Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs
The Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs facilitates, coordinates, and advocates for the development and enactment of legislation in the interest of public health. As a key player in carrying out the Department of Health Care Services' mission to preserve and improve the health status of all Californians, the office assists in the development and refinement of the State's health care laws. The office performs its role through various functions.
Primary Functions:
- Develops strategies for introducing and promoting legislation to implement the Department's sound public health principles.
- Monitors the State's political pulse through interactions with Legislators and their staff, public and private agencies, the health professional community, consumers, constituency groups and educational partners who express interest in public health. The Office uses this information as it advises the California Health and Human Services Agency and Governor on public health policy.
- Articulates Department and Administration policies to the California Legislature, in coordination with the California Health and Human Services Agency and the Governor.
- Provides technical assistance to California State legislators and their staff on the Department's various programs through briefings, testimony at informational hearings, individual meetings, periodic newsletters, fact sheets, etc.
- Builds and fosters strong partnerships for health with California State legislators and their staff.
Secondary Functions:
- Provides consultative and technical assistance to the Department's programs and the public.
- Ensures that the Department's bill analyses provide a sound basis for effective legislative advocacy.
- Ensures that the Department's bill analyses synthesize the policies, activities and resource needs of its numerous programs.
Legislative Staff
Kelly Green, Deputy Director, kelly.green@dhcs.ca.gov
Steve Caldwell, Assistant Deputy Director, steve.caldwell@dhcs.ca.gov
Carolyn Brookins, Legislative Coordinator (carolyn.brookins@dhcs.ca.gov)
Cynthia Robinson, Legislative Coordinator (cynthia.robinson@dhcs.ca.gov)
Norma Solorio, Legislative Coordinator (norma.solorio@dhcs.ca.gov)
Cynthia Bowman, Executive Assistant (cynthia.bowman@dhcs.ca.gov)
Tina Johnson, Associate Governmental Program Analyst (tina.johnson@dhcs.ca.gov)
Jim Rhodes, Student Assistant (jim.rhodes@dhcs.ca.gov)
Contact Us
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 6086
(916) 440-7500 FAX: (916) 440-5119 or 440-7510
Mailing address: MS 0006, PO Box 997413, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Staff Assignments
Carolyn Brookins (CB)
AD Administration (includes MC Procurement)
AI Audits and Investigations
CM Fiscal Intermediary & Contract Oversight (CAMMIS)
HC HIPAA Compliance
HP Health Policy
HT Health Info Technology
LH Low Income Health Program
MD Medi-Cal Dental Services
PE Provider Enrollment
SC Systems of Care (CCS, GHPP, Newborn Hearing)
SF Safety Net Financing (DSH/MAA/Supplemental Reimbursements/TCM)
TR Third Party Liability & Recovery
UM Utilization Management
Cynthia Robinson (CR)
CR Office of Civil Rights
IT Information Technology
LG Legal Services
MB Medi-Cal Benefits, Waiver Analysis & Rates
MC Medi-Cal Managed Care
WH Office of Women’s Health
Norma Solorio (NS)
LA Office of Legislative & Governmental Affairs
LT Long Term Care
ME Medi-Cal Eligibility
PA Office of Public Affairs
PB Pharmacy Benefits
RH Primary & Rural Health