A Consumer Health Advocate’s Guide to the 2014 Legislative Session

Information for Action Contents

About Georgians for a Healthy Future » page 2

Legislative Process Overview » page 3

How a Bill Becomes a Law (Chart) » page 8

Constitutional Officers & Health Policy Staff » page 10

Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff » page 11

Georgia House of Representatives » page 12

House Committees » page 22

Georgia State Senate » page 24

Senate Committees » page 28

Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations » page 30

Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters » page 33

Advocacy Demystified » page 34

100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 815 , Georgia 30303 (404) 567-5016 www.healthyfuturega.org Legislative Process Overview

About Georgians for a Healthy Future I. HISTORY AND OVERVIEW The has operated continuously since 1777, when Georgia Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) is a nonprofit health policy and advocacy organization that became one of the thirteen original states. In 1868 the state capital (and with it, the provides a voice for Georgia consumers on vital and timely health care issues. Our mission is to build general assembly) settled permanently in Atlanta. The General Assembly consists and mobilize a unified voice, vision and leadership to achieve a healthy future for all Georgians. of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, each elected Georgians for a Healthy Future approaches our vision of ensuring access to quality, affordable health by Georgia voters every two years. Elections occur in even-numbered years care for all Georgians in three major ways (e.g., 2008, 2010, 2012). The Georgia Constitution sets the Senate membership at 1) outreach and public education, “not more” than 56 senators, and the House membership at “not fewer” than 180 2) building, managing, and mobilizing coalitions, and representatives. With a total membership of 236, Georgia’s General Assembly ranks 3) public policy advocacy. as the third largest in the . The Georgia Constitution also provides that the General Assembly shall commence session on the second Monday in January of each year, for a period of no longer than 40 days in the aggregate. Typically session runs into late March or early April because of formal adjournments that make 40 “session days” non-consecutive.

II. HOW DOES THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS WORK? The legislative process begins with an idea – conceived by a legislator, legislative committee, citizen or group of citizens, advocacy organization, etc. – that addresses a particular need or interest. A legislator decides to sponsor a bill addressing this Georgians for a Healthy Future’s 2014 policy priorities include: need, either with a new law or a bill that will change an existing law. A non- » Extend health insurance coverage to a substantial portion of Georgia’s uninsured partisan attorney in the Office of Legislative Counsel advises the legislator on legal by expanding Medicaid issues and drafts the bill. » Preserve and strengthen consumer protections for Georgians in private health insurance plans through both federal and state advocacy A) INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING: » Ensure access to quality health care for Medicaid and PeachCare beneficiaries Once the bill has been drafted, the legislator files the bill with the Clerk of the » Strengthen Georgia’s public health system House or the Secretary of the Senate, who then assigns it a number. On the » Increase the tobacco tax next legislative day after filing, the bill is formally introduced. In chamber, » Support policies and practices that advance health equity the bill’s title is read during the period of 1st readings. Immediately after 1st reading the chamber’s presiding officer assigns the bill to a standing committee. Bills are routinely assigned to committees based on subject matter, but the and the Speaker of the House retain discretion over a KEY STAFF CONTACTS Cindy Zeldin Amanda Ptashkin bill’s assignment. Executive Director Outreach & Advocacy Director 404-418-6179 404-890-5804 [email protected] [email protected]

2 3 B) SECOND READINGS (HOUSE): E) THIRD READING AND PASSAGE: In the House only, on the next legislative day, the House Clerk reads the bill’s f a bill is reported favorably by committee, it is returned to the Clerk or title in chamber, although the actual bill is now assigned to a committee. In the Secretary who prepares a General Calendar of bills that have been favorably Senate, the 2nd reading before the entire chamber comes after a bill receives reported from committee. For the first ten days of session, the chamber’s a favorable report from the committee to which it has been assigned. presiding officer will call up bills from this calendar for floor action. Beginning the 10th day of session, the Rules Committee meets and, choosing from C) COMMITTEE: bills placed on the General Calendar, prepares a Rules Calendar for the next A committee is tasked with considering and studying the bill, and typically day’s floor consideration. During the last 30 days of session, the chamber’s solicits expert testimony, relevant information concerning the bill, and comment presiding officer calls up bills from the Rules Calendar for consideration by from all interested parties. During the Committee meeting, the bill’s author the entire membership. Once the presiding officer calls up a bill from the and other legislators may also testify. After considering a bill, committees may: Rules Calendar, the Clerk reads bill’s title (3rd reading). At this point, the bill is now ready for floor debates, amendments, and for voting. (1) Recommend Bill or Resolution Do Pass; or (2) Recommend Do Not Pass; or F) TRANSMISSION: (3) Recommend Do Pass with changes (amendments or substitutes); If the bill is approved by a majority of the voting membership of that house, (4) Report without recommendation (in House); or it is signed by the Clerk or the Secretary and transmitted to the other house (5) Hold Bill. for its consideration. The process described above then begins anew. If the second house passes the bill, it is returned to the house where it originated. Often, a bill will be referred to a subcommittee – again, based on subject With rare exception, any important bill passed in one house will be amended matter – then the full committee can hold hearings and make revisions. If the by the other. If those changes are accepted by a majority of the voting full committee approves the bill, it is “reported” to the full house. If the membership in the originating house, this bill is approved and ready to be committee takes no action on the bill, it “dies.” Final Committee action is submitted to the Governor. reported to the chamber in a written report. G) CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: D) SECOND READING (SENATE): However, if the originating house rejects the changes, a conference commit- Bill read second time on legislative day following Committee report. tee may be formed. A conference committee is comprised of three members from each House, appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Both versions of the bill will go before the conference committee to be reconciled. In this situation, a bill’s passage requires both Houses to agree to the Conference Committee’s final report. If both houses accept the Conference Committee report, the bill is approved and may be sent to the Governor.

4 5 H) GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE/VETO: The Office of the Clerk of the House makes copies of bills available to the public. If requested, a bill may be sent to the Governor immediately after passage, For official records of the House or the Clerk of the House, please call (404) 656- or otherwise following adjournment sine die, the final day of the legislative 5015 or write to: Clerk of the House, 309 State Capitol Building, Atlanta, GA 30334. session. The Governor may approve or veto a Bill within six days after receipt The Office of the Secretary of the Senate provides legislation, applicable votes, and while the General Assembly is in session. After adjournment sine die, the other documents online at http://www.legis.ga.gov, or in Room 353 of the State final day of the legislative session, he has 40 days to approve or veto a bill. If Capitol. These documents include: Senate First Readers (a brief summary of all the Governor takes no action within the prescribed time, the Bill becomes a bills and resolutions read the first time and referred to committee)(http://www. Law – also called a ‘pocket veto’. If the Governor vetoes the Bill, the General legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/FirstRead.aspx); Senate Daily Status (details Assembly may override the veto with a two-thirds vote by each House during actions taken by the Senate on all bills and resolutions during the legislative day) the next Session. An Act becomes effective the following July 1, unless a (http://www.senate.ga.gov/sos/en-US/SenateStatusReports.aspx); Senate Rules different effective date is provided in the language of the Act. Calendar (set by the Committee on Rules, lists bills and resolutions to be read the third time and acted upon by the Senate) (http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2011_12/ After a bill has become law, it is assigned to the appropriate state or calendars/sr/index.htm); Composite Status shows the bill number, title, federal agency for implementation. At this point, additional opportunities committee referral and actions on Senate and House legislation in both chambers. to shape an Act’s effect are available to advocacy organizations, interest (http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Composite.aspx?CompType=S) groups, and the public, during the agency rule promulgation and/or policy development process.

III. PUBLIC INFORMATION The Georgia Constitution requires that both the House of Representatives and Senate maintain a journal of their proceedings; the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate are tasked with keeping legislative records.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives is an officer of the House, elected by a majority of the members of the House for a term concurrent with the members of the body. The Secretary of the Senate is elected by a vote of the Senators for a two-year term concurrent with the members of the body. Each Office serves as the custodian for all bills, resolutions, substitutions, amendments, records, papers and official documents filed with their respective chamber. Other responsibilities include keeping record of the daily proceedings of the chamber, tallying votes, and certifying all engrossed and enrolled copies of bills.

6 7

How a Bill is Passed in the Georgia Legislature

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L a ws w Ne Clerk or Secretary prepares For the last 30 days Starting with 10th day of OnceOnce presidingpresiding officerofficer callscalls a General Calendar of bills of session,presiding session, the Rules Committee Bill is reported Bill considered by billbill upup fromfrom RulesRules Calendar,Calendar, favorablyreported from com- officer calls up bills meets and from bills on favorably by committee. Author and ClerkClerk readsreads bill’sbill’s titletitle (3d(3d mittee. For first 10 days of from the Rules General Calendar prepares committee and other legislators may testify. reading).reading). BillBill isis nownow readyready session, presiding officer Calendar for floor a Rules Calendar for the next returned to Clerk If controversial, public forfor floorfloor debate,debate, amendments,amendments, L a ws New calls up bills from this consideration. day’s floor consideration. or Secretary. hearings may be held. andand voting.voting. L a ws calendar for floor action.ws w L a ws L a ws L a ws L a Ne w w w New Ne Ne Ne

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Governor may sign Bill is enrolled and bill or do nothing, Act and other laws enacted at the After debate, main question is If second house passes bill, it is returned to house sent to the Governor and bill becomes law. session are printed in the Georgia Laws called and members vote. If bill is where bill was introduced. If changes are accepted... (if requested). Governor may veto series. Also, act is incorporated into the approved by majority of total Otherwise, all bill, which requires Official Code of Georgia Annotated. membership of that house, it is If first house rejects changes and second house enrolled bills sent to two-thirds of Act becomes effective the following sent to the other house. insists, a conference committee may be appointed. Governor following members of each July 1, unless a different effective date If committee report is accepted by both houses... adjournment sine die. house to override. is provided in act.

Illustrations and Text © 2004 Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia 8 9 Constitutional Officers & Health Policy Staff Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff

Governor Lieutenant Governor Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Frank Berry 203 State Capitol 240 State Capitol 2 Peachtree Street, 24th floor 404-656-1776 (phone) 404-656-5030 (phone) 404-657-2252 (phone)

Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black Department of Community Health Commissioner Clyde Reese Key Health Policy Contacts in the 19 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 2 Peachtree Street, NW Governor’s Office: 404-656-3645 (phone) 404-656-4507 (phone) Katie Rogers, Attorney General Sam Olens Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Community Health: Health Policy Advisor to the Governor 40 Capitol Square, SW, Atlanta GA 30334 404-656-1784 (phone) 404-656-3300 (phone) › Lisa Marie Shekell, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs [email protected] 404-657-9118 (phone) Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner [email protected] Ryan Teague, Executive Counsel Ralph Hudgens 404-651-7715 (phone) 2 MLK Jr. Drive, West Tower, Ste 704 Department of Human Services Commissioner Keith Horton [email protected] 404-656-2070 (phone) 2 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 29-250 Governor’s Office of Planning  Key Health Policy/Legislative Liaison Contacts: 404-656-5680 (phone) and Budget:  Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Human Services: Jay Florence Blake T. Fulenwider, Assistant Commissioner › Ashley Fielding, Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications Healthcare Reform Administrator 404-232-1388 (phone) 404-656-4937 (phone) 404-463-4445 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Trey Sivley, Director, Division of Insurance Department of Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald Richard Dunn, Division Director, Health and and Financial Oversight 2 Peachtree Street, NW Human Services Division 404-656-5867 (phone) 404-657-2700 (phone) 404-656-7904 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Public Health: Labor Commissioner Mark Butler › Jamie Howgate, Chief of Staff 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE Ste 600 404-657-2700 (phone) 404-232-7300 (phone) [email protected]

Public Service Commission Chairman Chuck › Russell Crutchfield, Deputy Chief of Staff Eaton 404-657-2873 (phone) 244 Washington St, SW [email protected] 404-656-4501 (phone)

Secretary of State 214 State Capitol 404-656-2881 (phone)

State Superintendent of Schools John Barge 2066 Twin Towers East 404-656-2800 (phone)

10 11 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

Representative (D-89) Representative Simone Bell (D-58) Representative Tyrone Brooks (D-55) Representative David Casas (R-107) Minority Leader 612-A CLOB 511-H CLOB 601-H CLOB 408-A CLOB 404-656-0325 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) 404-656-5058 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative Karen Bennett (D-94) Representative (D-61) Representative Joyce Chandler (R-105) Representative (D-66) 507-G CLOB 611-B CLOB 601-G CLOB 512-D CLOB 404-656-0202 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-139) Representative Bob Bryant (D-162) Representative Mickey Channell (R-120) Representative Stephen Allison (R-8) 607-C CLOB 608-D CLOB 133 CAP 504-A CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0298 (office) 404-656-5103 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-31) Representative (D-137) Representative Jeff Chapman (R-167) Representative (D-92) 508-A CLOB 409-C CLOB 411-F CLOB 512-F CLOB 404-656-0213 (office) 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-143) Representative Jon Burns (R-159) Representative (R-138) Representative (R-179) 509-G CLOB 228 CAP 608-A CLOB 401-B CLOB 404-656-0220 (office) 404-656-5099 (office) 404-656-0298 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative Ellis Black (R-174) Representative (R-20) Representative Josh Clark (R-98) Representative (R-23) 607-A CLOB 512-H CLOB 612-H CLOB 601-A CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative Paulette Braddock (R-19) Representative Johnnie Caldwell, Jr. (R-131) Representative Valerie Clark (R-101) Representative (R-103) 501-E CLOB 612-D CLOB 507-F CLOB 612-E CLOB 404-656-0177 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative Bruce Broadrick (R-4) Representative John Carson (R-46) Representative (R-97) Representative Paul Battles (R-15) 507-E CLOB 607-F CLOB 416 CAP 613-D CLOB 404-656-0202 (office) 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-9210 (office) 404-463-3793 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-102) Representative Amy Carter (R-175) Representative (R-18) Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-65) 504-B CLOB 218 CAP 504-D CLOB 509-A CLOB 404-656-0188 (office) 404-656-6801 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) 404-656-0221 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] »

12 13 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative Christian Coomer (R-14) Representative (D-78) Representative (R-144) Representative (D-57) 109 CAP 512-E CLOB 608-B CLOB 604-G CLOB 404-651-7737 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0298 (office) 404-656-0265 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-43) Representative (D-85) Representative Carl Von Epps (D-132) Representative Dan Gasaway (R-28) 436 CAP 507-H CLOB 512-A CLOB 612-G CLOB 404-656-5069 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-91) Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-25) Representative (D-42) Representative Harry Geisinger (R-48) 607-B CLOB 608-C CLOB 511-C CLOB 601-F CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0298 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative John Deffenbaugh (R-1) Representative (D-154) Representative (R-121) Representative (D-75) 507-C CLOB 411-H CLOB 401-H CLOB 612-C CLOB 404-656-0202 (office) 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-13) Representative (R-30) Representative (D-99) Representative (R-40) 245 CAP 401-D CLOB 611-H CLOB 218 CAP 404-463-2247 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-5943 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Pam Dickerson (D-113) Representative (R-26) Representative Virgil Fludd (D-64) Representative Craig Gordon (D-163) 611-E CLOB 512-B CLOB 409-A CLOB 607-H CLOB 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0287 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Robert Dickey (R-140) Representative Delvis Dutton (R-157) Representative (D-126) Representative (R-67) 607-G CLOB 504-F CLOB 604-C CLOB 612-F CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Tom Dickson (R-6) Representative (R-104) Representative (D-118) Representative (R-151) 245 CAP [email protected] 604-B CLOB 507-D CLOB 404-463-2247 (office) 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] Representative Earl Ehrhart (R-36) [email protected] [email protected] 245 CAP Representative (R-45) 404-463-2247 (office) Representative Carol Fullerton (D-153) Representative Charles Gregory (R-34) 401-K CAP [email protected] 409-B CLOB 509-F CLOB 404-657-8441 (office) 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0220 (office) [email protected] Representative (R-116) [email protected] [email protected] 245 CAP » 404-463-2247 (office) [email protected]

14 15 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative Mark Hamilton (R-24) Representative (D-81) Representative Jan Jones (R-47) Representative David Knight (R-130) 218 CAP 511-E CLOB Speaker Pro Tempore 401-H CAP 404-656-5132 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) 340 CAP 404-656-7857 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-5072 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Ben Harbin (R-122) Representative Susan Holmes (R-129) Representative Edward Lindsey (R-54) 614-B CLOB 501-F CLOB Representative LaDawn Jones (D-62) 501-H CLOB 404-656-3949 (office) 404-656-0178 (office) 512-B CLOB 404-656-0178 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-148) Representative Doug Holt (R-112) Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-12) 504-G CLOB 401-A CLOB Representative (D-53) 612-B CLOB 404-656-0188 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) 411-D CLOB 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0126 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Brett Harrell (R-106) Representative (R-170) Representative (D-63) 601-D CLOB 245 CAP Representative Darryl Jordan (D-77) 512-G CLOB 404-656-0254 (office) 404-463-2247 (office) 409-E CLOB 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0116 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-150) Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-124) Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin (D-96) 415 CAP 511-G CLOB Representative (D-59) 611-A CLOB 404-656-5025 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) 604-D CLOB 404-656-0314 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0265 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-27) Representative (D-136) Representative Chuck Martin (R-49) 508-B CLOB 408-B CLOB Representative (R-16) 417-B CAP 404-656-0213 (office) 404-656-5058 (office) 607-E CLOB 404-656-5064 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0287 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Michelle Henson (D-86) Representative (D-128) Representative Howard Maxwell (R-17) 512-I CLOB 611-F CLOB Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-93) 402 CAP 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) 404-E CLOB 404-656-5143 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0109 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Dustin Hightower (R-68) Representative Mike Jacobs (R-80) Representative Rahn Mayo (D-84) 401-G CLOB 131 CAP Representative Culver “Rusty” Kidd (I-145) 511-D CLOB 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-5116 (office) 507-A CLOB 404-656-6372 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-161) (R-11) Representative Tom McCall (R-33) 501-A CLOB 504-C CLOB Representative (R-114) 228 CAP 404-656-0178 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) 501-C CLOB 404-656-5099 (office) [email protected] [email protected] 404-656-0177 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

16 17 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative Dewey McClain (D-100) Representative (D-82) Representative Regina Quick (R-117) Representative (R-109) [email protected] 604-E CLOB 509-C CLOB 404-B CLOB 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0220 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) Representative John Meadows (R-5) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] HM-1 CAP 404-656-5141 (office) Representative B.J. Pak (R-108) Representative (R-7) Representative (R-152) [email protected] 601-B CLOB Speaker of the House 245 CAP 404-656-0254 (office) 332 CAP 404-463-2247 (office) Representative Billy Mitchell (D-88) [email protected] 404-656-5020 (office) [email protected] 411-A CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0126 (office) Representative (R-158) Representative Sandra Scott (D-76) [email protected] 245 CAP Representative (R-72) 611-D CLOB 404-463-2247 (office) 415 CAP 404-656-0314 (office) Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan (D-39) [email protected] 404-656-5024 (office) [email protected] 404-G CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0109 (office) Representative (R-44) Representative (R-35) [email protected] 401 CAP Representative Nikki Randall (D-142) 401 CAP 404-656-9198 (office) 404-A CLOB 404-656-7857 (office) Representative (R-156) [email protected] 404-656-0109 (office) [email protected] 226 CAP [email protected] 404-656-5115 (office) Representative (R-141) Representative (D-177) [email protected] 415 CAP Representative Tom Rice (R-95) 411-B CLOB 404-656-5025 (office) 220 CAP 404-656-0126 (office) Representative (D-83) [email protected] 404-656-5912 (office) [email protected] 607-D CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0287 (office) Representative John David Pezold (R-133) Representative Jason Shaw (R-176) [email protected] 509-D CLOB Representative (R-50) 508-C CLOB 404-656-0220 (office) 109 CAP 404-656-0213 (office) Representative Chad Nimmer (R-178) [email protected] 404-651-7737 (office) [email protected] 109 CAP [email protected] 404-651-7737 (office) Representative (R-32) Representative Barbara Sims (R-123) [email protected] 613-B CLOB Representative Jay Roberts (R-155) 401-J CAP 404-463-3793 (office) 218 CAP 404-656-7857 (office) Representative (R-69) [email protected] 404-656-7153 (office) [email protected] 402 CLOB [email protected] 404-656-5087 (office) Representative Jay Powell (R-171) Representative Chuck Sims (R-169) [email protected] 401-C CAP Representative Carl Rogers (R-29) 401 CAP 404-656-7855(office) 401-D CAP 404-656-7855 (office) Representative Larry O-Neal (R-146) [email protected] 404-656-7855 (office) [email protected] 338 CAP [email protected] 404-656-5052 (office) Representative (D-127) Representative Earnest Smith (D-125) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Terry Rogers (R-10) 511-F CLOB 501-B CLOB 404-656-6372 (office) Representative (R-149) 404-656-0178 (office) [email protected] 614-A CLOB [email protected] » 404-656-3947 (office) [email protected]

18 19 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (R-70) Representative (D-74) Representative “Able” (D-56) Representative Joe Wilkinson (R-52) 228 CAP 611-C CLOB 511-B CLOB 415 CAP 404-656-7149 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) 404-463-8143 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Michael Smith (D-41) Representative David Stover (R-71) Representative Scot Turner (R-21) Representative (R-51) 604-F CLOB 411 CLOB 611-G CLOB 132 CAP 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-5125 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Richard Smith (R-134) Representative (R-111) Representative Keisha Waites (D-60) Representative “Coach” Williams (D-87) 220 CAP 404-C CLOB 509-E CLOB 507-B CLOB 404-656-6831 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) 404-656-0220 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-135) Representative Willie Talton (R-147) Representative (R-166) Representative (D-168) 409-G CLOB 131 CAP 404-D CLOB 511-A CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-5105 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Jason Spencer (R-180) Representative (R-160) Representative (R-172) Representative Chuck Williams (R-119) 411-E CLOB 601-C CLOB 501-D CLOB 601-E CLOB 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) 404-656-0177 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-165) Representative (R-9) Representative Andrew Welch (R-110) Representative Bruce Williamson (R-115) 409-D CLOB 401-E CLOB 404-F CLOB 401-C CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Ron Stephens (R-164) Representative Darlene Taylor (R-173) Representative Tom Weldon (R-3) Representative John Yates (R-73) 226-A CAP 501-G CLOB 508-D CLOB 217 CAP 404-656-5115 (office) 404-656-0178 (office) 404-656-0213 (office) 404-656-5126 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-90) Representative Tom Taylor (R-79) Representative David Wilkerson (D-38) 411-G CLOB 401-F CLOB 409-F CLOB 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-0116 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-37) 417 CAP 404-656-5146 (office) [email protected]

* Special elections for House Districts 2 and 22 were held after this publication went to print. 20 21 House Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

House Appropriations House Health & Human Services Committee House Insurance Committee House Rules Committee 245 CAP 436 CAP 220 CAP HM-1 CAP 404-656-6831 404-656-5141 404-463-2247 404-656-5069

This committee deals with legislation concerning This committee oversees the flow of legislation This committee is responsible for legislation that af- The main focus of the committee is the writing of all aspects of Insurance and the Insurance Industry. from passage in committee and making the fects the conditions of safety regulations and social the state’s amended and general fiscal year budgets determination of what bills should be debated services for the citizens of Georgia. This Committee for Georgia’s state agencies and departments. The Committee Members: and voted on the House floor. Also included in that also addresses the legal areas surrounding medical committee also hears legislation that has considerable task is the approval of guests who are invited into professionals as well as medicinal provisions. Representative Richard Smith, Chairman impact on the state revenue or expenditures. Representative Jason Shaw, Vice-Chairman the chambers of the House of Representatives Representative Doug Holt, Secretary to be recognized. Committee Members: Committee Members: Representative Alex Atwood Representative Buzz Brockway Representative Terry England, Chairman Representative Sharon Cooper, Chairman Committee Members: Representative John Carson Representative Katie Dempsy, Representative Ben Watson, Vice-Chairman Representative Mike Cheokas Representative John Meadows, Chairman Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Ed Rynders, Secretary Representative Matt Dollar Representative Rich Golick, Vice-Chairman Representative Tom Dickson, Representative Timothy Barr Representative Carl Von Epps Representative Richard Smith, Secretary Chairman of Subcommittee Representative James Beverly Representative Bubber Epps Representative Stacey Abrams Representative Earl Ehrhart, Representative Bruce Broadrick Representative Dan Gasaway Representative Tommy Benton Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Mickey Channell Representative Richard Golick Representative David Casas Representative Penny Houston, Representative Mike Cheokas Representative Ben Harbin Representative Mickey Channell Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Josh Clark Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Sharon Cooper Representative Butch Parrish, Representative Valerie Clark Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Katie Dempsey Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Katie Dempsey Representative Mike Jacobs Representative Karla Drenner Representative Jay Powell, Representative Karla Drenner Representative Eddie Lumsden Representative Earl Ehrhart Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Carol Fullerton Representative Howard Maxwell Representative Gerald Greene Representative Ed Rynders, Representative Craig Gordon Representative Rahn Mayo Representative Mark Hamilton Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Buddy Harden Representative John Meadows Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Amy Carter, Secretary Representative Matt Hatchett Representative Carl Rogers Representative Mack Jackson Representative Mickey Channell, Ex-Officio Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Jan Jones Representative Allen Peake, Ex-Officio Representative Michele Henson Representative Edward Lindsey Representative Doug Holt Representative Darlene Taylor Representative Sam Teasley Representative Greg Morris Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard Representative Larry O’Neal Representative Rick Jasperse Representative Joe Wilkinson Health Subcommittee Members: Representative Bruce Williamson Representative Butch Parrish Representative Sheila Jones Representative Allen Peake Representative Butch Parrish, Chairman Representative Margaret Kaiser Representative Ben Harbin, Vice-Chairman Representative Alan Powell Representative Culver “Rusty” Kidd Representative Matt Ramsey Representative Mickey Channell, Ex-Officio Representative Billy Mitchell Representative Matt Dollar Representative Tom Rice Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan Representative Jay Roberts Representative Pat Gardner Representative Howard Mosby Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Edward Setzler Representative B.J. Pak Representative Barbara Sims Representative Barbara Sims Representative Don Parsons Representative Ron Stephens Representative Lynn Smith Representative Allen Peake Representative Calvin Smyre Representative Darlene Taylor Representative Jimmy Pruett Representative Ben Watson Representative Ron Stephens Representative Nikki Randall Representative Tom Weldon Representative Carl Rogers Representative Wendell Willard Representative Dexter Sharper Representative Al Williams Representative Barbara Sims Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Pam Stephenson Representative Joe Wilkinson

22 23 in alphabetical order

Senator (R-56) Senator Ronnie Chance (R-16) Senator Tim Golden (R-8) Senator Judson Hill (R-32) 301-A CLOB Majority Leader 121-G CAP 421-D CAP 404-463-8055 (office) 236 CAP 404- 656-7580 (office) 404-656-0150 (office) [email protected] 404-463-1366 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator Don Balfour (R-9) Senator (R-51) Senator (R-52) 121-F CAP Senator (R-46) 421-C CAP 320-A CLOB 404-656-0095 (office) 121-E CAP 404-656-9221 (office) 404-656-0034 (office) [email protected] 404-463-1383 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-21) Senator (D-15) Senator Bill Jackson (R-24) 303-B CLOB Senator Mike Crane (R-28) 431 CAP 109 CAP 404-463-1378 325-B CLOB 404-656-0074 (office) 404-651-7738 (office) [email protected] 404-656-6446 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-54) Senator (R-7) Senator (D-2) 109 CAP Senator John Crosby (R-13) 301-B CLOB 432 CAP 404-651-7738 (office) 302-A CLOB 404-463-5263 (office) 404-463-5261 (office) [email protected] 404-463-5258 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-11) Senator (R-31) Senator (D-35) 305-A CLOB Senator (D-44) 110-C CAP 304-B CLOB 404-656-0040 (office) 304-A CLOB 404-656-3943 (office) 404-463-1379 (office) [email protected] 404-463-5260 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator Gloria Butler (D-55) Senator Steve Henson (D-41) Senator Rick Jeffares (R-17) 420-C CAP Senator Hardie Davis (D-22) Minority Leader 109 CAP 404-656-0075 (office) 110-D CAP 121-B CAP 404-651-7738 (office) [email protected] 404-656-0340 (office) 404-656-0085 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-1) Senator (R-25) 421-B CAP Senator (R-30) Senator Hunter Hill (R-6) 327-A CLOB 404-656-5109 (office) 323-B CLOB 323-A CLOB 404-656-0082 [email protected] 404-656-0036 404-463-2518 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator Jason Carter (D-42) Senator (D-10) 327-B CLOB Senator Vincent Fort (D-39) Senator Jack Hill (R-4) 420-D CAP 404-463-1376 (office) 121-J CAP 234 CAP 404-656-0502 (office) [email protected] 404-656-5091 (office) 404-656-5038 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Senator William T. Ligon (R-3) Senator (R-47) 324-B CLOB 321-A CLOB 404-656-0045 (office) 404-656-4700 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

24 25 Georgia State Senate in alphabetical order

» Senator (D-26) Senator (D-34) Senator (R-37) 305-A CLOB 420-B CAP 302-B CLOB 404-656-5035 (office) 404-656-5095 (office) 404-657-0406 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Joshua McKoon (R-29) Senator David Shafer (R-48) Senator Ross Tolleson (R-20) 319-A CLOB President Pro Tempore 121-D CAP 404-463-3931 (office) 321 CAP 404-656-0081 (office) [email protected] 404-656-0048 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator Fran Millar (R-40) Senator Renee S. Unterman (R-45) 319-B CLOB Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-12) 121-H CAP 404-463-2260 (office) 110-A CAP 404-463-1368 (office) [email protected] 404-463-5259 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator Butch Miller (R-49) Senator John Wilkinson 421-A CAP Senator Cecil Staton (R-18) 321-B CLOB 404-656-6578 (office) 421-F CAP 404-463-5257 (office) [email protected] 404-656-5039 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-53) Senator Tommie Williams (R-19) 453 CAP Senator Jesse Stone (R-23) 110 CAP 404-656-0057 (office) 320-B CLOB 404-656-0089 (office) [email protected] 404-463-1314 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator Jack Murphy (R-27) 325-A CLOB Senator (D-38) 404-656-7127 (office) 121-A CAP [email protected] 404-463-8053 (office) [email protected] Senator (D-36) 121-C CAP Senator Bruce Thompson (R-14) 404-463-8054 (office) 324-A CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0065 (office) [email protected] Senator Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. (D-43) 303-A CLOB Senator (D-5) 404-463-2598 (office) 121-I CAP [email protected] 404-463-1318 (office) [email protected]

Senator Steve Thompson (D-33) 420-A CAP 404-656-0083 (office) [email protected]

26 27 Senate Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

Senate Appropriations Senate Insurance and Labor 234 CAP 421-C CAP 404-656-5038 404-463-5263

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for proposing legislation that allocates funds to the numerous Primary jurisdictions are insurance, workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation. government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. With its fourteen sub-committees, Committee jurisdiction also includes child labor, convict labor, labor standards and disputes. Appropriations is responsible for holding hearings as well as approving said legislation for a $22 billion balanced budget. Committee Members:

Senator Tim Golden, Senator Charlie Bethel Committee Members: Chairman Senator Ed Harbison Senator Jack Hill, Chairman Senator Vincent Fort Senator Freddie Powell Sims Senator David Shafer, Senator Burt Jones Senator , Senator Steve Gooch Senator Cecil Staton Vice Chairman Senator Joshua McKoon Vice Chairman Senator Bill Heath Senator Horacena Tate Senator Judson Hill, Senator Ronald Ramsey, Sr. Senator Tim Golden, Secretary Senator Judson Hill Senator Curt Thompson Secretary Senator Renee Unterman Senator Don Balfour Senator Bill Jackson Senator Steve Thompson Senator Buddy Carter Senator Butch Miller Senator Lindsey Tippins Senator Ronnie Chance Senator Jeff Mullis Senator Ross Tolleson Senator Bill Cowsert Senator Jack Murphy Senator John Wilkinson Senate Rules Senator John Crosby Senator Valencia Seay Senator Tommie Williams 453 CAP Senator Gail Davenport Senator David Shafer 404-656-0095

Appropriations Subcommittee, Community Health The Rules Committee establishes the rules for the orderly procedure and placement of bills on the Senator Tim Golden Senator Cecil Staton Senator Tommie Williams legislative calendar. Senator Valencia Seay Senator Renee Unterman Committee Members:

Senator Jeff Mullis, Chairman Senator Judson Hill, Ex-Officio Senator Jack Hill Senator Ross Tolleson, Senator Butch Miller, Ex-Officio Senator Fran Millar Vice Chairman Senator David Shafer, Ex-Officio Senator Jack Murphy Senate Health and Human Services Senator Bill Jackson, Secretary Senator Cecil Staton, Ex-Officio Senator Horacena Tate 121-E CAP Senator Ronnie Chance, Ex-Officio Senator Gloria Butler Senator Renee Unterman 404-463-1368 Senator Steve Gooch, Ex-Officio Senator Steve Henson

The Health and Human Services Committee considers legislation that affects the conditions of safety regulations and social services for the citizens of Georgia. This Committee also addresses the legal areas surrounding medical professionals as well as medicinal provisions.

Committee Members: Senator Renee Unterman, Senator Dean Burke Senator , Jr. Chairman Senator Gloria Butler Senator Nan Orrock Senator Don Balfour, Senator Buddy Carter Senator David Shafer Vice Chairman Senator Steve Henson Senator Fran Millar, Secretary Senator Chuck Hufstetler Senator Judson Hill, Ex-Officio Senator Lester Jackson

28 29 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Contacts for the 2013 Georgia Legislative Session

AARP American Diabetes Association Doctors for America GCAPP — Georgia Campaign for Georgia Public Health Georgians for a Healthy Future Kathy Floyd Brittany Freeman Courtney Maniatis, D.O. Adolescent Power and Potential Association Georgia Legislative Director Advocacy Director, Southeast Georgia State Director Scott Maxwell Cindy Zeldin 404-870-3791 (office) 404-386-3523 (cell) 678-951-5158 Vikki Morrow Governmental Affairs Consultant Executive Director 678-938-0769 (cell) [email protected] [email protected] President & CEO 404-216-8075 404-418-6179 (office) [email protected] 404-475-6064 [email protected] 404-536-7538 (cell) American Heart Association, Families First [email protected] [email protected] Advocates for Responsible Care Greater Southeast Affiliate Linda Lowe Georgia Rural Health Dorothy Leone-Glasser Marsi Thrash 404-274-1746 (cell) Association Amanda Ptashkin Executive Director Government Relations and [email protected] Legislative & Policy Consultant Matt Caseman Outreach & Advocacy Director 404-633-5843 Advocacy Director 404-395-3485 Executive Director (404) 890-5804 (office) [email protected] (678) 224-2085 (office) Feminist Women’s Health [email protected] 478-552-3620 (office) [email protected] (770) 337-4513 (cell) Center 404-455-5880 (cell) AID Atlanta [email protected] Janelle Yamarick Georgia Dental Association [email protected] Grady Health System Cathy Woolard Community Education & Nelda H. Greene Matthew Hicks 404.247.9035 The Arc of Georgia Advocacy Director Executive Director Georgia Rural Urban Summit Vice President, [email protected] Tarria Whitley 404-248-5445 (office) 404-636-7553; 800-432-4357 Larry Pellegrini Government Relations Executive Director [email protected] (office) Executive Director 404-616-5977 (office) American Academy of 678-733-8969 404-403-5383 (cell) 404-483-0719 (office) [email protected] Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter [email protected] Georgia Academy of Family [email protected] [email protected] Rick Ward Physicians Health Students Taking Action Executive Director Asian American Legal Advocacy Fay Fulton Brown, MHS Georgia Equality Georgia Watch Together, Inc. 404-881-5091 Center, Inc. (AALAC) of Georgia Executive Vice President Jeff Graham Diandria Barber [email protected] Helen Ho, Esq. 404-321-7445 Executive Director Beth Stephens Managing Director Executive Director [email protected] 404-523-3070 Health Access Program Director 404-451-0580 American Cancer Society 404-585-8446 (Office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cancer Action Network, Inc. 404-232-5219 (Direct) Georgia Association of 404-525-1085 Eric Bailey [email protected] Community Service Boards Georgia Nurses Association/ Hemophilia of Georgia Georgia Director of Government Robyn Garrett-Gunnoe Foundation Elena C. Parent Relations Atlanta Regional Health Forum Association Director Jeremy Arieh Executive Director Jeff Cornett RN MSN 404-949-6437 (office) Douglas Greenwell, PhD (912) 312-3205 Director of Marketing & 404-525-1085 main Director of Training, 404-909-0118 (cell) Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Communications 404-229-9596 cell Research, & Advocacy [email protected] 404-218-2772 (cell) 404-325-5536, ext. 109 [email protected] 770-518-8272 (office) [email protected] Georgia Breast Cancer [email protected] 404-210-8861 (cell) American College of Physicians, Coalition Fund Georgia Women for a Change [email protected] Georgia Chapter Coalition of Advanced Practice Linda Lowe Georgia Psychological Mary Daniels Registered Nurses 404-274-1746 (cell) Association Wendi Clifton Michelle Putnam Executive Director Laura Searcy MN, APRN [email protected] David M. Schwartz, PhD, ABPdN Legislative Counsel Associate Director of Research 770-965-7606 Government Affairs and Chair of the Legal and 404-378-0086 & Advocacy [email protected] Legislative Liaison Georgia Budget & Policy Legislative Committee [email protected] [email protected] 678-886-4503 Institute 770-973-7401 (office) 770-518-8272 (office) [email protected] Timothy Sweeney [email protected] Stephanie Davis 678-588-6561 (cell) Director of Health Policy Executive Director 404-420-1324 Ext 103 404-875-8184 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

30 31 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters Contact Information for the 2013 Georgia Legislative Session Contact Information for the 2013 Georgia Legislative Session

» League of Women Voters National Multiple Sclerosis Strategic Partners The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Athens Banner-Herald of Georgia Society, Georgia Chapter Jean S. Logan Blake Aued Kelli Persons Clark Thomason 678-399-3028 (voice) Greg Bluestein State Government Reporter Program Manager Manager, Southeast Advocacy 305-343-2492 (cell) Governor 706-208-2226 404-522-4598 (office) 1-800-344-4867 ext. 15976 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 1-404-804-6024 (cell) Urban Health Initiative, [email protected] Emory School of Medicine Jim Galloway Augusta Chronicle LifeWorks Wellness, LLC Carolyn B. Aidman, PhD Political Insider Columnist Tom Corwin Esther M. Williams, LCSW Parent to Parent of Georgia Associate Director 404-526-5520 Health Reporter Founder 404-778-1425 [email protected] [email protected] 404-250-3255 (office) Claire Dees 678-472-5858 (cell) Community Engagement [email protected] Aaron Gould Sheinin Creative Loafing Atlanta Lupus Foundation of America, Specialist State House Max Blau Georgia Chapter 770-451-5484 Voices for Georgia’s Children 404-526-5823 News Writer Maria Myler 1-800-229-2038 [email protected] [email protected] President & CEO [email protected] Pat Willis 770-333-5930 Executive Director Chris Joyner Thomas Wheatley [email protected] Karen Addams 404-521-0311 (office) Investigative reporter News Editor Information Services Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] March of Dimes 770-451-5484 Leigh Tenewitz 1-800-229-2038 Polly McKinney Jim Salzer Georgia Health News Director of Communications and Advocacy Director Investigative reporter Andy Miller Government Affairs Physicians for a National 678-427-5945 (cell) 404-526-5511 404-386-8290 [email protected] [email protected] Health Program, [email protected] [email protected] 404-720-5306 Georgia Chapter Georgia Report Henry Kahn, MD Women of W.O.R.T.H., Inc. Carrie Teegardin Tom Crawford Mental Health America of Chapter Contact Kristen Sheeley Health Reporter 404-522-9127 Georgia 404-872-0166 Office Manager 404-526-5360 [email protected] Ellyn Jeager [email protected] (706)232-3408 office [email protected] Director, Public Policy & Advocacy (706)512-0453 cell Morris News Service 404 527-7175 Planned Parenthood Southeast [email protected] Kristina Torres Walter Jones 404-358-7797 State Senate Bureau Chief 404.688.9300 [email protected] 404-589-8424 (office) [email protected] 678-522-3574 (cell) [email protected] Misty Williams RING — Resource & Insurance Health Reporter WABE News, Atlanta’s NPR Station Navigator Group 404-526-5610 Jonathan Shapiro Nick Goodwin [email protected] 678-686-0333 Executive Director [email protected] 636-346-8994 [email protected]

32 33

ADVOCACY DEMYSTIFIED: Tools and Strategies for Effective Consumer Health Advocacy

Ad-vo-cate (n. ad-vuh-kit): one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal You Know Why You’re Speaking Out...Now Here’s How: Advocacy may seem overwhelming, but it’s a lot easier—and can have a bigger impact—than you might imagine. You already have the knowledge, passion, and commitment to be a successful and effective health care advocate. MAKE A CALL, SEND A LETTER, SEND AN EMAIL SOCIAL MEDIA All you need are the right tools. Whenever you reach out to a legislator or key decision-maker, make sure to include your name, address, why you care about the issue and ask for a concrete deliverable. The power of social networking is that it is a simple way to share your opinions and proposed “Hello, my name is X and I am a constituent of Legislator Y. I want to solutions to basic health care problems with The Three Tenets of Advocacy: encourage my legislator to support Issue Z because it will improve friends and family and in turn get them thinking my community’s access to affordable, quality health care. Can I count about the issues most important to them. HOOK LINE SINKER on Y’s support?” Like it, Tweet it, Share it

The hook is the start of any The line is why this issue is The sinker is where you conversation. important to you. take the opportunity to make “the ask.” TELEVISION / RADIO / NEWSPAPER RELATIONSHIPS Make sure to tell the legislator (or Is it because of a personal experi- whoever your audience is) who you ence? Do you know someone who Do you want your legislators to See an article about health care that you agree with or disagree with? Writing a letter-to-the-editor are, where you live and why you is affected by a lack of access to support a public policy measure to share your opinion and proposed solutions is a great way to maximize exposure for some of the are contacting them. Legislators care? In your professional capacity, that will improve access to health most pressing health care issues across the state. hear from lobbyists all day long but is this an issue that you deal with care in Georgia? Do you want to Take opportunities to meet with your local Editorial Board to inform them of key health care issues they don’t always hear from their often? Why do you care and more encourage other partners in your facing your community. constituents, whom they have a importantly, why should they? The local community to support a duty to represent. line is the opportunity to make this cause? Make sure to ask, “Can I a personal issue and not a vague, count on your support?” He or she anonymous one. may not immediately have a firm answer, but this is an opportunity COMMUNITY-LEVEL organizations to spur your target audience to think about the issue more deeply Are you a part of the local PTA? Do you attend Neighborhood Planning meetings or City Council Hearings? Do you volunteer with your church or other religious institutions? and come up with a reason to support or oppose a solution. It is Bringing the challenges and opportunities of the future of our health and health care also a great opportunity to follow to these groups and partners brings the people who have the most to gain from a local up with useful information that perspective into the problem solving process, helping ensure its success. can help you make your case. What would you like to see done to make a change?

34 35 Notes

36 Information for Action

100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 815 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 567-5016 www.healthyfuturega.org