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Federal Advocacy Forum 2009 Highlights
The Federal Advocacy Forum, held May 17-19, brought
more than 200 PT advocates to Capitol Hill and featured a variety of
speakers, including US Reps Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Joe Wilson (R-SC),
Parker Griffith (D-AL), and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND). Additional speakers
included political commentator Norm Ornstein; Mary Andrus, assistant
vice president, government relations, Easter Seals; and Tim Nanof,
federal affairs manager at the American Occupational Therapy
Association. Several awards were presented during the forum, including
the 2009 Federal Legislative Leadership Award to Steve Levine, PT, DPT,
MSHA, and the 2009 Public Service Award to Rep Lois Capps (D-CA) and Sen
Edward Kennedy (D-MA).
After an entertaining opening, Norm Ornstein offered some larger
observations of the political process. He told attendees that health
care reform will be "no easy task." |
Rep Jo Ann Emerson, lead sponsor of the Physical Therapist Student
Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR 988), with constituents Nate
Thomas, PT, (left) and Chris Marsh, PT. |
During a presentation on health care forum, Mary Andrus warned against
drawing lines in the sand. "We all need to keep talking to each other,"
she said. Tim Nanof suggested that "advocacy will be ongoing as plans
are fleshed out." |
Rep Joe Wilson announced Monday that he would sign on as a cosponsor of
the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR
988). |
Rep Earl Pomeroy outlined President Obama's three principles of health
care reform -- cost, protection of choice, and coverage for all. |
Breakout sessions provided attendees the opportunity to practice
delivering their messages and role play. |
"It's essential that you defend yourself in the political arena," Rep
Parker Griffith told attendees. |
2009 Public Service Award recipient Rep Lois Capps (D-CA) (left) with
Diane Barrickman, PT, MS, OCS. |
Massachusetts Chapter members accepted APTA's Public Service Award on
behalf of Sen Edward Kennedy. |
Forum attendees enjoyed a reception Monday evening at APTA
headquarters. |
For a donation to the PT-PAC, PTs, PTAs, students, and APTA staff got
three chances to send Mike Matlack, director of APTA's Grassroots and
Political Affairs, into a dunking tank. |
A caricature artist sketches a PT advocate. |
One of the most popular activities of the night was posing for a picture
with President Obama. |
APTA President Scott Ward, PT, PhD (left), with Federal Legislative
Leadership Award recipient Steve Levine, PT, DPT, MSHA. |
[Last updated: 05/22/09 | Contact: advocacy@apta.org]
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