• discuss relevant issues

• share your views

• offer to serve as their health policy advisor

 

Legislators want to hear from you. The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians is a recognized voice representing you in Springfield. This is your opportunity to place a face and name to our organization for legislators and raise their level of awareness about our issues.

Who are key legislators? Individuals who either chair or sit on a committee that discusses healthcare policy or budget appropriations are the first tier legislators in most bills that we consider. They are also lead spokesmen for their party or part of either chamber's leadership. But every legislator gets a vote when a bill gets out of committee and reaches the floor. By educating your legislator, you can ensure he or she can vote with confidence.

Some tips on meeting with legislators:

• Call ahead and schedule an appointment at the district office. If you can't meet with the legislator, ask to meet with his or her health policy advisor

• Arrive on time, and bring information to leave behind. Two fact sheets on related issues are in this packet that you can share. Be sure to include your business card.

• Legislators are busy. Be brief and be gone are not far from the truth! You may have an opportunity to talk about three issues. More likely, you'll leave behind the background information and only have time to discuss one or two topics.

• Share anecdotal stories about patients and how issues affect the lives of the people you treat, who are also constituents and of direct concern for legislators.

Gordana Krkic, VP Government Relations
Phone: 630-435-0257 or 800-826-7944
gkrkic@iafp.com

Cook-Witter, Inc. IAFP lobbying firm
217-789-2434
Randy Witter, Bruce Kinnett and Betsy Mitchell

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