Congress will be going into fall recess, and most state legislatures have completed their work for 2014. Now is a great time to build and strengthen relationships at home. With campaign season peaking, there’s an abundance of local opportunities to see your state- and federal-elected officials, including both fundraisers and free public programs. Lawmakers want to hear from constituents in their districts. This is the time to talk about the crucial policy issues affecting access to specialty care. The ACR encourages you to make the most of this time by reaching out to connect with your lawmakers at local events, at their regular coffee hours or just at a one-on-one meeting to build working relationships. Signing up for your elected official’s newsletter is also a great way to stay connected. For tips and information on advocacy, go to our Legislative Action Center at rheumatology.org/ACR/advocacy or contact ACR advocacy staff at [email protected].
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Speak Up This Summer
Congress continues to make health policy decisions that directly affect you and your patients. It is critical that rheumatology professionals speak up about patient access to quality care, physician payment reform, research funding, and the multitude of concerns you and your colleagues face every day. Congress is on summer recess August 8–September 5, so now is the perfect time to reach out to your legislators and educate them on issues affecting the rheumatology community.