AGA to form political action committee

Abstract

The AGA is forming a political action committee (PAC). A PAC, also known as a Separate Segregated Fund (SSF), collects funds to contribute to candidates for office and must be maintained in an account separated from the operating account of its parent organization, according to Michael Roberts, AGA Vice-President for Public Policy.“We carefully considered what types of programs and initiatives we could put in place that would give us greater voice when advocating for the needs of gastroenterologists after candidates are elected. In addition to continuing to develop our grassroots program, we thought it very important to establish a political action committee,” Roberts says.Forming a PAC entails legal changes, as well as changes to AGA bylaws. In the next month, via mail, AGA members will be asked to vote on this and other changes to the bylaws. “Our members will drive the success of the PAC through their voluntary contributions to it. Once we do have a healthy fund, a PAC board will consider requests and recommendations for specific members of Congress, Roberts explains.Roberts notes that more than 25 medical specialties have PACs, while preserving their educational and academic missions. He points out that when represented by a strategic, well-run PAC, a medical specialty is at a distinct advantage when advocating for physicians’ needs on Capitol Hill. As to likely PAC-related initiatives, Roberts sees NIH funding and adequate [medical care] reimbursement as key initiatives. Further information on AGA’s PAC formation will appear in AGA eDigest. The AGA is forming a political action committee (PAC). A PAC, also known as a Separate Segregated Fund (SSF), collects funds to contribute to candidates for office and must be maintained in an account separated from the operating account of its parent organization, according to Michael Roberts, AGA Vice-President for Public Policy. “We carefully considered what types of programs and initiatives we could put in place that would give us greater voice when advocating for the needs of gastroenterologists after candidates are elected. In addition to continuing to develop our grassroots program, we thought it very important to establish a political action committee,” Roberts says. Forming a PAC entails legal changes, as well as changes to AGA bylaws. In the next month, via mail, AGA members will be asked to vote on this and other changes to the bylaws. “Our members will drive the success of the PAC through their voluntary contributions to it. Once we do have a healthy fund, a PAC board will consider requests and recommendations for specific members of Congress, Roberts explains. Roberts notes that more than 25 medical specialties have PACs, while preserving their educational and academic missions. He points out that when represented by a strategic, well-run PAC, a medical specialty is at a distinct advantage when advocating for physicians’ needs on Capitol Hill. As to likely PAC-related initiatives, Roberts sees NIH funding and adequate [medical care] reimbursement as key initiatives. Further information on AGA’s PAC formation will appear in AGA eDigest.