color. state senator nancy skinner will improve research and data collection of racial and social economic factors on infant deaths in communities of color. >> we are grateful for her attention to this issue and to reimagine maternity care for all californians. because when we improve health care and outcomes for all families, we will improve outcomes for all. kumasi: here is why advocates say this legislation was so badly needed. black mothers are six times more likely than white mothers to die within a year of their pregnancy. black women in california have a higher rate of death than black women nationally come and the rate of black infants dying in california is more than double the statewide infant mortality rate. california will soon add a 12.5% excise tax on e-cigarettes. this tax will help to fund public health and education programs to curb teen vaping.