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Show Indoor Clean Air Act (UICAA) by posting a conspicuous sign in establishments which permit smoking, or printing UICAA information on menus and programs. A differential fee could be charged to 'smoking' establishments; the revenue would be used to enforce UICAA at a more comprehensive level. Education - Increase education and public awareness efforts. In November, 1992, one public hearing was held; the business community leaders dominated discussions. The Salt Lake City and County Board of Health will decide at a later date on an appropriate strategy to address environmental tobacco smoke. The Bureau of Environmental Sanitation and Safety and the Utah Department of Health will continue efforts to educate and increase public support for smoke-free public places. Where Do They Stand?: Utah's Delegation During the 1992 election campaigns, the League of Women Voters of Utah asked congressional candidates, "What specific actions do you support to contain health care costs and make basic health care accessible to all citizens?" Here is where your elected leaders stood in November 1992. U.S. Senator Robert Bennett - "I support changing current tax policy to allow employers to pay tax-free health benefits monies to employees, who could then set up their own 'health savings account1 and purchase 'portable' insurance policies. Families would self-insure for routine medical costs up to $1500, eliminating the third party for most medical services. The entire system would be privately funded, with tax-free dollars, except for federal subsidies geared to aid those in need." District 1. Representative Jim Hansen - "I oppose 'nationalized' or government rationed health care. Experience in Canada and Great Britain shows socialized systems restrict patients' choice of care and remove incentives for quality and advanced research. I want to build upon the strengths of our current private system by: lowering Medicare costs through standardized billing procedures; catastrophic health care plans; tax advantages to small businesses, families and individuals for insurance; limiting pain and suffering awards and restricting attorney contingency fees for malpractice and personal injury cases." District 2. Representative Karen Shepherd - "We must begin comprehensive reform that will cure our sick health care system by extending access to all Americans, while we control costs and preserve quality of care. Elements of this reform include: price caps, insurance reform; a state-sponsored 'safety net' to provide insurance for the unemployed; a new financing system, and Medicare and Medicaid reform." District 3. Representative Bill Orton - "Clearly, our health care system is broken. Yet, rather than creating a federal program, I favor retaining the best qualities of our current private system while reducing costs and increasing access for uninsureds. Among areas needing reform: administration and treatment, insurance, and malpractice. We must emphasize preventative measures, form 'pools' so small business and individuals can afford insurance, reduce overhead expenses, limit malpractice suits, and standardize health insurance procedures/forms." Candidates for governor were asked the following question. "The cost of health care is growing by 11-12% a year and about 200,000 Utahns lack health insurance. What specific state actions would you take to contain health care costs and make basic health care accessible for all citizens?" Governor Mike Leavitt stated: "I will bring all the players together (doctors, hospitals, insurance, lawyers, health care users, etc.) to forge a Utah solution. Each interest group must compromise. We must have insurance portability (so you can take your insurance with you if you leave a job), resolution of the malpractice problem, more flexibility in use of Medicaid funds, managed care for Medicaid recipients, and we must 'consumerize' health care by putting consumers more in control of their health care expenditures. I oppose national health insurance." 138 NOTES |
