- Star Grassroots Advocates
- Students and faculty from programs across the country mobilized in December to support the preservation of key health workforce diversity and student debt reduction investments in the Build Back Better Act. Thank you for your continued advocacy!
- Advancing PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda
- In December, PAEA joined the Friends of HRSA coalition to urge congressional appropriators to provide at least $8.84 billion for the agency, including HRSA’s Title VII health workforce development programs, through the fiscal year 2022 appropriations process.
- On December 8, PAEA joined with over 200 national and state organizations to urge the Biden administration to extend the pause on federal student loan payments and interest accrual due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 22, the administration announced an extension of the current suspension through May 1, 2022.
- Health Care News in Washington
- The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee held a confirmation hearing for Food and Drug Administration Commissioner nominee Robert Califf on December 14. The committee is expected to advance Dr. Califf’s nomination in early January.
- The Department of Health and Human Services announced the appointment of Carole Johnson as HRSA Administrator in mid-December. Prior to this role, Johnson served as the Testing Coordinator for the White House COVID-19 response team and as Human Services Coordinator for the state of New Jersey.
- Opportunities for Action
- As the Senate continues negotiations over the Build Back Better Act, it is critical that constituents make their voice heard to preserve investments in health workforce diversity in the bill. Please urge your senators to champion these provisions today.
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