- Star Grassroots Advocates
- On October 30, the PAEA Government Relations team conducted a policy and advocacy education session for three cohorts of students at the Rutgers University PA program. Thank you for your passion for advocacy and leadership!
- Advancing PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda
- In late October, PAEA sent a letter of support to the office of Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) following the reintroduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act. If enacted, this bill would authorize substantive new investments in Title VII health workforce development programs, clinical training opportunities for PA students, and support for underrepresented minority students in health professions education.
- Throughout this month, PAEA and AAPA continued joint advocacy efforts to secure expanded National Health Service Corps Students to Service eligibility for PA students, holding meetings with key Senate champions and White House Domestic Policy Council staff.
- Health Care News in Washington
- Following a series of confirmation hearings, the Senate confirmed Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett in late October by a vote of 52-48. Justice Barrett will rule on the future of the Affordable Care Act following arguments in the case of California v. Texas set to begin on November 10.
- On October 1, the House of Representatives passed an updated version of the Heroes Act as the latest proposal by Democratic leadership to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. If enacted, the bill would provide an additional $800 million in one-time funding for the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs to address workforce gaps illustrated by the pandemic.
- Opportunities for Action
- Earlier this year, Representative Lauren Underwood, Representative Alma Adams, and Senator Kamala Harris led the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. If enacted, the bill would authorize $15 million annually over five years for PA education and other health professions programs to improve perinatal workforce diversity. Please contact your members of Congress in support of this bill today.
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