April 2015

This week, the ATS joined an effort with public health partners to protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund by sending a letter to all senators urging opposition to a measure to repeal the Fund. Created under the Affordable Care Act, the Prevention and Public Health Fund is a key source of annual funding for state tobacco prevention education, obesity and heart disease prevention programs, as well as public health staff workforce and training. The measure was an amendment to human trafficking legislation, sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) that would have fully eliminated the Fund in order to pay for the renewal of a separate program for runaway and homeless youth.

Thanks to the quick reaction of public health groups, the Cornyn amendment was defeated by a vote of 45 – 53. The ATS will continue to support the Prevention and Public Health Fund as there may be other attempts this year to defund it.