Impressions
How Did We Get HERE? by Dr. Stephen T. Radack III, Editor
As we put this issue of the journal together, one dedicated to government relations and PDA’ s advocacy efforts on our members’ behalf, it made me think about the current state of both our federal and state legislators.
Every one of us spent years in college, dental school, and some in residencies, to reach the dental mountain top. Every day we go to the office and treat the patients that come through the door, regardless of whether their issue is in our comfort zone. When we walk out the door at the end of our day, we know that phone can ring anytime in the evening or the weekend. We can’ t just decide NOT to answer the phone or go to the office. At both the office and in our home life, we also make a budget, and in most cases try to stick with it unless some unexpected circumstances arise.
Here in Pennsylvania our fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Every year it seems there is a mad dash to get a budget adopted before July 1. There have been years where that did not happen as there were disagreements between one or more branches of the legislature or the governor. When this happens funding for programs and our kids’ education is put in jeopardy. Unfortunately, this is happening again right now.
As chair of the Dental Lifeline Network( DLN) Leadership Council here in Pennsylvania, I learned that the money PDA has lobbied hard for year after year to fund the staff positions for this program in the commonwealth has not been received by DLN. This is a significant part of their budget, and the longer this stalemate goes on the funding for PA will need to be covered by the national organization. The same is true for the local school districts. I just read an article in my local newspaper that some districts will need to borrow money to cover expenses if a budget is not passed soon.
By now we all know about the government shut down at the federal level. As I write this on October 30, the shutdown has lasted 30 days, the second longest in history. There have been threats every year regardless of which party is in control of the Senate or House of Representatives, and every time a“ clean” continuing resolution( CR) has been passed to fund the government. Clean, meaning nothing additional added. Just fund the existing federal programs. There is no point being made by not passing the CR only plan. Many sectors of the federal workforce are not being paid, namely air traffic controllers and the members of our military. I wonder how many of us or our staff could go 30 days without a paycheck. The military appears to have been spared by a $ 130 + million donation from a Pennsylvania billionaire. Now that the 30 days have passed the SNAP food stamp program that assists folks across the country is in real jeopardy.
In both cases, it’ s time to ask why are the legislators still being paid? They certainly aren’ t doing the job they were elected to do. Maybe not being paid during the state budget impasse or the federal government shutdown might get folks back to the table and find some solutions. They seem to have no consequences for their actions. I suppose when the next election comes, they could be voted out, but most electors have short memories and incumbents have power and bring money back home to their districts. Never has there been a better argument for term limits. I do not think elective office was ever supposed to be a career, but some members of congress have spent over 40 years there.
Meanwhile back in our own towns and offices, we will get up and go to the office every day regardless of whether a budget has been passed in Pennsylvania or if the federal government is still shut down. We have no choice and for most of us the ONLY time we couldn’ t go to work is when the state government shut our offices down in March 2020! We are dentists. We have to work. We treat our patients regardless!
As I close this editorial, I wanted to take a moment to thank our immediate past ADA Third District Trustee, Dr. Jim Boyle, for his service to our association. By the time this issue arrives you will know that Jim was not elected president-elect of the ADA. He and his team ran an exceptional campaign and I believe most of us believed Jim was the best candidate. Unfortunately, the best candidate does not always win the election. I have been through the three most recent elections where PDA had a candidate for president-elect and all had the same result. It is hard to accept the“ wisdom” of the House sometimes, and this is certainly one of those times. As always, we are PDA PROUD!
Finally, with 2025 quickly coming to an end we wanted to wish you and your families a very happy holiday season, no matter which you choose to celebrate. Cheers to the close of this year and to the start of a brand new one!
— STR3
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 5