- Star Grassroots Advocates
- PAEA’s Government Relations team conducted a virtual advocacy training session with students and faculty at the George Washington University PA program on November 16. During the training, students learned about paths to roles in advocacy, the Association’s key legislative and regulatory priorities, and opportunities facilitated by PAEA to advocate on behalf of PA education and the profession. Special thanks to Tamara S. Ritsema PhD, MPH, PA-C for helping to coordinate the lecture!
- Advancing PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda
- On November 15, PAEA along with other organizations representing the nation’s leading healthcare professionals and industry partners submitted a letter to House and Senate leadership urging the inclusion of the PREVENT Pandemics Act in a year-end omnibus. The PREVENT Pandemics Act would strengthen health system preparedness to respond to future threats by establishing a federal loan repayment program for PAs and other health professionals providing infectious disease care in underserved communities.
- On November 15 and 17, the PAEA Government Relations team participated in advocacy meetings with the Coalition for Health Funding (CHF) to discuss the harmful impact of long-term continuing resolutions on Title VII programs as well as how increased funding for these programs will benefit the health workforce.
- Throughout November, GR staff engaged in meetings with congressional offices on efforts to strengthen the mental health workforce.
- Health Care News in Washington
- Following the midterms, Republicans have gained control of the House and Democrats have increased their representation in the Senate by a margin of 1 seat and will retain the majority in the 118th Congress.
- Beginning in the 118th Congress, Sen. Patty Murray will assume the role of chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Murray will also continue her role on the Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee and remain focused on championing key issues such as investments in women’s health, education, workforce training, mental health care, and veterans’ care, among other issues.
- On November 22, while the recent action on student loan debt relief continues to be litigated, the Biden administration announced another extension of the pause on student loan repayment. This means that instead of resuming payments on January 1, 2023, borrowers will not be required to make payments on their student loans until 60 days after Biden’s forgiveness program goes into effect or 60 days after June 30, 2023, whichever comes first. Read PAEA’s recent alert to learn more.
- Opportunities for Action
- As Congress works toward a potential FY 23 omnibus agreement, it is critical that constituents encourage their elected officials to improve protections for every American from emerging health threats regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. Please urge Congress to include the PREVENT Pandemics Act in a year-end omnibus bill today.
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