August 2021
State Budget Focuses on Children
California’s children may perhaps be the biggest winners in the 2021-2022 State Budget deal still being finalized by the Legislature and Governor Newsom. The massive $260 billion spending plan includes new support for programs that directly focus on childhood health, mental health, education and social supports.
“We’ve never seen an investment like this anywhere in the nation aimed at addressing children’s behavioral health issues.” - Dr. Mark Ghaly, Pediatrician, California Secretary of Health & Human Services
The Advocacy Voice for
California Pediatricians
AAP CA Priority Issues at the State Capital
Preschool & TK Enrollment
Clarifies a pupil’s eligibility for transitional kindergarten does not impact family eligibility for a childcare or preschool program.
In-person School
Instruction
Specifies the requirement to provide in-person instruction when instruction is allowed under state and local public health orders.
COVID-19 Relief for Tenants
Extends the definition of “COVID-19 rental debt” as unpaid rent or any other unpaid financial obligation of a tenant.
District IX Elections
AAP national and District elections will be held August 25 - September 8, 2021. District IX has two candidates running for Chair and one candidate for Vice Chair. Two candidates are running for the national AAP Chair position. Save the Date: District IX Town Hall online membership meeting, Thursday, August 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Register Now!
Task Force on School Vaccinations
The State of California launched a new series of interactive data visualizations at the Safe Schools for All Hub to continue tracking the progress of school reopening efforts while highlighting school districts’ plans for summer program offerings to support students’ learning needs. Click Here for the latest on school vaccinations from the CDPH.
CalVaxGrant for Physician Practices
CDPH launched the CalVaxGrant program to help reach the state’s vaccination goals and keep Californians healthy. CalVaxGrants—administered by Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC)—is now accepting applications and will award eligible practices up to $55,000 in grant funding for COVID-19 vaccine administration.
Contact: Karmi Ferguson, MBA
Executive Director
Email: karmi.ferguson@aap-ca.org
Voice Message: (626) 796-1632