Issue Update
February 27th, 2008:
We now know that HB 2782 will not be heard before the Education Committee in their meeting today, February 27th, which means the deadline for committee hearings on bills will pass without HB 2782 getting a committee hearing - that means the bill is dead! Our voices were heard, and our lobbying efforts made a difference. Athletic trainers in the State of Arizona will continue to be licensed.
I'd like to thank each of you helped us in our lobbying efforts - Without your response, the profession of athletic training in this state could have been in serious jeopardy.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to all of our "friends" - physicians, school board members, superintendents, parents, etc - who called and wrote letters on our behalf. If you know someone who assisted us, please take the time to thank them in person, or write them a thank you note on behalf of all the athletic trainers in the state.
Finally, if you received support from your representatives in our effort, take the time to send them a thank you note, or make a "thank you" phone call, and let them know that you appreciate their support of the athletic training profession!
We've learned a lot from this experience, and the AzATA is now much better prepared to mount a significant effort on your behalf to protect the profession of athletic training. But in the end, it all comes down to you and your willingness to engage.
In spite of our success, our legislative efforts will continue. We continue to urge you to get involved in local campaigns. If you've been in contact with your representative and you want to know if they're up for election in 2008 because you'd like to help them out, give me a call and we'll give you information about how to get involved. If you're upset with your representative and want to know if someone is running against them, we can help you with that information too. This type of involvement is critical for our future legislative efforts.
On behalf of the AzATA and the Governmental Affairs Committee, thanks again for your support!
John Parsons
Chair, AzATA Governmental Affairs Committee
jparsons@atsu.edu
cell: 480-620-0675
