PA Policy Priorities: Ways to Support

The next few months are critical for several policy efforts in PA. Below are the action opportunities for your review so you can decide how to best support our efforts.

Breathe Free PA Issue Chat: There has been tremendous progress in removing exemptions in Pennsylvania’s state law. We are hopeful the legislature will quickly take up the legislation when they return in September. It is time to show smoking the door!  Action: RSVP for the July 19 issue chat at 8:30am.  Registration link: http://act.yourethecure.org/gIcWXLH

Congressional August Recess: At our recent Congressional Lobby Day in DC, advocates spoke in favor of expanding cardiac rehab and telemedicine for stroke, as well as healthcare reform. The American Heart Association will continue to evaluate proposals to ensure it provides adequate, affordable and accessible care for all. During this recess period, we need volunteers to meet in-district (locally) with congressional members.  Action: Email Cresha Auck Foley at [email protected] if you are interested in meeting with your congressional member any time during August. Materials will be provided on the issues.

State Agenda Issue Chat: Every year, each state assesses our current issue priorities to determine opportunities for policy change. This issue chat will discuss the 2017-18 Pennsylvania Policy Agenda. We’ll review the issues, as well action opportunities. Action:  RSVP for the August 17 at noon issue chat. Registration link: http://act.yourethecure.org/eLhDArQ

Advocates in Action: Fall Training and Advocacy Day: Join us for a unique event on September 25 and 26 in Harrisburg. On the first day, we’ll provide advocate training to make it easier to impact policy change. On day two, we’ll host an advocacy day. With the return of legislators from summer recess, this should allow us to propel our smoke free issue forward. Action: Register for the Advocates in Action Fall Event.  Registration link: http://act.yourethecure.org/nMb5qrf

Key Contact/Organizational Contact: We are looking for relationships you may have that could help our policy efforts. When you share your relationships, we’ll follow up to discuss in greater detail. What is a key contact? A key contact is someone who has a personal or professional relationship with a federal or state legislator, and who is willing to contact the legislator on behalf of American Heart Association legislative issues.  Are you a friend, relative, supporter or business associate of a legislator? Action: Watch for details.