Management Analysis Jack Fitchett provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE OVERVIEW COUNCIL DIRECTION – POTENTIAL LETTER SB 1160 (CANCER PRESUMPTION) Mr. Clifton stated that staff is seeking approval for a letter that provides information on the financial impact that SB1160 and SB1161 can have on municipalities and there is no funding mechanism in place to help offset the costs. The letter will be asking the state to consider allocating funding to assist in the costs. There is no position on the bills themselves, just on the financial considerations. Councilmember McCarthy expressed concern about the legislation creating a special class of employees that is exempt from the standards of proving a work-related illness. He indicated that treating different employees in different ways is unfair. Councilmember Odegaard stated that the letter is appropriate with the concern of funding and placing the burden solely upon municipalities. It is a budget concern for the city and the letter is appropriate at this time. Mayor Evans indicated that the Council had historically taken the stance that they want to see other cancers included in this type of legislation. She expressed frustration that the insurance companies in the state have taken a more limited view of what cancers should or should not be covered. At this juncture, the city is not weighing in on who should or should not get coverage but rather that assistance is needed to achieve the coverage. |
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Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to approve the letter and authorize the Mayor to sign it. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||