Info on RN/APN PAC from TNP

The special session of the 82nd Texas Legislature came to a close nearly a month ago and its time to get back to work and prepare for the future. The legislative process is a fascinating, yet confusing business. To be successful, it takes coalitions, an active association membership, lobbyists, and political action committees. Through the summer months I will periodically send updates on how you can get involved and help your chosen profession. This particular edition is on the need for political action committees. You may not be aware but the Texas Nurse Practitioners are part of the RN/APN multi-organizational PAC. A PAC is an entity that allows for groups to raise money for the purpose of making direct contributions to candidates that support our cause. This is a crucial part of the legislative process, which also helps voters ensure that like-minded candidates are elected or re-elected to office. This past year has seen the Texas Nurse Practitioners make great strides. We hired a Director of Public Affairs, two talented and respected lobby firms, built a strong coalition with various groups, and actually attached a favorable amendment that passed the House of Representatives TWICE. The problem is that our opponents, the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Academy of Family physicians also have competent staff and talented lobbyists presenting their story to members of the legislature. They also have a sizable PAC that through the last election cycle donated more than 1 million dollars. The RN/APN PAC donated less than $70,000. This disparity is a distinct disadvantage and one that we need to work to close. We don’t have to raise a million dollars, we just need to do better than we have done. Former President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Every man owes part of his time and money to the business or industry to which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” The RN/APN PAC is vital to our cause and should not be taken lightly. If you truly want to see success at the legislature, start by contributing today the RN/APN PAC. If you want to contribute to the RN/APN PAC, you can do so by clicking on this link and contributing online https://m360.texasnurses.org/admin/forms/ViewForm.aspx?id=22636 or by check made payable to the Texas RN/APN PAC and sending it to 7600 Burnet Rd., Suite 440, Austin, Texas 78757.

Your donation is not tax deductible but will go a long way in helping us build relationships with legislators. See you in Fort Worth.

David H. Williams Public Affairs Director Texas Nurse Practitioners