay for costs to society'caused by that industry. A 2/3 vote is desired, but not required. 2. The money will be directed to hospital emergency rooms, trauma centers, and emergency medical personnel as partial reimbursement, for costs to treat,alcohol related emergencies. Alcohol is the leading cause of accidents of all types and many violent crimes. It causes more emergencies than all other reasons combined. This really is more of a user fee than a tax. 3. If you think an accident (or a crime) can ruin your day, how would you feel when your ambulance is turned away from the nearest hospital because the emergency room is closed? This bill will raise approximately $.600,000 per year to help offset alcohol-related costs to emergency rooms and trauma centers. Knowing the state is mis-spending money that should go hospitals won't stop the bleeding. Californians need this bill. 4. We believe it is good policy to raise the cost of alcohol, even just a little. A nickel a drink is only 5 cents per 12 ounce can of beer, 4 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of hard liquor. (The larger the bottle, the higher the fee.) This is not much, but it may cause a miniscule drop in overconsumption of alcohol. This may be the only tax cops fee that, in and of itself, will help and not hurt families. Art Croney 3, Roonived Aug-02-2002 01:10pm From- To-Senator GLORIA R0MER Pago 001 Aug-07-2002 10:18am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO 626-312-2801 T-220 P 005/010 F-534 Sacramento Bee 0 810 212 0 0 2 Sixty percent of patients admitted to emergency rooms and trauma centers in Los Angeles County during the 2001 fiscal year tested positive for alcohol. No legislative votes have been taken on the two. liquor bills. Gov. Gray Davis initiated the proposed cigarette tax increase, expected to generate $650 million per year. He has not yet taken a position on the two alcohol proposals. Romero's SB 928 would create a special trust fund from which emergency rooms, trauma centers, paramedics and firefighters could seek reimbursement for treating alcohol-related injuries. . By contrast, revenues from the excise-tax proposal AB 2744 would be added to the state's general fund for use in various health programs. Legislators have discretion in how such funds are spent. Thomson, D-Davis, said she proposed AB 2744 because the state's excise tax on alcohol hasn't risen since 1991. Her goal is to increase state revenues without hurting the industry, she said. "I'm no abolitionist. In fact, I like a good glass of wine," Thomson said. California's current excise tax on a gallon of beer is 20 cents, and Thomson's bill would raise it to 30 cents. The tax on a gallon of wine would jump from 20 cents to 45 cents; champagne, from 30 cents to 60 cents; and on many distilled spirits, from $3.30 to $6, according to the Yolo County legislator. Mike Falasco, a spokesman for the Wine Institute, said his group does not support either of the liquor bills. Though SB 928 would not impose a new fee on wines, it could pave the way for one to be added in the future, he said. Dane Starling, a spokesman for Anheuser-Busch, said the state should not look to a single industry to solve its. health-care problems. If beer prices rise, consumption might fall, which could affect jobs in the industry and tax revenues for the state, Starling said. Neither of the two alcohol bills is a slam-dunk to pass the Legislature, partly because of opposition from the powerful alcohol industry and partly because of resistance to raising fees or taxes, despite the state's $23.6 billion budget gap. For example, Assemblyman Ed Chavez, a La Puente Democrat who chairs the Assembly's Revenue and Taxation Committee, said he has "severe reservations" about SB 928 because it could hurt a Miller Brewing Co. facility in his district. "I want to make sure my district and its jobs are protected," Chavez said.. Assemblyman Rod Wright, D-Los Angeles, has not taken a position on the liquor measures but said supporters can exaggerate links between alcohol and emergency rooms or trauma centers. q. Aug-07-2002 10:18am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO Los Angeles Times: County to Seek Tax h ke for hospitals 626-312-2801 T-220 P.006/010 F-634 Page 1 of 3 pons Allt,Qe/'t+Qt$/~~]l~it" http://www.latutnes.coin/news/local/la-me-tax3Oju] 30.story?coll=la"/02Dheadlincs"/o2Dcalifornia County to Seek Tax Hike for Hospitals Health: L.A. supervisors want to keep emergency. rooms open. Taxpayer group is opposed. By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and GARRETT. THEROLF TIMES STAFF WRITERS July 30 2002 Los Angeles County supervisors are expected to do something today that few politicians enjoy--ask voters to help them raise taxes, With the board expected to place on. the November ballot a tax to maintain emergency room services, the supervisors are making a calculated gamble: That the pain of being identified with a tax hike, pales in comparison with the problem of slashing the part of their sprawling system that is used by all classes of voters, not just the poor and uninsured. The political risk for the supervisors is low. All five ran unopposed in the past election cycle, and no incumbent elected supervisor has been beaten at the polls since 1980. But backers and opponents of the tax say the stakes are high. Proponents describe the tax as the last chance to save a fraying,emergency network that treats thousands annually but is threatened by the closing of public hospitals. "Every man, woman and child is one drunk driver away, one gunshot away, one stabbing away from a trauma center," said Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who is proposing the tax. "We hope people who are normally averse to taxes will see the wisdom of this investment." Jon Coupal does not. The head of the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. says supervisors need to cut instead of add taxes. "California and Los Angeles go way beyond federal requirements in terms of general assistance and health care," Coupal said. "The question becomes, in times of budgetary restraints, why are you providing more health care than required by law?" "The reaction of most taxpayers," he concluded, "is, if this is as much of a priority, why don't you reshuffle what you already have?" ....The reshuffling has.alreadybegua,S.upetvis.ors_cut.$150.milBon.earlier.from.their-health.budgetUs.... month to take the first bite from a projected $800-million deficit caused by a loss of federal aid. S http://www.latimes.com/templateslmisc/printstory.isi)?slug=la%2Dme%2Dtax3Oiul3O 8/2/02 Aug-07-2002 10:19am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO Los Angeles Times: County to Seek Tax Hike for Hospitals 626-312-2801 1-220 P 007/010 F-534 Page 2 of 3 But when the health department listed what else would have to be cut to balance the books this fall, the board balked. The list included reducing Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center near Torrance to outpatient clinics. Instead, a majority of supervisors have said in interviews that they are willing to ask voters for more money. The proposed annual assessment of three cents per square foot of developed property would generate an estimated $175 million for emergency services and combating bioterrorism. That would not solve the county's financial difficulties, but supervisors hope it would encourage Sacramento or Washington to provide more money by demonstrating that county taxpayers are willing to make a-sacrifice. The supervisors have limited choices on the health front. Put simply, they can either cut services-- something they have long resisted--or find new money. Supervisors could dip into their reserves, where they have an estimated $500 million for one-time emergencies, or borrow money, but both of these alternatives have drawn sharp criticism from financial experts. They could try to persuade Sacramento or Washington to help, but both capitals are wrestling with their own budget deficits. Proposition 13, the 1978 anti-tax ballot measure that capped property tax increases, leaves counties with few options for generating money. So counties. raise funds by adding other taxes. Those taxes can take the form of the parcel tax proposed by Yaroslavsky, which must be approved by two-thirds of voters. Or they can be some form of a sales tax, such as the fee state Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) ly has proposed levying on all alcohol sales in the state. That bill would generate as many as $700 million for emergency health services statewide but it is unclear whether it would pass the Legislature: Since Proposition 13, Los Angeles voters have shown a willingness to pay more taxes for specific public services. They twice approved half-cent sales taxes for public transportation, and also agreed to pay a parcel assessment of about $19 per parcel to expand parks. Los Angeles' proposed health`tax, also to be assessed per parcel, is similar to one passed by Alameda County voters in the 1980s. That parcel tax amounts to $23.94 per average single-family home and funds Alameda County's emergency medical system. Voters "tend to find dedicated taxes more attractive than general taxes," said Bill Carrick, a veteran political consultant based in Los Angeles. "We've never had, in L.A., an overwhelming public sentiment against dedicated taxes." Though public sector unions are expected to push forcefully for the tax, there is some opposition. Supervisor Mike Antonovich has blasted the measure, and is instead proposing that taxpayers be allowed to voluntarily contribute money to health care. If you want other stories on this topic, search the Archives at latimesxom/archives. For information about reprinting this article, go to www.lats.comMghts: htm://www.latimes.cnm/tennlates/mi.cc/nr ntstnrv.i.an~slna=In%Xnme%~.ntnx10iirl10 R/?/Al) Aua-07-2002 10:1gam From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO 626-312-2801 T-220 P 008/010 F-534 'The Sacramento Bee sacbee.com Yuri or swig and you may pay more rage I or 4 aom kAt a 3 . nl. 8 C9 This story is taken from politics at sacbee.com. Puff or swig and you may pay more By Jim Sanders Bee Capitol. Bureau - (Published August 2, 2002) Drink a beer, help the state? California is looking to pad its pocketbook every time someone lights up a cigarette or guzzles a few cold beers on a sizzling summer day. Though so-called sin taxes are nothing new, the state's massive budget shortfall might force their use In record numbers. Two new legislative proposals could generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually by increasing taxes or fees on alcohol. A separate plan, contained In the proposed state budget, would hike the cigarette tax 63 cents to $1.50 per pack. Supporters say such Increases are justified because drinking and smoking can cause health problems that strain state coffers. Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, D-Oakland, said sin taxes generate much-needed revenue without targeting life's necessities. "To me, sin taxes are a wonderful way of raising money," she said. "People have choices. If It costs too much (to drink or smoke), you can. decide you don't need it. It's a luxury." But Assemblyman Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, said the state should be looking to curb its spending, not rald pocketbooks. Other critics say sin taxes are disproportionate and unfair, because not everyone who guzzles a beer or puffs a cigarette winds up in the hospital. Sacramento residents interviewed randomly near City Hall had mixed views. "Actually, I smoke but I wouldn't mind higher cigarette taxes," said Marcanthony Marzug, 35, of Sacramento. "Hopefully, that would encourage people to quit." But Jeff Flowers, 43, said sin taxes exploit addicts who "aren't going to stop smoking or drinking no matter how high they're taked." A recent Field Institute poll showed that more than seven of every 10 Californians would 7 support.higher liquor or.cigarette.taxes-as an..a(tern ative...tp.cutting healthpore. for the„poor or , _ disabled but only 28 percent would support higher gasoline taxes. htto://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/v-print/story/3818394o-4843759c.html 8/2/02 Auc-07-2002 10:19am From-Senator GLORIA ROMERO 626-312-2801 T-220 P.009/010 F-534 The Sacramento Bee sacbee.com Puff or swig and you may pay more Page 2 of 4 One of the state's new liquor-related proposals, SB 928 by Sen. Gloria Romeould Impose a new fee roughly 5 cents per drink on the distributorsof beer and distilled spirits, but not on the wine industry. The other measure, AB 2744 by Assemblywoman Helen Thomson, would substantially increase the state's existing excise tax on all forms of alcohol beer, wine, champagne and distilled spirits. The fee- proposal has one distinct political advantage: It can be approved by a simple majority of the Legislature's two houses, while the excise-tax measure requires a two-thirds majority. It is estimated SS 928 would. generate $500 million annually, while AB 2744 would raise less than half that $202 million, officials said. Romero, D-Los Angeles, said emergency rooms and trauma centers need the infusion to survive a booming caseload and growing. debt, due partly to serving patients with little or no Insurance, Her measure would earmark funds. "Right now in Los Angeles County, you can wait up to five hours in an emergency room," Romero said. "And ambulances are being.diverted because emergency rooms can't handle the crush of people.coming in." Romero said she excluded the wine industry from her legislation partly because research shows that moderate wine-drinking may contribute to good health. The two revenue-raising proposals, SB 928 and AB 2744, each link alcohol consumption to health-care costs through legislative findings that: Alcohol is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of motor vehicle accidents In the state. Alcohol-related incidents on California roads cost more than $3 billion a year. Sixty percent of patients admitted to emergency rooms and trauma centers In Los Angeles County during the 2001 fiscal year tested positive for alcohol, No legislative votes have been taken on the two liquor bills. Gov. Gray Davis initiated the proposed cigarette tax increase, expected to generate $650 million per year. He has not yet taken a position on the two alcohol proposals. Romero's SB 928 would create a special trust fund from which emergency rooms, trauma centers, paramedics and firefighters could seek reimbursement for treating alcohol-related Injuries. By contrast, revenues from the excise-tax proposal AB 2744 would be added to the state's general fund for use in various health programs. Legislators have discretion in how such funds are spent. Thomson, D-Davis, said she proposed AB 2744 because the state's excise tax on alcohol hasn't risen since 1991. Her goal is to incr.ease.state .revenues .without. hurting-the-indust y,.she said.... htwWwww.sacbee.com/content/politics/v-print/storv/3818394n-4843759c.html 912R17. Aug-07-2002 10:20am From-Senator GLORIA ROMER0 626-312-2801 T-220 P.010/010 F-534 The Sacramento Bee saebee.corn Puff oi swig and you may pay more Page 3i of4 "I'm no abolitionist. In fact, I like.a good glass of wine," Thomson said. California's current excise tax on a gallon.of beer is 20 cents,,and Thomson's bill would raise It to 30 cents. The tax on a gallon of wine would jump from 20 cents to 45 cents; champagne, from 30 cents to 60 cents; and on many distilled spirits, from $3.30 to $6, according to,the Yolo County legislator. Mike Falasco,.a,spokesman for the Wine Institute, said his group does not support either of the liquor bills. Though SB 928 would not impose a new fee on wines, it could pave the way for one to be added In the future; he said. Dane Starling, a spokesman for A.nheuser:=Busch, said the state should not look to a single industry to. solve its health-care problems. If beer prices rise, consumption mightfall; which could affect jobs In the Industry and tax revenues for the;state, Starling said.. Neither of the. two alcohol' bills is . slam; dunk to pass the Legislature,. partly because of opposition from the powerful alcohol industry. and partly because of resistance to raising fees or taxes, despite the state's $23;&.blltlon budget gap, For example;.Assemblyman Ed CFiavez, a La Puente Democrat who chairs the Assembly's Revenue and:Taxation Committee, said'h'O has "severe'reservations" about.SB 928 because it could h0rt;a'.Miller Brewing Co, facility. Ind his:dfsCrlct. "I want to make sure my district and its,jobs are protected," Chavez said. Assemblynian.Rod Wright, D-,Los. Angeles, has not taken a positlornon the liquor measures but said suppoiters can exaggerate 161k§ between- alcohol and emergency rooms or trauma centers. AbZt the, Wrifer The Bee's JIM Sanders can be reached at (916) 326-5538 or jsandgrsrcAsa~bee.tom, Go to:Sa e/B c~ ktogM Contact Us/Feedback I Ptlvacv Policy I Terms of Use News I Sports I ust I Po_llt(C4.1 mil! U I Entert.. ~InmP,nt 1 i.ifestvle 172 ve I .ItL'or~,fl8 Lm I Clan eds I Homes I I Shooolng )tea p I Maos I Newsletters 1 Site Mao I Subscribe to~he Prln[ Edltlon I ~ I YY[Leless DeIIvPrv About I Advertise In The Bee 'I Advert e 0 nline I -onta Clt rculatlm I _kU s (Sacramento Bee Web sites ) Mov Club.cgQ3I $ ee Winn 1 S.ecramerlto.com AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY JULY 2, 2002 AMENDED IN SENATE JUNE 6, 2001 AMENDED IN SENATE MAY 16, 2001 AMENDED IN SENATE MAY 2, 2001 AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 19, 2001 SENATE BILL No. 928 Introduced by Senator Dunn Romero February 23, 2001 a pregfain to assist hospitals ift meeting the seis"e safety fequirements, disposition of those ftinds. An act to add Section 23335 to the Business and Professions Code, and to add Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1900) to Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to emergency medical services, and making an appropriation therefor. LEGISLATIVE COUNSE:S DIGEST SB 928, as amended, Bann Romero. safety requirements-Emergency medical services: alcohol: fee. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act imposes various functions and duties on the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control with respect to the sale of alcoholic beverages and related licensing. 94 F SB 928 -2- This bill would enact the Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Act of 2002, which would require the department to collect a $0.05 per drink fee, based upon a specified formula, from any wholesaler located within the state who distributes alcoholic beverages to retailers for consumption in the state. The bill would establish the Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Trust Fund, to be administered by the State Department of Health Services, would allocate funds collected from the imposition of the fees, and would continuously appropriate money from the fund to the State Department of Health Services for allocation to local emergency medical service providers that meet the qualifications established by the department for reimbursement of expenses incurred in providing services for alcohol-related emergencies, and to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the State Department of Health Services for costs associated with implementing the above provisions. SH&ty bui4dittg St" -jo P-49 for eertain hosp itals built an Md after Niffreh ''m ;T tate's seis l ith th h iW mandates and to fnie safi~ e s s to eomp y w esp ~ 4 Obl h S G i ii Bo d I a - of bo nds in the eftefn pumuant to t e tate afflount of $ ga en n = A , (3) Pie bill would Fe the S eerewy of Stfite to Submi t the b (4) This bill would state that tie fitad shafl be ere Med by "S W!, ne bonds shfl4l be issued eT- sold pufsti shall be made by the bill. ant to "s bill, a nd fie app repr4aiatt 94 F safety standefds by 2002. This bill would enaet the liespitEd Seismie 865ty Bond Aet of 2002, -3- SB 928 Vote: majority. Appropriation: ne yes. Fiscal committee: tte yes. State-mandated local program: no. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: 1 SECTIeN 1. (a) The 6egislatme finds and deelffes all o 2 SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the 3 following: 4 (a) Emergency medical services are inadequate to properly 5 meet the needs of the residents of California. 6 (b) In the last 10 years, over 70 emergency rooms and trauma 7 centers have shut their doors in the state. 8 (c) Alcohol-related incidents on California roads cost over $3 9 billion per year in monetary costs. 10 (d) Alcohol is a factor in nearly one-third of all vehicle crashes 11 in the state, and emergency rooms and trauma centers are the 12 primary medical services providers for those injured in these 13 incidents. 14 (e) From July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2001, inclusive, 60 percent 15 of all patients admitted to emergency rooms and trauma centers in 16 Los Angeles County tested positive for alcohol. 17 (f] Emergency rooms and trauma centers can no longer afford 18 to continue to pay for these services without reimbursement. 19 (g) Alcohol distributors within the state of California should 20 reimburse the state for moneys expended by the state as a direct 21 result of the use and abuse of these products. 22 (h) The State of California is facing an unprecedented budget 23 shortfall that necessitates drastic cuts in programs and services to 24 the people of California. 25 (i) The State of California cannot continue to subsidize the 26 costs associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages 27 within the state. 28 (j) The Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement 29 Act of 2002 is necessary to combat the adverse effects of alcohol 30 use and abuse. 31 SEC. 2. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the 32 Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Act of 2002. 33 SEC. 3. Section 23335 is added to the Business and 34 Professions Code, to read: 94 SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 -4- 23335. (a) The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control shall collect a five-cent ($0.05) per drink fee from any wholesaler located within the state who distributes alcoholic beverages to retailers for consumption in the state. The fee shall be based on 1.50 ounces of distilled spirits and 12 ounces of beer. (b) All funds collected pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be deposited in the Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Trust Fund established pursuant to Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code. . (c) The department shall be reimbursed for costs associated with implementing this section pursuant to Section 1901 of the Health and Safety Code. (d) Fees collected pursuant to this section shall be used solely to implement this section and Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code. The department shall not collect fees pursuant to this section in excess of the amount needed to fully implement this section and Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code. SEC. 4. Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1900) is added to Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 13. ALCOHOL-RELATED EMERGENCYSERVICEs REIMBURSEMENT TRUST FUND 1900. The Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Trust Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury. The fund shall be administered by the State Department of Health Services. The fund shall consist of fees collected by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control from wholesalers located within the state who distribute alcoholic beverages to retailers for consumption in the state, pursuant to Section 23335 of the Business and Professions Code. Notwithstanding Section 13340, all moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the State Department of Health Services, without regard to fiscal years, for purposes of implementing this chapter. 1901. Moneys in the fund shall be allocated to the following persons and entities: 94 -5- SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 (a) Local emergency medical service providers, including emergency rooms, trauma centers, and emergency medical professionals and entities, that meet the qualifications established by the department for reimbursement of expenses incurred in providing services for alcohol-related emergencies. An alcohol-related emergency includes an incident that results in the provision of medical services, including transportation services, to a victim who is injured as a result of, or in which a causative agent was, the ingestion of alcohol. The department shall adopt regulations that establish criteria to identify incidents and emergencies that qualify as alcohol-related emergencies. (b) The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, for the costs'associated with collecting the fee specified in Section 23335 of the Business and Professions Code. (c) The department, for the costs associated with implementing this chapter. 1902. Qualifying persons or entities shall submit forms to the department for purposes of obtaining reimbursement under this chapter. 1903. The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this chapter. €ellewing> of vital interest to the people of Galifiamia: (2) In 1994, the I~egislatwe subs"tial4y fevised the Alffed E. that set speeifie dates by whieh all Galifentin hospitals must eithe buildings to meet newly adopted stfuetuffd and nefistfuepEffel seryiees. 94 SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 -6- l d l t $2 4 billi ith $10 bill i f t t esea a w to at eas on, w on o ees s o mee 2030 5 deadlifte man 1994 Th date s. f he t did a_ i l ( ) r e e o t a ft e ay f assist seisfrA 6 mee to hospit e st s Th f als mquii; M to eomply wit i i h the state ma t hi nda h ( ) e east or eanst met on mprove me n s, w e ffe ,etper ieneing nega tive opera ting ntftrgitts. H owe vef, the o verall evalu ated: maint enaftee and in vestm ents in the lat est life saving (b) It is, therefo fe, t he inte nt of the Legisl atufe that legi sia 94 -7- SB 928 1 SEC. 2. Chapter 1.5 (eon nefteing with Seetion 13007 ✓w JJ a 2 added to PaFE7 of Di-vision 104 of the Health and Safety , 3 read! 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 must be met by 2098, aft appfopfiaw east shating femula shoul have the faHewing and Bevelepmeet 430076 4 Th d f b d i d d ld . . (a) e pfeeee s o e ursuant to this eha ter shall be de osite fi s ssue aft so d in the 2002 lies iud p p p p be available for appropriation by the 1=~I f Ah i thi h t - A ifi d i atare, in the manner se bdi i i b e n s e ap ef , sp y as spee e n s u v s on ( 94 I SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 -8- J hospitals fof the pttfpese of eoffiplianee with the AM-Fed R. Adquis Hospital Reilities SeisfrAe Safety Aet of 1983. 94 F -9- SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 130975 7 _ To ass: _a.._ quA .'Y- hospitoA shall submit a Proposal to with t n It a C A lqui.. Ll....r•..:...1 n '1' ..Seis e.:.. Safe...n..t of 1983: 94 eefrespefidifig sehedule. 413 the extent the estimates afe based an SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 -10- rdftre feet ftnd with the same mix of servieea, the Government Code, but sho4l be subjeet to stmdaMs established by the authority to eftsufe that the hospital is eapable ef fep i bonds. 94 -11- SB 928 Ee d th 130076 B i Eal amount of dellaft e en s P n not iftludifi die afnaunt of any refunding befids g , , I I be issued and sold to pfevide a fund to he used 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 bli i B d E F nd f:suant to Seetieft R l i xpense O gat on an 16724 f h G ng u pe evo v wheft said shafl he G d Th b d 4 o t e overmnefit and eenstitute a valid and , o e. e on s, binding obligation of the Stat d h Ml f i h G Af i f the State of Califemi d dit a, an t e a t a ofn an ere e is desi nated as the "bo wd " g - 13W76 3 Th io h . ll d t i h th - f it i . . e eemin ee s a e effn fte w e ef or fie s 6 h t thi j d if nt of ben th a o s af e e aptef- to eaffy ou e a be issued and sold Sueeessive is n , s sues o u e m o, f befids fma be authefized . y 94 F SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 -12- any em tiffle. g b '°a each °-a ''''-e-„ h ll 130076 4 the s a e ee ee . . i addition to the ofdiftar-y fevenues of the tount 94 A F intefest aft, hhe befids issued and sold pufstifmt to this ehapter-, as -13- SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 investment iteeordanee with Seet'-- 16312 of the tittee, by resolution, 1. d be 1.1 94 the Government Code, %4tieh is a pwi of the State Geiter-al SB 928 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 O 94 -14- pfeeeeds is fiat subjeet to the lifflitOiefts imposed by that of .:.e - f L n'de\ O a .L....e sli ft 1 be lef. t ppe Gnvpmment he C L' .Le f th and the MPW ti8e o e : ' ' : - eofnpliaftee w - s - .:.L.. other di-° _ of this aef SEG. 4 t m any , ` c 1 to 3, l _C.l s _ "L°ll not i z ye be e-.°'" 01-As aet of shaR be L-:»_A to the _.ow of the Swe of G_l:Con:.. c c fety Band a of 2002++ and : the same _ °'1°_ 08/08/02 08:54 FAX 213 626 7836 CAO / IG9 pF Las AN~F J 11'N COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES : CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Intergovernmental Relations • ~AIIFpR~~4 TRANSMISSION GO VERST-IEET D &TE: TO: AGENCY: FAXNUMBSER: FROM:L2 / TELEPHONE NUMBER:3 r SUBJECT: NUMBER OF PAGES (not including cover sheet): COMMENTS fA 001 Ifyou do not receive ajl of the pages, please call (213) 974-1498. 08/08/02 08:54 FAX 213 626 7856 CAO / IGQ County of Los Angeles CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 713 KENNETH HAHN HALL OF ADMINISTRATION • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90012 (213)974.1101 hILp://cao.co.Ia.ca.u 5 DAVID E. JANSSEN Chief Admfnlstra8ve Officer June 26, 2002 To: Steve Zehner Interim Chief Legislative Advocate, Sacramento Reggie Todd Chief Legislative Advocate, Washington, Q.C. Brian Bilbray Randy Davis Carla Kish Del Smith Susan White Washington, D.C. Advocates Burt Margolin Legislative Strategist From: Gerri Kariya \'t: • n G~ Assistant Administrative Officer 1 Intergovernmental Relations BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ACTIONS OF JUNE 25; 2002 0 002 Board of Supervisors GLORIA MOLINA First Disirlcl YVONNE BRATHWAITE BURKE Second District ZEV YAROSLAVSKY Third District DON KNASE Founh District MICHAEL O. ANTONOVICH Frlfh District The Board of Supervisors took the following actions during their.meeting of June 25, 2002. We will forward final/official Board orders and other relevant materials when they are available. In the interim, copies of the motions and/or agenda memos are attached for your information. Sacramento APPROVED: A recommendation submitted by Supervisor Molina to support AB 915 (Frommer), which would require children admitted to kindergarten in Southern California counties to have a Hepatitis A vaccination, starting July 2003 and would also require the State Department of Health Services to develop and implement a public education and outreach program to raise awareness about Hepatitis A and to promote more widespread AA United We Stand 08/08/02 08:54 FAX 213 828 7838 CA0 / rG9 fih0o3 Each Advocate June 26, 2002 Page 2 awareness; and send a five-signature letter to the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee expressing the Board's support of AB 915; also instruct the County's legislative advocates in Sacramento to support this bill. APPROVED: A recommendation submitted by Supervisor Knabe to support AB 2333 (Nakano), which would require the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to: t) include in its transportation planning a fair share methodology that encompasses both the burdens and benefits of commercial aviation among the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside, based on an assessment of future passenger and cargo demand; and 2) adhere to the principles of environmental justice in the applicable state laws in the development of the Aviation Plan; and instruct the Chief Administrative Officer to send a five-signature letter to Governor Davis and the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation urging their favorable action and enactment of AB 2333. APPROVED: Arecommendation submitted bySupervisor Molina, asamended, tosup'Or' S~ SB,928 (Romero) as proposed to be amended, which would establish a five-cent fee per alcoholic beverage distributed in California that will provide a steady stream of funding to /x'00 offset the costs of providing emergency and trauma hospital care to victims of alcohol related trauma, and request that the author include in the bill language to ensure an equitable distribution of funds; and send a five-signature letter to Governor Davis, Assemblymember Helen Thomson, the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, and I the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation urging their support of SB 928. For your information, Supervisors Antonovich and Knabe voted no on this item. We will keep you advised, and thank you for your efforts. G K:EW :zo Attachments 08/08/02 08:5.5 FAX 2,113 028 7898 _ CAO / IGO 2004 SYN. NO. AGN. NO. MOTION BY SUPERVISOR. GLORIA MOLINA June 25, 2002 Alcohol is a factor in nearly one-third of all vehicle accidents in the State, and contributes to other major traumatic injuries in domestic abuse cases, gunshot and stabbing incidents, among others. Alcohol-related emergencies clog our remaining emergency departments and trauma centers. In Los Angeles County alone, 60 percent of patients cared for in our 13 trauma centers, where only the most critical are transported, are alcohol-related. Fifty percent of those major injuries are cared for in the three County-operated trauma centers at LAC+USC Medical Center, Martin Luther King/Drew Medical Center and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The costs to hospitals, physicians, paramedic and ambulance providers, and to those who must foot the bill, are staggering. This week, the Board will consider some drastic actions that may ultimately close some County-operated emergency departments and trauma centers because, we, like the private sector, can no longer afford to provide all of these services- Molina Burke Knabe Antonovich Yaroslavsky f 08/08/02 08:55 FAX 213 828 7838 CAO / IGO ~1J005 It is time to identify a source or mechanism to provide stable funding for trauma and emergency care. Senator Gloria Romero has introduced SB 928, the Alcohol-Related Emergency Services Reimbursement Act of 2002, which will provide desperately needed funding for trauma centers and emergency rooms. SS 928 would establish a five-cent fee per alcoholic beverage distributed in California. The funds would go toward the cost of caring for patients who present in our emergency and trauma hospital system as a result of alcohol-related incidents. I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board take a support position on SB 928 and send a five-signature letter to Assemblymember Helen Thomson, chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, and to members of the County delegation and the Governor, urging support of SB 928, which will provide a steady stream of funding to offset the costs of providing emergency and trauma hospital care to victims of alcohol-related trauma. BJ(p 08/08/02 08:55 FAX 213 828 7838CAO / IGO SYN. NO AGN. NO MOTION BY SUPERVISOR ZEV YAROSLAVSKY June 25, 2002 (Amendment to Item No. 34-E) I, THEREFORE, MOVE that #34-E be amended to state that "the Board take a support position on SB 928 as proposed to be amended and request that the a lbnr MOLINA BURKE KNABE ANTONOVICH YAROSLAVSKY Z006 08/08/02 08:55 FAX 213 626 7836 CA0_/ IG9 County of Los Angeles CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 713 KENNETH HAHN HALL OF ADMIN15TRATION • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 80012 (213) 974-1101 huplIcao.co.Iacaus DAVID E. JANSSEN Chief Adminisuafive Officer June 24, 2002 To: Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Chairman Supervisor Gloria Molina Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Supervisor Don Knabe Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich From- David E. Janss n. Chief Administrat( Offic r 007 Board of Supervisors GLORIA MOUNA First District YVONNE BRATHWAITE BURKE Second District ZEV YAROSLAVSKY Third District DON KNABE Fourth District MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH Fifth Di-incl MOTION TO SUPPORT SB 928 (R ERO) - ALCOHOL-RELATED EMERGENCY SERVICES REIMBURSEMENT ACT OF .2002 (ITEM NO. 34-E, AGENDA OF JUNE 253 2002) Item No. 34-E on the June 25, 2002 Agenda is a motion by Supervisor Molina to support SB 928 (Romero), and send a five-signature letter to Assemblymember Helen Thomson, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, and to members of the Los Angeles County Delegation and the Governor, urging support of SB 928. Senator Romero's staff indicates that she intends to assume authorship of SB 928 from its current author, Senator Joe Dunn, and amend the bill to establish .a.five-cent fee per alcoholic drink to fund trauma centers and emergency rooms. SB 928 currently authorizes the issuance of bonds to assist hospitals to.meet the requirements of the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983. Senator Romero's Office shared with my staff a copy of the draft language submitted to the Legislative Counsel's Office_ This language does not include a distribution formula for the funds collected under the measure and instead requires the State Department of Health Services to adopt regulations for this purpose. According to her staff, Senator Romero planned for the amended bill to be heard in the Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday, June 25, 2002. However, because the bill is not yet in print, the hearing will be indefinitely delayed. 062402 AgmSB928 M~1_ United We Stand ti 08/08/02 08:56 FAX 213 626 7858 CA0 / IGO Each Supervisor June 24, 2002 Page 2 Z008 On February 14, 2002 Senator Romero introduced .a related bill, SB 1417, which would have stated the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a nexus between the consumption of alcoholic beverages, determine the imposition of a fee on the retail sale of alcoholic beverages to mitigate the adverse health effects resulting from those sales, and determine the relationship between the proposed fee to the social and economic burdens generated by the retail sale of alcoholic beverages. SB 1417 died without a hearing. The Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends that the County support SB 928, as proposed to be amended, because it is vital to secure a dedicated funding stream for the County's emergency medical and trauma systems. Because there is no existing Board policy regarding a fee on the sale of alcoholic beverages, a position on SB 928 is a matter for Board policy determination. OEJ:GK Ms:lm Executive Officer, Board of Supervisors County Counsel Department of Health Services 062402 Agm56928 Bill Crowe, City Manager, stated that the County of Los Angeles is having a ceremony at their mall, after which they will join with the City of Los Angeles in a procession down Temple Street, culminating in an interfaith service at the new church across from the Hall of Administration. Councilman Imperial suggested that laying of a wreath service in memory of the victims be held at the Vietnam Memorial on that day at 10:00 a.m.. 3B' DISCUSSION OF SB 928 (ROMERO) EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACTION OF 2002 Mayor Bruesch requested that a letter be sent to Senator Romero's office in support of the legislation which places a 5-cent fee per drink on distilled spirits and beer sold in California. Councilman Taylor stated that this money becomes dedicated funding, and it is frustrating when a problem does not change,. only the funding does. Mayor Bruesch stated that the trauma centers are being reduced from 17 centers to 3. Councilman Taylor stated that there is a need for the centers, but the problem remains of people drinking and driving. Councilman Imperial stated that in the last few years armed forces facilities have closed down which would have made excellent trauma centers. Mr. Imperial stated that this is not the best use of taxpayers dollars. Mayor Bruesch stated that there have been three different bills regarding trauma centers, and that SB 928 is the most acceptable one of them. ; Councilmember Clark stated that our backs are against the wall because the State is threatening to take vital funds away. Ms. Clark added that this is another one of those "gut and amend" bills as discussed at a previous Council meeting. This bill started out relating to the financing of seismic safety for trauma centers and is now very different in its present form. Ms. Clark stated that she does not approve of a bill being treated this way at the State level, but because of the threat of funding being taken away and the trauma centers closing, she will vote in favor of this item. MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM VASQUEZ that the Council direct staff to prepare the necessary correspondence and direct the City Clerk to send copies to the recommended members of the Legislature and our Legislative Advocate. Vote resulted: Yes: Taylor, Bruesch, Clark, Vasquez No: None Absent: None Abstain: Imperial CCMIN:8-13-02 Page n7 A The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. Councilman Imperial stated. that he is not against the trauma centers, but the history leading up to t4'4~ tgday's situation. VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Mary Jo Maxwell, Executive Director, Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, stated that SB 928 will be placed on their upcoming Legislative Affairs Committee agenda. A. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: APPROVED: C ty Clerk CCMIN:8-13-02 Page a8