Columbus – State Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D–Columbus) recently attended the National Conference of State Legislators’ (NCSL) 2011 Legislative Summit. Senator Tavares attended the conference as a member of the Health Committee. She was appointed to the committee by Senate President Tom Niehaus earlier this year.
“Serving on a national committee is critical to broadening my perspective on issues that Ohio and other states around the country are experiencing,” said Senator Tavares. “This is an opportunity to develop solutions along with my colleagues from across the nation.”
During the Summit, members of the Health Committee held discussions focusing on Medicaid reform and funding, healthcare workforce development and streamlining financing for Medicare and Medicaid. As a result, Senator Tavares will be working on legislation to address healthcare workforce shortages with our federally qualified heath centers.
Senator Tavares also participated in the NCSL Women’s Legislative Network. Senator Tavares will be working on to address women’s health issues and women serving in the military.
“Women comprise 20 percent of our U.S. Military and they have unique issues and problems,” said Senator Tavares. “Colonel Kimberly Olson of Grace After Fire indicated that targeted resources are needed to ensure that female soldiers and veterans’ needs are addressed. Unfortunately, many times resources are not used to address challenges that these women face.”
The Legislative Summit was held from August 8 through August 10, 2011. The Summit’s primary goal was to provide solutions to pertinent state-level legislative issues. The NCSL Summit included 12 committees, more than 150 sessions, and 36 nationally renowned speakers. The summit has been described as “the largest and most important meeting of the year for legislators and legislative staff”.
