Government Relations
PADPAC Happenings
As you read this we are close to the end of the 2017-18 legislative session . PADPAC has been very busy working for you and your profession this session . This has been a big election cycle for PADPAC , with a number of key developments .
We have pushed SB 373 Assignment of Benefits ( AoB ) further than it ’ s ever been in PDA ’ s multi-decade fight for victory on this issue . The bill is currently in the House Appropriations committee . We are only three steps away from AoB becoming the law of Pennsylvania .
We are so close . If you help NOW with your time , talent and resources , we can make your practice life easier . AoB is a direct benefit to you , your practice and your patients . The more experienced among you know how much harder your practice is because we don ’ t yet have AoB . Just imagine the landscape after we achieve it for you . We don ’ t want to use the description “ a win for the ages ,” but it will certainly be a game changer . Not only will it make for a personal and professional victory , but it will show everyone involved in Pennsylvania politics that PADPAC can take on our state ’ s biggest lobbying presence , the insurance lobby , and win . This raises our profile and makes us a voice and a force to be reckoned with . This will pay dividends for years to come . It may even make future legislative and regulatory victories more likely .
We received our first President ’ s Club level PAC contribution in six years . PDA President Dr . Jim Boyle made a very generous PADPAC contribution because he knows the value of having a healthy and well funded PAC . It ’ s through PAC contributions that we are able to positively influence and shape policy , politics , legislation and regulation to make our members ’ voices heard and respected . Dr . Boyle also wanted to set an example that if PDA wants to win it has to give generously to PADPAC . Thanks to his very generous contribution we are able to meet more legislators with more impact than ever before . When he calls or emails you and asks for your help , please respond generously and follow his example .
We fight against groups who want to reshape the legislative and regulatory landscape to harm you and your practice . They want to create legislation that has pitfalls for you , your patients and your practice . Contributing to PADPAC is the single best and most efficacious way to not just stop your adversaries but win the fight . By winning legislative battles in Harrisburg we make your life and practice at home easier . Your contribution can make us even more effective .
A long-time PADPAC Board member , Dr . Craig Eisenhart , has stepped down to concentrate on other things . We thank him for his service . Those in the profession owe him a debt of gratitude . He left PADPAC better than he found it due to his hard work and superlative knowledge . He played a big part in making PADPAC the significant dental advocacy lobbying force that it is .
Dr . Eisenhart ably passed the baton to Dr . Darleen Oleski . We welcome her as the new chair of PDA ’ s Government Relations Committee ( GRC ). She will build on Dr . Eisenhart ’ s success . Dr . Oleski has hit the ground running . She is a natural and she gets it . She understands that only a strong PAC can win the fights we are likely to face in the years to come . She will work hard for you .
Serving with her are two PADPAC Board members who don ’ t shirk from the hard work and always look for ways to make your PAC better . Dr . Richard Clark of Second District and Dr . Matt Zale of Third District have helped build and sustain your PAC and we thank them for their continued leadership , their steady hand and their creative solutions .
Every member of the PADPAC Board is a dentist like you . They know how hard you work and how important it is to be prudent with your PAC contributions . We always make sure your money is spent wisely .
8 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2018 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL