Legislative Agenda

This Year, a Second Chance for Trauma - But Help Is Needed

In November 2010, Georgia voters will have the opportunity to help fund the Trauma Commission by passing a $10 surcharge on their annual vehicle tag fee. If passed, the measure could raise up to $80 million to help fund a statewide trauma network. HealthSTAT has long advocated for a sustainable trauma network, educating the public, providers, and policy-makers on the 700 needless deaths that occur each year from lack of access to trauma centers, as calculated by the Georgia Statewide Trauma Action Team. Last year we were successful in advocating for the Super Speeder bill, which allocates funds to the Georgia Trauma Commission. This fall, we hope to be just as successful. Recent polling by the University of Georgia indicates that a majority of Georgians are willing to pay up to $25 a year to fund an adequate trauma system.

We are in the process of creating fact sheets, opinion articles, and educational ads in hopes of informing voters about the importance of this year's referendum. If you would like to get involved with this campaign, email us at act@healthstatgeorgia.org.

Check back with us for more updates on our Legislative Priorities for the upcoming session starting in January 2011!