Capitol Corner | October 2024

On this beautiful early fall afternoon, Governor Newsom is ensconced in his office conference room signing and or vetoing the remainder of the bills that were sent to him by the Legislature for his consideration.  And while we all await the fate of those measures, legislators are busy in their districts running for re-election or other offices, serving their constituents, planning for the next legislative session to begin in early December, and working on a range of legislation still pending in special session focused on the price of gasoline in California and how it can be lowered while maintaining a solid stockpile of fuel and ensuring that the gas tax remains at a level that provides the resources the state needs to keep our roads, highways, and freeways safe and in working order.

So with the legislative process essentially behind us for the remainder of the fall season, we are now being barraged with political mail, television and radio ads, outdoor advertising, and digital messaging encouraging us to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures at virtually all levels of government.  Those entreaties range from the ever present and increasingly vitriolic presidential race down to who might represent us on our local city council or school board, as well as local ballot measures ranging from increases in sales and property taxes to how schools and libraries should be funded.

It goes without saying that the political season is upon us and it is our absolute civic duty to engage with candidates and issues and to cast our vote on election day.  But it is equally important for us to take this opportunity to talk to those running for office, those who continue to serve in office, and our family, friends, and neighbors about who we are as an industry and how we serve our state and our communities.  Share a story about a special client or patient, talk about a particularly impactful caregiver, and listen to what people have to say about the impact our industry has had on the families across our wonderful state who have received care in their homes.  ‘Tis the season of politics and issues, so let’s share our story with all that will listen to us and keep home health, home care and hospice “top of mind” in the political discourse.