Washington Update Speaking Up for Children through Advocacy Zach Laris, MPH, Policy Associate Devin Miller, Advocacy & Public Affairs Assistant May 2017 Setting the Stage 1
ADVOCACY IS A team sport. Success depends on coordination, amplification and mobilization. An integral part of taking care of children. From the earliest days of the profession of pediatrics, advocacy has been trained and mentored. Needed at the individual, community, state and federal levels. Whether in the clinic, at the school board, state house or U.S. Capitol, children s health needs championing. Essential because children don t vote or have well-funded Super PACs. PEDIATRICIANS AS ADVOCATES Credible Nonpartisan Experts: you know what children need A voice for patients who can t speak up for themselves 2
CURRENT POLITICAL LANDSCAPE Republicans control White House, Senate and House White House has broad administrative/regulatory power Majority rules in House; Democrats have little influence Senate Democrats minority power HOUSE Change: Democrats +5 SENATE Change: Democrats +2 Republicans Democrats 241 194 Republicans Democrats 52 48 Votes Needed to Move: Anything 218 115TH CONGRESS Votes Needed to Move: Most Legislation 60 Budget Reconciliation 50 Supreme Court Nominees 50 All Other Nominees 50 3
AAP s Priorities HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY AAP 4 Part Strategy 1)Engaging chapters Reaching out to governors 2) Building coalitions Medical societies Child health groups 3) Mobilizing members Quick and intentional action 4) Speaking out for child health Pragmatic boldness, pick battles Be first, be right, be credible 4
HISTORIC RATE OF INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN ACCESS TO CARE Urging Congress to start a new process Protecting Medicaid Reauthorizing CHIP Chapter and grassroots engagement critical 5
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT House passed AHCA, party-line $880 billion Medicaid cut Eliminates core patient protections AAP and primary care partners oppose 6
AHCA Process moves to the Senate, 6-week lead time to prep Your advocacy was critical- Thank You! AAP is weighing in extensively Chapter advocates are essential Adding Your Voice 7
ADVOCACY NOTONE SIZE FITS ALL! Grassroots advocacy Media and social media advocacy In-person meetings with members of Congress & legislative staff GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY AAP Key Contact Network Targeted action alerts & weekly federal legislative updates Visit federaladvocacy.aap.org 8
MEDIA ADVOCACY Write an op-ed or letterto-the-editor Proactively follow your local newspaper s coverage of child health issues Keep a journal of compelling patient stories The children I care for have something else in common in addition to their reliance on Medicaid. They cannot vote They are relying on the adults in our state to let our elected representatives know that Medicaid matters. - Valerie Borum Smith, MD, FAAP SPEAK UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA Nearly 600 tweetiatricians! Share & amplify child health messages Accounts to follow: @AmerAcadPeds @AAPPres @DrRemleyAAP @AAPNews @HealthyChildren 9
RECESS NEXT WEEK: IN-DISTRICT MEETINGS Congressional recess: Next week! May 29 June 2 Schedule an indistrict visit with your legislators or attend a town hall Toolkit has all you need! Members of NJ delegation at 2017 Legislative Conference. PROTECTING CHILDREN S COVERAGE TOOLKIT Key messages: Oppose AHCA and keep Medicaid strong Update on political landscape Upcoming dates & advocacy opportunities Template email and talking points Template op-ed guidelines Sample social media posts & graphics Latest resources and data on children s coverage Go to federaladvocacy.aap.org 10