Federal news
Some post-election headlines include focus on news related to health care:
Psychiatric nurse-turned politician, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) will chair the House science committee. Nurse Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and pediatrician Kim Schrier (D-WA) are both eyeing seats on one of two health care policy panels.
- Midterm Results Show Health Is Important To Voters But No Magic Bullet (Kaiser Health News)
With control of Congress split (Democrats control the House; Republicans the Senate), no dramatic changes in health policy are anticipated, accepting the veto of Republican-backed initiatives (repealing the ACA, converting Medicaid into block grants, and making significant changes to Medicare). Medicaid will likely expand in several states that have not yet offered this ACA coverage. Lowering prescription drug prices might be up for negotiation.
State news
There are a few items of interest to libraries moving through the State Legislature right now. You may want to keep your eye on SB3242 which Amends the Property Tax Code regarding homestead exemptions and SB2365 which makes a technical change in the Freedom of Information Act.
ILA’s Top Ten Quick Advocacy Tip #2: Do your homework.
ILA Annual Conference “Learn Effective Advocacy to Legislators from Legislators” Session Insights: State Congressman Spain and State Senator Weaver agreed that you should do your homework before approaching them on an issue. You should:
- Know the name and number of the legislation but give context to the issue too. Don’t expect them to remember all of the bill, act, and resolution numbers.
- Think about where they are on the issue and look for points on which you can agree with them.
- Be able to explain the arguments against your point of view and help them understand how to respond to those arguments.
- Always be as concise as possible.
Bonus tip: At the session, Senator Weaver explained that he likes to use the “citizen legislator” model. When he finds a committed and passionate citizen and agrees with their stance on an issue, he is willing to provide the support that they need. However, this means that the citizen does hours of research, drafting, promoting, and other background work. He meets with them to review, point out holes, approve, walk them through the process, etc. All of his work is done in meetings with the citizen. Each meeting you’ll likely go home with homework to present the next time you meet with him. And be forewarned, this is a major commitment. It takes a long time and a lot of work to draft legislation and move it through the State Congress.