Gears Up for New Session
By John Basial , Government Relations Coordinator
As you read this issue of the Pennsylvania Dental Journal , Election Day is in our rearview mirror and the 2023-24 legislative session will soon begin in Pennsylvania .
Our legislative session runs on a two-year cycle that begins in January in an odd numbered year and ends in November in an even numbered year . We have only that amount of time to get your bills to the Governor ’ s desk . Any bill that doesn ’ t make it to the Governor ’ s desk by November 30 , 2024 , dies and the whole process begins again . While that seems like a lot of time , it really isn ’ t .
There are many things that consume numerous weeks or even months each year that take considerable time away from advancing your bills to a vote . Appropriations hearings and a multi-month summer recess are only a few of them . Additionally , our legislature is usually only in session on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays . It is a system designed to be deliberately difficult to navigate . This is so only the most determined groups that have the most support and can build the best coalitions get their bills through the General Assembly and enacted into law .
One of the ways we build support for your bills is by helping dentist friendly legislators achieve their goals . We also educate those legislators who don ’ t currently support your bills . Always remember that just because a legislator is unhelpful on bill A doesn ’ t mean they won ’ t be helpful on bill B .
10 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL