A Consumer Health Advocate’s Guide to the 2014 Georgia 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 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 567-5016 www.healthyfuturega.org About Georgians for a Healthy Future Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) is a nonprofit health policy and advocacy organization that provides a voice for Georgia consumers on vital and timely health care issues. Our mission is to build and mobilize a unified voice, vision and leadership to achieve a healthy future for all Georgians. Georgians for a Healthy Future approaches our vision of ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Georgians in three major ways 1) outreach and public education, 2) building, managing, and mobilizing coalitions, and 3) public policy advocacy.

Georgians for a Healthy Future’s 2014 policy priorities include: » Extend health insurance coverage to a substantial portion of Georgia’s uninsured by expanding Medicaid » Preserve and strengthen consumer protections for Georgians in private health insurance plans through both federal and state advocacy » Ensure access to quality health care for Medicaid and PeachCare beneficiaries » Strengthen Georgia’s public health system » Increase the tobacco tax » Support policies and practices that advance health equity

KEY STAFF CONTACTS Cindy Zeldin Amanda Ptashkin Executive Director Outreach & Advocacy Director 404-418-6179 404-890-5804 [email protected] [email protected]

2 Legislative Process Overview

I. HISTORY AND OVERVIEW The has operated continuously since 1777, when Georgia became one of the thirteen original states. In 1868 the state capital (and with it, the general assembly) settled permanently in Atlanta. The General Assembly consists of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, each elected by Georgia voters every two years. Elections occur in even-numbered years (e.g., 2008, 2010, 2012). The Georgia Constitution sets the Senate membership at “not more” than 56 senators, and the House membership at “not fewer” than 180 representatives. With a total membership of 236, Georgia’s General Assembly ranks as the third largest in the United States. 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 need, either with a new law or a bill that will change an existing law. A non- partisan attorney in the Office of Legislative Counsel advises the legislator on legal issues and drafts the bill.

A) INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING: Once the bill has been drafted, the legislator files the bill with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, who then assigns it a number. On the next legislative day after filing, the bill is formally introduced. In chamber, 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 President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House retain discretion over a bill’s assignment.

3 B) SECOND READINGS (HOUSE): In the House only, on the next legislative day, the House Clerk reads the bill’s title in chamber, although the actual bill is now assigned to a committee. In the Senate, the 2nd reading before the entire chamber comes after a bill receives a favorable report from the committee to which it has been assigned.

C) COMMITTEE: A committee is tasked with considering and studying the bill, and typically solicits expert testimony, relevant information concerning the bill, and comment from all interested parties. During the Committee meeting, the bill’s author and other legislators may also testify. After considering a bill, committees may:

(1) Recommend Bill or Resolution Do Pass; or (2) Recommend Do Not Pass; or (3) Recommend Do Pass with changes (amendments or substitutes); (4) Report without recommendation (in House); or (5) Hold Bill.

Often, a bill will be referred to a subcommittee – again, based on subject matter – then the full committee can hold hearings and make revisions. If the full committee approves the bill, it is “reported” to the full house. If the committee takes no action on the bill, it “dies.” Final Committee action is reported to the chamber in a written report.

D) SECOND READING (SENATE): Bill read second time on legislative day following Committee report.

4 E) THIRD READING AND PASSAGE: f a bill is reported favorably by committee, it is returned to the Clerk or Secretary who prepares a General Calendar of bills that have been favorably reported from committee. For the first ten days of session, the chamber’s 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 bills placed on the General Calendar, prepares a Rules Calendar for the next day’s floor consideration. During the last 30 days of session, the chamber’s presiding officer calls up bills from the Rules Calendar for consideration by the entire membership. Once the presiding officer calls up a bill from the 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.

F) TRANSMISSION: If the bill is approved by a majority of the voting membership of that house, it is signed by the Clerk or the Secretary and transmitted to the other house 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. With rare exception, any important bill passed in one house will be amended by the other. If those changes are accepted by a majority of the voting membership in the originating house, this bill is approved and ready to be submitted to the Governor.

G) CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: However, if the originating house rejects the changes, a conference commit- 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.

5 H) GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE/VETO: If requested, a bill may be sent to the Governor immediately after passage, or otherwise following adjournment sine die, the final day of the legislative session. The Governor may approve or veto a Bill within six days after receipt while the General Assembly is in session. After adjournment sine die, the final day of the legislative session, he has 40 days to approve or veto a bill. If the Governor takes no action within the prescribed time, the Bill becomes a Law – also called a ‘pocket veto’. If the Governor vetoes the Bill, the General Assembly may override the veto with a two-thirds vote by each House during the next Session. An Act becomes effective the following July 1, unless a different effective date is provided in the language of the Act.

After a bill has become law, it is assigned to the appropriate state or federal agency for implementation. At this point, additional opportunities to shape an Act’s effect are available to advocacy organizations, interest 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 The Office of the Clerk of the House makes copies of bills available to the public. For official records of the House or the Clerk of the House, please call (404) 656- 5015 or write to: Clerk of the House, 309 State Capitol Building, Atlanta, GA 30334. The Office of the Secretary of the Senate provides legislation, applicable votes, and other documents online at http://www.legis.ga.gov, or in Room 353 of the State Capitol. These documents include: Senate First Readers (a brief summary of all bills and resolutions read the first time and referred to committee)(http://www. legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/FirstRead.aspx); Senate Daily Status (details actions taken by the Senate on all bills and resolutions during the legislative day) (http://www.senate.ga.gov/sos/en-US/SenateStatusReports.aspx); Senate Rules 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/ calendars/sr/index.htm); Composite Status shows the bill number, title, committee referral and actions on Senate and House legislation in both chambers. (http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Composite.aspx?CompType=S)

7

How a Bill is Passed in the Georgia Legislature

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Governor may sign Bill is enrolled and bill or do nothing, Act and other laws enacted at the sent to the Governor and bill becomes law. session are printed in the Georgia Laws (if requested). Governor may veto series. Also, act is incorporated into the Otherwise, all bill, which requires Official Code of Georgia Annotated. enrolled bills sent to two-thirds of Act becomes effective the following Governor following members of each July 1, unless a different effective date adjournment sine die. house to override. is provided in act.

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

Governor Nathan Deal Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle 203 State Capitol 240 State Capitol 404-656-1776 (phone) 404-656-5030 (phone)

Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black Key Health Policy Contacts in the 19 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 Governor’s Office: 404-656-3645 (phone)

Katie Rogers, Attorney General Sam Olens Health Policy Advisor to the Governor 40 Capitol Square, SW, Atlanta GA 30334 404-656-1784 (phone) 404-656-3300 (phone) [email protected] Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Ryan Teague, Executive Counsel Ralph Hudgens 404-651-7715 (phone) 2 MLK Jr. Drive, West Tower, Ste 704 [email protected] 404-656-2070 (phone)

Governor’s Office of Planning  Key Health Policy/Legislative Liaison Contacts: and Budget:  Jay Florence Blake T. Fulenwider, Assistant Commissioner Healthcare Reform Administrator 404-232-1388 (phone) 404-463-4445 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] Trey Sivley, Director, Division of Insurance Richard Dunn, Division Director, Health and and Financial Oversight Human Services Division 404-656-5867 (phone) 404-656-7904 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] Labor Commissioner Mark Butler 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE Ste 600 404-232-7300 (phone)

Public Service Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton 244 Washington St, SW 404-656-4501 (phone)

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

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

10 Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Frank Berry 2 Peachtree Street, 24th floor 404-657-2252 (phone)

Department of Community Health Commissioner Clyde Reese 2 Peachtree Street, NW 404-656-4507 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Community Health:

› lisa Marie Shekell, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs 404-657-9118 (phone) [email protected]

Department of Human Services Commissioner Keith Horton 2 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 29-250 404-656-5680 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Human Services:

› Ashley Fielding, Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications 404-656-4937 (phone) [email protected]

Department of Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald 2 Peachtree Street, NW 404-657-2700 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Public Health:

› Jamie Howgate, Chief of Staff 404-657-2700 (phone) [email protected]

› russell Crutchfield, Deputy Chief of Staff 404-657-2873 (phone) [email protected]

11 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

Representative Stacey Abrams (D-89) Representative Simone Bell (D-58) Minority Leader 612-A CLOB 408-A CLOB 404-656-0325 (office) 404-656-5058 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Karen Bennett (D-94) Representative (D-66) 507-G CLOB 512-D CLOB 404-656-0202 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-139) Representative Stephen Allison (R-8) 607-C CLOB 504-A CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-31) Representative Tonya Anderson (D-92) 508-A CLOB 512-F CLOB 404-656-0213 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-143) Representative (R-179) 509-G CLOB 401-B CLOB 404-656-0220 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Ellis Black (R-174) Representative (R-23) 607-A CLOB 601-A CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Paulette Braddock (R-19) Representative (R-103) 501-E CLOB 612-E CLOB 404-656-0177 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Bruce Broadrick (R-4) Representative Paul Battles (R-15) 507-E CLOB 613-D CLOB 404-656-0202 (office) 404-463-3793 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-102) Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-65) 504-B CLOB 509-A CLOB 404-656-0188 (office) 404-656-0221 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

12 Representative Tyrone Brooks (D-55) Representative David Casas (R-107) 511-H CLOB 601-H CLOB 404-656-6372 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-61) Representative Joyce Chandler (R-105) 611-B CLOB 601-G CLOB 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Bob Bryant (D-162) Representative Mickey Channell (R-120) 608-D CLOB 133 CAP 404-656-0298 (office) 404-656-5103 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-137) Representative Jeff Chapman (R-167) 409-C CLOB 411-F CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0126 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Jon Burns (R-159) Representative (R-138) 228 CAP 608-A CLOB 404-656-5099 (office) 404-656-0298 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-20) Representative Josh Clark (R-98) 512-H CLOB 612-H CLOB 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Johnnie Caldwell, Jr. (R-131) Representative Valerie Clark (R-101) 612-D CLOB 507-F CLOB 404-656-0325 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative John Carson (R-46) Representative (R-97) 607-F CLOB 416 CAP 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-9210 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Amy Carter (R-175) Representative (R-18) 218 CAP 504-D CLOB 404-656-6801 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

13 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

Representative Christian Coomer (R-14) Representative (D-78) » 109 CAP 512-E CLOB 404-651-7737 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-43) Representative (D-85) 436 CAP 507-H CLOB 404-656-5069 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-91) Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-25) 607-B CLOB 608-C CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0298 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

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

Representative Katie Dempsey (R-13) Representative (R-30) 245 CAP 401-D CLOB 404-463-2247 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Pam Dickerson (D-113) Representative Geoff Duncan (R-26) 611-E CLOB 512-B CLOB 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Robert Dickey (R-140) Representative Delvis Dutton (R-157) 607-G CLOB 504-F CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Tom Dickson (R-6) Representative (R-104) 245 CAP [email protected] 404-463-2247 (office) [email protected] Representative Earl Ehrhart (R-36) 245 CAP Representative (R-45) 404-463-2247 (office) 401-K CAP [email protected] 404-657-8441 (office) [email protected] Representative (R-116) 245 CAP 404-463-2247 (office) [email protected]

14 Representative (R-144) Representative (D-57) 608-B CLOB 604-G CLOB 404-656-0298 (office) 404-656-0265 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Carl Von Epps (D-132) Representative Dan Gasaway (R-28) 512-A CLOB 612-G CLOB 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-42) Representative Harry Geisinger (R-48) 511-C CLOB 601-F CLOB 404-656-6372 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-121) Representative (D-75) 401-H CLOB 612-C CLOB 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-99) Representative (R-40) 611-H CLOB 218 CAP 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-5943 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Virgil Fludd (D-64) Representative Craig Gordon (D-163) 409-A CLOB 607-H CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0287 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-126) Representative (R-67) 604-C CLOB 612-F CLOB 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0325 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-118) Representative (R-151) 604-B CLOB 507-D CLOB 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Carol Fullerton (D-153) Representative Charles Gregory (R-34) 409-B CLOB 509-F CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0220 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

15 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative Mark Hamilton (R-24) Representative (D-81) 218 CAP 511-E CLOB 404-656-5132 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Ben Harbin (R-122) Representative Susan Holmes (R-129) 614-B CLOB 501-F CLOB 404-656-3949 (office) 404-656-0178 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-148) Representative Doug Holt (R-112) 504-G CLOB 401-A CLOB 404-656-0188 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Brett Harrell (R-106) Representative (R-170) 601-D CLOB 245 CAP 404-656-0254 (office) 404-463-2247 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-150) Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-124) 415 CAP 511-G CLOB 404-656-5025 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-27) Representative (D-136) 508-B CLOB 408-B CLOB 404-656-0213 (office) 404-656-5058 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Michelle Henson (D-86) Representative (D-128) 512-I CLOB 611-F CLOB 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dustin Hightower (R-68) Representative Mike Jacobs (R-80) 401-G CLOB 131 CAP 404-656-0152 (office) 404-656-5116 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-161) (R-11) 501-A CLOB 504-C CLOB 404-656-0178 (office) 404-656-0188 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

16 Representative Jan Jones (R-47) Representative David Knight (R-130) Speaker Pro Tempore 401-H CAP 340 CAP 404-656-7857 (office) 404-656-5072 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Edward Lindsey (R-54) Representative LaDawn Jones (D-62) 501-H CLOB 512-B CLOB 404-656-0178 (office) 404-656-7859 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-12) Representative (D-53) 612-B CLOB 411-D CLOB 404-656-0325 (office) 404-656-0126 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-63) Representative Darryl Jordan (D-77) 512-G CLOB 409-E CLOB 404-656-7859 (office) 404-656-0116 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin (D-96) Representative (D-59) 611-A CLOB 604-D CLOB 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-0265 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Chuck Martin (R-49) Representative (R-16) 417-B CAP 607-E CLOB 404-656-5064 (office) 404-656-0287 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Howard Maxwell (R-17) Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-93) 402 CAP 404-E CLOB 404-656-5143 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Rahn Mayo (D-84) Representative Culver “Rusty” Kidd (I-145) 511-D CLOB 507-A CLOB 404-656-6372 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Tom McCall (R-33) Representative (R-114) 228 CAP 501-C CLOB 404-656-5099 (office) 404-656-0177 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

17 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative Dewey McClain (D-100) Representative (D-82) [email protected] 604-E CLOB 404-656-0265 (office) Representative John Meadows (R-5) [email protected] HM-1 CAP 404-656-5141 (office) Representative B.J. Pak (R-108) [email protected] 601-B CLOB 404-656-0254 (office) Representative Billy Mitchell (D-88) [email protected] 411-A CLOB 404-656-0126 (office) Representative (R-158) [email protected] 245 CAP 404-463-2247 (office) Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan (D-39) [email protected] 404-G CLOB 404-656-0109 (office) Representative (R-44) [email protected] 401 CAP 404-656-9198 (office) Representative (R-156) [email protected] 226 CAP 404-656-5115 (office) Representative (R-141) [email protected] 415 CAP 404-656-5025 (office) Representative (D-83) [email protected] 607-D CLOB 404-656-0287 (office) Representative John David Pezold (R-133) [email protected] 509-D CLOB 404-656-0220 (office) Representative Chad Nimmer (R-178) [email protected] 109 CAP 404-651-7737 (office) Representative (R-32) [email protected] 613-B CLOB 404-463-3793 (office) Representative (R-69) [email protected] 402 CLOB 404-656-5087 (office) Representative Jay Powell (R-171) [email protected] 401-C CAP 404-656-7855(office) Representative Larry O-Neal (R-146) [email protected] 338 CAP 404-656-5052 (office) Representative (D-127) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-149) 614-A CLOB 404-656-3947 (office) [email protected]

18 Representative Regina Quick (R-117) Representative (R-109) 509-C CLOB 404-B CLOB 404-656-0220 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-7) Representative (R-152) Speaker of the House 245 CAP 332 CAP 404-463-2247 (office) 404-656-5020 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Sandra Scott (D-76) Representative (R-72) 611-D CLOB 415 CAP 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-5024 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-35) Representative Nikki Randall (D-142) 401 CAP 404-A CLOB 404-656-7857 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-177) Representative Tom Rice (R-95) 411-B CLOB 220 CAP 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-5912 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Jason Shaw (R-176) Representative Lynne Riley (R-50) 508-C CLOB 109 CAP 404-656-0213 (office) 404-651-7737 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Barbara Sims (R-123) Representative Jay Roberts (R-155) 401-J CAP 218 CAP 404-656-7857 (office) 404-656-7153 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Chuck Sims (R-169) Representative Carl Rogers (R-29) 401 CAP 401-D CAP 404-656-7855 (office) 404-656-7855 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Representative Earnest Smith (D-125) Representative Terry Rogers (R-10) 511-F CLOB 501-B CLOB 404-656-6372 (office) 404-656-0178 (office) [email protected] [email protected] »

19 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (R-70) Representative (D-74) 228 CAP 611-C CLOB 404-656-7149 (office) 404-656-0314 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Michael Smith (D-41) Representative David Stover (R-71) 604-F CLOB 411 CLOB 404-656-0265 (office) 404-656-0126 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Richard Smith (R-134) Representative Brian Strickland (R-111) 220 CAP 404-C CLOB 404-656-6831 (office) 404-656-0109 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

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

Representative Jason Spencer (R-180) Representative (R-160) 411-E CLOB 601-C CLOB 404-656-0126 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-165) Representative (R-9) 409-D CLOB 401-E CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) 404-656-0152 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Ron Stephens (R-164) Representative Darlene Taylor (R-173) 226-A CAP 501-G CLOB 404-656-5115 (office) 404-656-0178 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

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

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

20 Representative “Able” (D-56) Representative Joe Wilkinson (R-52) 511-B CLOB 415 CAP 404-656-6372 (office) 404-463-8143 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Scot Turner (R-21) Representative (R-51) 611-G CLOB 132 CAP 404-656-0314 (office) 404-656-5125 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Keisha Waites (D-60) Representative “Coach” Williams (D-87) 509-E CLOB 507-B CLOB 404-656-0220 (office) 404-656-0202 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Ben Watson (R-166) Representative (D-168) 404-D CLOB 511-A CLOB 404-656-0109 (office) 404-656-6372 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-172) Representative Chuck Williams (R-119) 501-D CLOB 601-E CLOB 404-656-0177 (office) 404-656-0254 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

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

Representative Tom Weldon (R-3) Representative John Yates (R-73) 508-D CLOB 217 CAP 404-656-0213 (office) 404-656-5126 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Representative David Wilkerson (D-38) 409-F CLOB 404-656-0116 (office) [email protected]

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

House Appropriations House Health & Human Services Committee 245 CAP 436 CAP 404-463-2247 404-656-5069

The main focus of the committee is the writing of This committee is responsible for legislation that af- the state’s amended and general fiscal year budgets fects the conditions of safety regulations and social for Georgia’s state agencies and departments. The services for the citizens of Georgia. This Committee committee also hears legislation that has considerable also addresses the legal areas surrounding medical impact on the state revenue or expenditures. professionals as well as medicinal provisions.

Committee Members: Committee Members: Representative Terry England, Chairman Representative Sharon Cooper, Chairman Representative Katie Dempsy, Representative Ben Watson, Vice-Chairman Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Ed Rynders, Secretary Representative Tom Dickson, Representative Timothy Barr Chairman of Subcommittee Representative James Beverly Representative Earl Ehrhart, Representative Bruce Broadrick Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Mickey Channell Representative Penny Houston, Representative Mike Cheokas Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Josh Clark Representative Butch Parrish, Representative Valerie Clark Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Katie Dempsey Representative Jay Powell, Representative Karla Drenner Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Carol Fullerton Representative Ed Rynders, Representative Craig Gordon Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Buddy Harden Representative Amy Carter, Secretary Representative Matt Hatchett Representative Mickey Channell, Ex-Officio Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Allen Peake, Ex-Officio Representative Michele Henson Representative Doug Holt Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard Health Subcommittee Members: Representative Rick Jasperse Representative Sheila Jones Representative Butch Parrish, Chairman Representative Margaret Kaiser Representative Ben Harbin, Vice-Chairman Representative Culver “Rusty” Kidd Representative Mickey Channell, Ex-Officio Representative Billy Mitchell Representative Matt Dollar Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan Representative Pat Gardner Representative Howard Mosby Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative B.J. Pak Representative Barbara Sims Representative Don Parsons Representative Ron Stephens Representative Allen Peake Representative Darlene Taylor Representative Jimmy Pruett Representative Ben Watson Representative Nikki Randall Representative Carl Rogers Representative Dexter Sharper Representative Barbara Sims Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Pam Stephenson Representative Joe Wilkinson

22 House Insurance Committee House Rules Committee 220 CAP HM-1 CAP 404-656-6831 404-656-5141

This committee deals with legislation concerning This committee oversees the flow of legislation all aspects of Insurance and the Insurance Industry. from passage in committee and making the determination of what bills should be debated Committee Members: and voted on the House floor. Also included in that Representative Richard Smith, Chairman task is the approval of guests who are invited into Representative Jason Shaw, Vice-Chairman the chambers of the House of Representatives Representative Doug Holt, Secretary to be recognized. Representative Alex Atwood Representative Buzz Brockway Committee Members: Representative John Carson Representative Mike Cheokas Representative John Meadows, Chairman Representative Matt Dollar Representative Rich Golick, Vice-Chairman Representative Carl Von Epps Representative Richard Smith, Secretary Representative Bubber Epps Representative Stacey Abrams Representative Dan Gasaway Representative Tommy Benton Representative Richard Golick Representative David Casas Representative Ben Harbin Representative Mickey Channell Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Sharon Cooper Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Katie Dempsey Representative Mike Jacobs Representative Karla Drenner Representative Eddie Lumsden Representative Earl Ehrhart Representative Howard Maxwell Representative Gerald Greene Representative Rahn Mayo Representative Mark Hamilton Representative John Meadows Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Carl Rogers Representative Mack Jackson Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Jan Jones Representative Darlene Taylor Representative Edward Lindsey Representative Sam Teasley Representative Greg Morris Representative Joe Wilkinson Representative Larry O’Neal Representative Bruce Williamson Representative Butch Parrish Representative Allen Peake Representative Alan Powell Representative Matt Ramsey Representative Tom Rice Representative Jay Roberts Representative Edward Setzler Representative Barbara Sims Representative Lynn Smith Representative Calvin Smyre Representative Ron Stephens Representative Tom Weldon Representative Wendell Willard Representative Al Williams

23 in alphabetical order

Senator John Albers (R-56) Senator Ronnie Chance (R-16) 301-A CLOB Majority Leader 404-463-8055 (office) 236 CAP [email protected] 404-463-1366 (office) [email protected] Senator Don Balfour (R-9) 121-F CAP Senator Bill Cowsert (R-46) 404-656-0095 (office) 121-E CAP [email protected] 404-463-1383 (office) [email protected] Senator Brandon Beach (R-21) 303-B CLOB Senator Mike Crane (R-28) 404-463-1378 325-B CLOB [email protected] 404-656-6446 (office) [email protected] Senator Charlie Bethel (R-54) 109 CAP Senator John Crosby (R-13) 404-651-7738 (office) 302-A CLOB [email protected] 404-463-5258 (office) [email protected] Senator Dean Burke (R-11) 305-A CLOB Senator Gail Davenport (D-44) 404-656-0040 (office) 304-A CLOB [email protected] 404-463-5260 (office) [email protected] Senator Gloria Butler (D-55) 420-C CAP Senator Hardie Davis (D-22) 404-656-0075 (office) 110-D CAP [email protected] 404-656-0340 (office) [email protected] Senator Buddy Carter (R-1) 421-B CAP Senator Mike Dugan (R-30) 404-656-5109 (office) 323-B CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0036 [email protected] Senator Jason Carter (D-42) 327-B CLOB Senator Vincent Fort (D-39) 404-463-1376 (office) 121-J CAP [email protected] 404-656-5091 (office) [email protected]

Senator Frank Ginn (R-47) 321-A CLOB 404-656-4700 (office) [email protected]

24 Senator Tim Golden (R-8) Senator Judson Hill (R-32) 121-G CAP 421-D CAP 404- 656-7580 (office) 404-656-0150 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Steve Gooch (R-51) Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-52) 421-C CAP 320-A CLOB 404-656-9221 (office) 404-656-0034 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Ed Harbison (D-15) Senator Bill Jackson (R-24) 431 CAP 109 CAP 404-656-0074 (office) 404-651-7738 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Tyler Harper (R-7) Senator Lester Jackson (D-2) 301-B CLOB 432 CAP 404-463-5263 (office) 404-463-5261 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Bill Heath (R-31) Senator Donzella James (D-35) 110-C CAP 304-B CLOB 404-656-3943 (office) 404-463-1379 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Steve Henson (D-41) Senator Rick Jeffares (R-17) Minority Leader 109 CAP 121-B CAP 404-651-7738 (office) 404-656-0085 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator Burt Jones (R-25) Senator Hunter Hill (R-6) 327-A CLOB 323-A CLOB 404-656-0082 404-463-2518 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator Emanuel Jones (D-10) Senator Jack Hill (R-4) 420-D CAP 234 CAP 404-656-0502 (office) 404-656-5038 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Senator William T. Ligon (R-3) 324-B CLOB 404-656-0045 (office) [email protected] »

25 Georgia State Senate in alphabetical order

» Senator David Lucas (D-26) Senator Valencia Seay (D-34) 305-A CLOB 420-B CAP 404-656-5035 (office) 404-656-5095 (office) [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Joshua McKoon (R-29) Senator David Shafer (R-48) 319-A CLOB President Pro Tempore 404-463-3931 (office) 321 CAP [email protected] 404-656-0048 (office) [email protected] Senator Fran Millar (R-40) 319-B CLOB Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-12) 404-463-2260 (office) 110-A CAP [email protected] 404-463-5259 (office) [email protected] Senator Butch Miller (R-49) 421-A CAP Senator Cecil Staton (R-18) 404-656-6578 (office) 421-F CAP [email protected] 404-656-5039 (office) [email protected] Senator Jeff Mullis (R-53) 453 CAP Senator Jesse Stone (R-23) 404-656-0057 (office) 320-B CLOB [email protected] 404-463-1314 (office) [email protected] Senator Jack Murphy (R-27) 325-A CLOB Senator Horacena Tate (D-38) 404-656-7127 (office) 121-A CAP [email protected] 404-463-8053 (office) [email protected] Senator Nan Orrock (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 Curt Thompson (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 Senator Lindsey Tippins (R-37) 302-B CLOB 404-657-0406 (office) [email protected]

Senator Ross Tolleson (R-20) 121-D CAP 404-656-0081 (office) [email protected]

Senator Renee S. Unterman (R-45) 121-H CAP 404-463-1368 (office) [email protected]

Senator John Wilkinson 321-B CLOB 404-463-5257 (office) [email protected]

Senator Tommie Williams (R-19) 110 CAP 404-656-0089 (office) [email protected]

27 Senate Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

Senate Appropriations 234 CAP 404-656-5038

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for proposing legislation that allocates funds to the numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. With its fourteen sub-committees, Appropriations is responsible for holding hearings as well as approving said legislation for a $22 billion balanced budget.

Committee Members: Senator Jack Hill, Chairman Senator Vincent Fort Senator Freddie Powell Sims Senator Renee Unterman, Senator Steve Gooch Senator Cecil Staton Vice Chairman Senator Bill Heath Senator Horacena Tate Senator Tim Golden, Secretary Senator Judson Hill Senator Curt Thompson 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 Senator John Crosby Senator Valencia Seay Senator Tommie Williams Senator Gail Davenport Senator David Shafer

Appropriations Subcommittee, Community Health

Senator Tim Golden Senator Cecil Staton Senator Tommie Williams Senator Valencia Seay Senator Renee Unterman

Senate Health and Human Services 121-E CAP 404-463-1368

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 William Ligon, 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 Senate Insurance and Labor 421-C CAP 404-463-5263

Primary jurisdictions are insurance, workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation. Committee jurisdiction also includes child labor, convict labor, labor standards and disputes.

Committee Members:

Senator Tim Golden, Senator Charlie Bethel Chairman Senator Ed Harbison Senator David Shafer, Senator Burt Jones Vice Chairman Senator Joshua McKoon Senator Judson Hill, Senator Ronald Ramsey, Sr. Secretary Senator Renee Unterman

Senate Rules 453 CAP 404-656-0095

The Rules Committee establishes the rules for the orderly procedure and placement of bills on the legislative calendar.

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 Senator Bill Jackson, Secretary Senator Cecil Staton, Ex-Officio Senator Horacena Tate Senator Ronnie Chance, Ex-Officio Senator Gloria Butler Senator Renee Unterman Senator Steve Gooch, Ex-Officio Senator Steve Henson

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

AARP American Diabetes Association Doctors for America Kathy Floyd Brittany Freeman Courtney Maniatis, D.O. Georgia Legislative Director Advocacy Director, Southeast Georgia State Director 404-870-3791 (office) 404-386-3523 (cell) 678-951-5158 678-938-0769 (cell) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] American Heart Association, Families First Advocates for Responsible Care Greater Southeast Affiliate Linda Lowe Dorothy Leone-Glasser Marsi Thrash 404-274-1746 (cell) Executive Director Government Relations and [email protected] 404-633-5843 Advocacy Director [email protected] (678) 224-2085 (office) Feminist Women’s Health (770) 337-4513 (cell) Center AID Atlanta [email protected] Janelle Yamarick Cathy Woolard Community Education & 404.247.9035 The Arc of Georgia Advocacy Director [email protected] Tarria Whitley 404-248-5445 (office) Executive Director [email protected] American Academy of 678-733-8969 Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter [email protected] Georgia Academy of Family Rick Ward Physicians Executive Director Asian American Legal Advocacy Fay Fulton Brown, MHS 404-881-5091 Center, Inc. (AALAC) of Georgia Executive Vice President [email protected] Helen Ho, Esq. 404-321-7445 Executive Director [email protected] American Cancer Society 404-585-8446 (Office) Cancer Action Network, Inc. 404-232-5219 (Direct) Georgia Association of Eric Bailey [email protected] Community Service Boards Georgia Director of Government Robyn Garrett-Gunnoe Relations Atlanta Regional Health Forum Association Director 404-949-6437 (office) Douglas Greenwell, PhD (912) 312-3205 404-909-0118 (cell) Chief Executive Officer [email protected] [email protected] 404-218-2772 (cell) [email protected] Georgia Breast Cancer American College of Physicians, Coalition Fund Georgia Chapter Coalition of Advanced Practice Linda Lowe Mary Daniels Registered Nurses 404-274-1746 (cell) Executive Director Laura Searcy MN, APRN [email protected] 770-965-7606 Government Affairs and [email protected] Legislative Liaison Georgia Budget & Policy 678-886-4503 Institute [email protected] Timothy Sweeney Director of Health Policy 404-420-1324 Ext 103 [email protected]

30 GCAPP — Georgia Campaign for Georgia Public Health Georgians for a Healthy Future Adolescent Power and Potential Association Scott Maxwell Cindy Zeldin Vikki Morrow Governmental Affairs Consultant Executive Director President & CEO 404-216-8075 404-418-6179 (office) 404-475-6064 [email protected] 404-536-7538 (cell) [email protected] [email protected] Georgia Rural Health Association Amanda Ptashkin Legislative & Policy Consultant Matt Caseman Outreach & Advocacy Director 404-395-3485 Executive Director (404) 890-5804 (office) [email protected] 478-552-3620 (office) [email protected] 404-455-5880 (cell) Georgia Dental Association [email protected] Grady Health System Nelda H. Greene Matthew Hicks Executive Director Georgia Rural Urban Summit Vice President, 404-636-7553; 800-432-4357 Larry Pellegrini Government Relations (office) Executive Director 404-616-5977 (office) 404-403-5383 (cell) 404-483-0719 (office) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Health Students Taking Action Georgia Equality Georgia Watch Together, Inc. Jeff Graham Diandria Barber Executive Director Beth Stephens Managing Director 404-523-3070 Health Access Program Director 404-451-0580 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 404-525-1085 Georgia Nurses Association/ Hemophilia of Georgia Foundation Elena C. Parent Jeremy Arieh Executive Director Jeff Cornett RN MSN Director of Marketing & 404-525-1085 main Director of Training, Communications 404-229-9596 cell Research, & Advocacy 404-325-5536, ext. 109 [email protected] 770-518-8272 (office) [email protected] 404-210-8861 (cell) Georgia Women for a Change [email protected] Georgia Psychological Association Wendi Clifton Michelle Putnam David M. Schwartz, PhD, ABPdN Legislative Counsel Associate Director of Research Chair of the Legal and 404-378-0086 & Advocacy Legislative Committee [email protected] [email protected] 770-973-7401 (office) 770-518-8272 (office) [email protected] Stephanie Davis 678-588-6561 (cell) Executive Director 404-875-8184 (office) [email protected] »

31 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Contact Information for the 2013 Georgia Legislative Session

» League of Women Voters National Multiple Sclerosis Strategic Partners of Georgia Society, Georgia Chapter Jean S. Logan Kelli Persons Clark Thomason 678-399-3028 (voice) Program Manager Manager, Southeast Advocacy 305-343-2492 (cell) 404-522-4598 (office) 1-800-344-4867 ext. 15976 [email protected] 1-404-804-6024 (cell) Urban Health Initiative, [email protected] Emory School of Medicine LifeWorks Wellness, LLC Carolyn B. Aidman, PhD Esther M. Williams, LCSW Parent to Parent of Georgia Associate Director Founder 404-778-1425 404-250-3255 (office) Claire Dees 678-472-5858 (cell) Community Engagement [email protected] Lupus Foundation of America, Specialist Georgia Chapter 770-451-5484 Voices for Georgia’s Children Maria Myler 1-800-229-2038 President & CEO [email protected] Pat Willis 770-333-5930 Executive Director [email protected] Karen Addams 404-521-0311 (office) Information Services Director [email protected] March of Dimes 770-451-5484 Leigh Tenewitz 1-800-229-2038 Polly McKinney Director of Communications and Advocacy Director Government Affairs Physicians for a National 678-427-5945 (cell) [email protected] Health Program, [email protected] 404-720-5306 Georgia Chapter Henry Kahn, MD Women of W.O.R.T.H., Inc. Mental Health America of Chapter Contact Kristen Sheeley Georgia 404-872-0166 Office Manager Ellyn Jeager [email protected] (706)232-3408 office Director, Public Policy & Advocacy (706)512-0453 cell 404 527-7175 Planned Parenthood Southeast [email protected] 404-358-7797 Nikema Williams 404.688.9300 [email protected]

RING — Resource & Insurance Navigator Group Nick Goodwin Executive Director 636-346-8994 [email protected]

32 Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters Contact Information for the 2013 Georgia Legislative Session

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Athens Banner-Herald Blake Aued Greg Bluestein State Government Reporter Governor 706-208-2226 [email protected] [email protected]

Jim Galloway Augusta Chronicle Political Insider Columnist Tom Corwin 404-526-5520 Health Reporter [email protected] [email protected]

Aaron Gould Sheinin Creative Loafing Atlanta State House Max Blau 404-526-5823 News Writer [email protected] [email protected]

Chris Joyner Thomas Wheatley Investigative reporter News Editor [email protected] [email protected]

Jim Salzer Georgia Health News Investigative reporter Andy Miller 404-526-5511 404-386-8290 [email protected] [email protected]

Georgia Report Carrie Teegardin Tom Crawford Health Reporter 404-522-9127 404-526-5360 [email protected] [email protected] Morris News Service Kristina Torres Walter Jones State Senate Bureau Chief [email protected] 404-589-8424 (office) 678-522-3574 (cell) [email protected] Misty Williams Health Reporter WABE News, Atlanta’s NPR Station 404-526-5610 Jonathan Shapiro [email protected] 678-686-0333 [email protected]

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

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. All you need are the right tools.

The Three Tenets of Advocacy: HOOK LINE SINKER

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.”

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 are, where you live and why you is affected by a lack of access to support a public policy measure are contacting them. Legislators care? In your professional capacity, that will improve access to health hear from lobbyists all day long but is this an issue that you deal with care in Georgia? Do you want to they don’t always hear from their often? Why do you care and more encourage other partners in your 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 to spur your target audience to think about the issue more deeply and come up with a reason to support or oppose a solution. It is also a great opportunity to follow up with useful information that can help you make your case. What would you like to see done to make a change?

34

Tools and Strategies for Effective Consumer Health Advocacy

You Know Why You’re Speaking Out...Now Here’s How:

MAKE A CALL, SEND A LETTER, SEND AN EMAIL

Whenever you reach out to a legislator or key decision-maker, make SOCIAL MEDIA 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 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. on Y’s support?” Like it, Tweet it, Share it

TELEVISION / RADIO / NEWSPAPER RELATIONSHIPS

See an article about health care that you agree with or disagree with? Writing a letter-to-the-editor to share your opinion and proposed solutions is a great way to maximize exposure for some of the most pressing health care issues across the state. Take opportunities to meet with your local Editorial Board to inform them of key health care issues facing your community.

COMMUNITY-LEVEL organizations

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? Bringing the challenges and opportunities of the future of our health and health care to these groups and partners brings the people who have the most to gain from a local perspective into the problem solving process, helping ensure its success.

35 Notes

36

Information for Action

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