> From: Barbara Wilson-Clay <[log in to unmask]>
>
> I was in the office of a state legislator yest. with other members of the
> Legislative Committee of our local Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition.
> We are engaged in some lobbying for some bfg related issues.  As are many
> other states, Texas is going to experience a huge budget deficit this year,
> and the first thing everyone wants to know is are we asking for money.  As
> it happens, we are not, but during the discussion in this particular office,
> it was revealed that the senator we were visiting is on a select committee
> on health with a focus on prevention.  I was waving around the USDA funded
> Weimer cost analysis that shows a potential savings of 3.6 billion dollars
> in health care spending on just 3 common childhood illnesses/conditions
> (gastroenteritis, otitis media, NEC). For just about the first time ever in
> my experience, a law maker actually looked interested in this fact.  The
> aide's ears literally pricked up and she asked if we could provide her some
> copies of the documentation.  It may be that the budget deficit will have
> the one small silver lining of provoking some interest in the cost savings
> issues related to bfg.  This may be just the time to hammer away on the idea
> that we can't afford to ignore the health risks of formula.  It costs too
> much.
>
> Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
> Austin Lactation Associates
> LactNews Press
> www.lactnews.com
>

Being in the right place at the right time - good for you, Barbara.

I am reminded of the essay written a few years ago by Marilyn Green, "Can
Midwifery Balance the Budget." http://www.midwifery2000.com/budget.htm

-  Jodine Chase

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