“The North and South” were united on April 10, 2013 for Registered Dietitian (RD) Day at the State Capitol. Yes, RD’s from the north and south parts of Alabama “met in the middle” in Montgomery to meet with our elected representatives. Susan Miller, MS, RD, from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, gave us an informative tutorial on the pieces of legislation we would be advocating prior to meeting with our legislators. Below is a summary of the bills the Alabama Dietetic Association is supporting:
AL HOUSE BILL 202. This bill would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, and as amended, would exempt food and over-the-counter drugs from state sales tax. This bill was strongly endorsed by the Alabama Dietetic Association at their March Board Meeting. As Susan Miller, MS, RD eloquently said, “People have to eat, whether they are rich or poor. It is much more fair to pay a higher tax when purchasing an ipad or dvd players. It also makes it easier for low-income citizens to afford fruits and vegetables. This also helps prevent and treat chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.” Also, Alabama and Mississippi are the only two states which still tax food
AL HOUSE BILL SB 454 and AL SENATE BILL 340. This bill would provide additional funding to sites for such services as Meals on Wheels. Like most states, Alabama is having a tough time balancing its budget. Did you know one day in a hospital costs as much as one year of Meals on Wheels delivered to a client’s home? Or that the cost of one month in a nursing home is the same as 5 meals delivered every week to a client’s home for seven years? Our legislators can help save Medicaid funds by passing this bill!
AL HOUSE BILL 340. This bill provides funding for the PACE program which delivers inclusive health care for the elderly. ALDA President-Elect, Dana Herrazo, RD received funds from this program to provide nutrition counseling to clients’ at the Mobile County Health Dept. Did you know for every dollar invested in medical nutrition therapy by the taxpayer, it saves three dollars in the long run? Wouldn’t it be awesome if this legislation passed and RD’s could provide medical nutrition therapy in all Alabama counties!
Couldn’t make it to Montgomery. Email your legislators. You can find out who they are at www.legislators.state.al us. Thanks for helping to make Alabamians healthier!