Advocacy In Action: Wisconsin

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. We will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. Last in the series is Wisconsin. Allison Miller, Wisconsin Director of Government Relations says the advocacy team and volunteers will be working to advance and educate Wisconsinites on series of important cancer-related public policy issues. These issues include; protecting the state’s year old smoke-free air law, working to regulate and curb use of new and evolving tobacco products, especially those that are candy flavored, combatting childhood obesity through increased physical activity and improved nutrition including greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables at school, and protecting access to affordable health care for those insured through Wisconsin’s medical assistance programs. In addition, while Wisconsin is not actively working to implement an online one-stop-shop for buying health insurance, advocates will be educating decision makers, volunteers and the public about the benefits of such a plan as well as the numerous benefits cancer patients, survivors and their families are already enjoying under the new federal health care law. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.