Pennsylvania Nurse, Front Page 2017 Issue 2 | Page 5

Happenings on the Hill My name is Alex Bonner and I am honored to be PSNA’s government relations specialist. I am excited to work with PSNA members, visit nursing students, and connect with legislators. In May 2017, I graduated from Temple University after studying journalism and political science. In 2016, I interned with a lobbying and association management firm in Harrisburg. These experiences encouraged me to pursue a career in the government relations field. Advocacy and government relations are vital aspects of PSNA’s diligent work. Without grass- roots advocacy, it would be difficult to successfully move legislation forward to benefit RNs and patients. Even the smallest participation in legislative activities will play an important role in helping to further the association’s professional efforts. I invite you to get involved. We’ve made it easy. Feel free to reach out to me ([email protected]) or explore our options: • • • Advocacy: Click on the Advocacy tab on PSNA’s website to learn about our top three legislative issues (staffing, CNO, delegation), priorities (including nurse violence protection and neonatal abstinence syndrome), and victories (including indoor tanning, nurse title protection, and medical cannabis). Alerts: Quickly contact legislators through PSNA’s Advocacy page. Clicking on the button at the bottom of the page will register you for alerts and action items. Connect: Are you interested in adding your name to lists for Government Rela- tions Committee or PSNA-PAC? Would you like to learn more about PSNA’s 2018 class of Legislative Ambassadors? Contact me at [email protected]. Our members have used the Action Alert several times to reach legislators regarding legislation. In July, the Senate attempted to pass a skinny repeal of the ACA. In August, Senator Cory Booker introduced legislation that would legalize marijuana as a part of his new racial justice bill. The bill, which would remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act, would allow states to set their own policies. PSNA members used the Action Alert to urge legislators to support Senator Corey Booker’s legislation. To date, 1,142 emails have been sent to legislators through the Action Alert program. This September, the 2017 Legislative Ambas- sador program kicked off with more than 15 participants. This program welcomes ambi- tious PSNA members to represent nursing’s voice to our legislature. Ambassadors play a crucial role in advancing the association’s legislative agenda. This program offers Ambassadors the opportunity to participate in a broad range of advocacy initiatives while building relationships with elected of- ficials. Participants are readily informed and prepared through education, talking points, policy briefs, and position papers. PSNA encourages nurses with all levels of advocacy experience to get involved. I look forward to working with you in the coming months. I hope to meet you in-person at our annual meeting on October 27. A Nursing Degree For Those Who Expect More American Public University understands today’s nursing environment. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the RN to BSN program helps you balance your busy schedule with respected, affordable nursing education that’s 100% online. Learn from a nationally recognized leader in online education. Get started today at StudyatAPU.com/Penn-BSN We want you to make an informed decision about the university that’s right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed each program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at American Public University System is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791. Issue 2 2017 Pennsylvania Nurse 3