Government Relations
PADPAC Update
Even though we are into the second half of the 2021-22 legislative session , there is still time to accomplish our legislative priorities . One of the best ways you can help to achieve victory is to contribute to PADPAC . Your contributions enable us to attend fundraisers in order to advocate for organized dentistry , something that benefits each and every dentist and dental team member .
Back in the fall , we showcased the President ’ s Club contributors in the September / October issue . Thank you all for your tremendous generosity ! Each of you continues to set the standard for all PDA members , both in word and deed .
In this issue we ’ ll spotlight the Liberty Club contributors , PDA members who contribute between $ 1,000 and $ 2,499 to your PAC . Many PDA leaders contribute at this level . Please consider becoming a Liberty Club member .
Many will think $ 1,000 is a lot of money . Depending on circumstance , it is . Especially in one lump sum . However , please consider that you don ’ t have to make a lump sum contribution . If it ’ s more convenient for you , you may contribute a fixed amount monthly . If you would like to join your colleagues at the Liberty Club level , think about helping your peers and your profession by contributing $ 83 a month . At the end of 12 months , you ’ ll be at just about $ 1,000 . If a more granular approach appeals to you consider contributing $ 20 per week for 52 weeks . That method will bring you to a bit over $ 1,000 . There are many methods to achieve Liberty Club status . We will work with you to find the way that best suits your personal circumstances .
Another important part of victory in politics is building relationships . The most effective way to win is to have the broadest and deepest relationships . Our aim is to create those with our contact dentist program . The goal is to have at least one PDA member connect with each member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly . There are 50 Senators and 203 Representatives . We need 253 dentists . It ’ s a big but very achievable goal .
Fully building the contact dentist program combined with increased PAC contributions makes us unstoppable . The insurance industry may have an advantage over us in economic clout , but only we can reach out to every member of the General Assembly and let them know that their constituents , those people who vote for them , their neighbors , the people they see every day , are the ones who truly need to be heard .
Your time commitment is minimal . We ’ ll ask you to make a phone call or send an email . We ’ ll provide you with talking points that crystallize what you need to say . We are with you every step of the way . We ’ ll answer every question you have and put you on the best possible footing for success and enjoying the process .
If you want to create true systemic , long-term , game changing success for you , your profession and your patients , think about a more substantive undertaking and meeting your state senator and house member in their district offices . If you do that you are taking the most efficacious step to creating a relationship with your elected officials .
Their district office is the best place to interact with your legislators . It ’ s closer to home for them and you . It ’ s where their voters ( you ) are . There will be no lobbyists , no votes to cast and less time pressure so you can have a productive and fully engaging discussion that allows you to build and maintain a relationship that is mutually beneficial . You are the subject matter expert who can be a valued resource for them and help them with the knowledge they don ’ t yet have .
Your willingness to meet your senator and representative in their home office will positively change the dynamic you have with your legislators .
Fall 2021 Fundraisers
SEPTEMBER The indefatigable couple Dr . Jay Wells III and Mrs . Leona Wells attended House Speaker Bryan Cutler ’ s ( R-Lancaster ) fundraiser and encouraged the Speaker to be ready when Assignment of Benefits ( AoB ) comes his way .
OCTOBER PDA lobbyist Peg Kuskin attended Sen . Judy Ward ’ s ( R-Blair ) fundraiser . Senator Ward is the prime sponsor of SB 850 , PDA ’ s AoB bill . The senator indicated she would continue to push our bill forward .
8 MARCH / APRIL 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL