Award-winning actress and musician Idina Menzel and Caruso Founder and Chief Executive Officer Rick J. Caruso hosted a press conference on August 12 in support of “Let California Kids Hear,” a statewide advocacy campaign urging the passage of Assembly Bill 598, a piece of legislation that would ensure all children have access to hearing aids. Let California Kids Hear announced the event, which took place at The Grove in Los Angeles, Calif.
Rick J. Caruso and Idina Menzel
Menzel spoke on the importance of this legislation, sharing how the issue of having a family member who is hard of hearing has personally affected her and how integral hearing is for early child development. Caruso shared how he has seen firsthand the tremendous impact that early intervention has had through his 19-year-old daughter Gianna, who was fitted with her first hearing aids at 6 months old. His support of AB 598 stems from his belief that every child be offered the same opportunity and access to hearing care.
AB 598, authored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), would require private health insurance companies to cover the costs of hearing aids for children. AB 598 recently passed the Senate Health Committee and now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee and then to the full Senate for vote.
Source: Let California Kids Hear
Image: Let California Kids Hear
