The 2009 Federal Advocacy Forum, held May 17-19, brought more than 200 physical therapy 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).
In his keynote address, political commentator Bill Press said the new health care reform law is a "bonanza" for the health care industries, private clinics, and hospitals, and a "gift" to health insurance companies.
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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.
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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."
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Rep Joe Wilson announced Monday that he would sign on as a cosponsor of the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR 988).
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Rep Earl Pomeroy outlined President Obama's three principles of health care reform -- cost, protection of choice, and coverage for all.
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Breakout sessions provided attendees the opportunity to practice delivering their messages and role play.
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"It's essential that you defend yourself in the political arena," Rep Parker Griffith told attendees.
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2009 Public Service Award recipient Rep Lois Capps (D-CA) (left) with Diane Barrickman, PT, MS, OCS.
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Massachusetts Chapter members accepted APTA's Public Service Award on behalf of Sen Edward Kennedy.
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Forum attendees enjoyed a reception Monday evening at APTA headquarters.
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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.
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A caricature artist sketches a PT advocate.
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One of the most popular activities of the night was posing for a picture with President Obama.
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APTA President Scott Ward, PT, PhD (left), with Federal Legislative Leadership Award recipient Steve Levine, PT, DPT, MSHA.
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