2012 Legislative & Public Policy Priorities
Legislative Priorities
Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act
In September 2010, NBCC launched Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, a call to action for policymakers, researchers, breast cancer advocates, and other stakeholders to end the disease by January 1, 2020.
Guaranteed Access to Quality Care for All
For many years now, NBCC has made access to quality health care for all a top priority. The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" passed last year represents a significant step forward towards this goal and provides many important protections for breast cancer survivors. Repealing or invalidating this law would have many direct consequences for breast cancer survivors.
$120 Million for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program(BCRP) for FY2013
As a result of NBCC's grassroots advocacy, the DOD BCRP was created in 1992 to "eradicate breast cancer by funding innovative, high-impact research through a partnership of scientists and consumers." NBCC seeks continued level funding for this successful program.
Preservation of the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
Congress enacted the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act in 2000 after years of NBCC grassroots lobbying and influence. NBCC remains committed to ensuring all women and men screened and diagnosed with breast cancer through federal screening programs have access to the treatment they need.
Ensuring the Participation of Educated Patient Advocates in all Levels of Health Care Decision Making
NBCC continues to work to ensure that educated patient advocates have a"seat at the table" in all levels of health care decision making that affects their lives.
Public Policy Priorities
Breast Cancer Prevention Initiative
Despite years of effort by scientists, we still don’t know what causes much of this disease or how to prevent it, and we need a plan of action. NBCC will develop an overall breast cancer initiative that will make certain this happens.
Preservation of the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
While NBCC pursues its work on guaranteeing access to quality health care for all, we are committed to making sure women screened and diagnosed with breast cancer through federal screening programs have access to the care they need. Congress enacted the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act(P.L. 106-354) in 2000 after years of NBCC grassroots lobbying and influence.
Consumer Involvement in all appropriate venues where decisions about healthcare and research are made
NBCC will pursue federal and state legislation and regulation to ensure meaningful consumer involvement in research and our healthcare system.
Please note that Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) is legally prohibited from participating in political campaigns at any level. FBCF could lose its tax-exempt status or be subject to federal excise taxes if FBCF or individuals while representing FBCF participate in candidates’ political campaigns. (See the IRS article below.) Of course, advocates and supporters can engage in any political activity of their choosing as private citizens, but it is important that FBCF is not referenced or used when individuals do this on their own. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your understanding, your cooperation, and your support of FBCF. Remember Together we WILL end breast cancer!
http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=163395,00.html
The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations
Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes. Certain activities or expenditures may not be prohibited depending on the facts and circumstances. For example, certain voter education activities (including presenting public forums and publishing voter education guides) conducted in a non-partisan manner do not constitute prohibited political campaign activity. In addition, other activities intended to encourage people to participate in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, would not be prohibited political campaign activity if conducted in a non-partisan manner. On the other hand, voter education or registration activities with evidence of bias that (a) would favor one candidate over another; (b) oppose a candidate in some manner; or (c) have the effect of favoring a candidate or group of candidates, will constitute prohibited participation or intervention.
The Internal Revenue Service provides resources to exempt organizations and the public to help them understand the prohibition. As part of its examination program, the IRS also monitors whether organizations are complying with the prohibition.
