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A Note from the Chairman
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David Tesmer
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Based on a number of public opinion polls, it appears that voters are looking for a “do-over” for the 2012 elections. Voters can transform the Texas Legislature and the Texas Congressional Delegation in the 2012 elections. Did you know that the Texas House of Representatives has 25 incumbents not returning? And on top of these retirements, the new legislative maps recently created by the federal courts paired incumbents in 12 districts and created 13 new districts with no incumbent. That means before any elections occur, there potentially will be 38 new members of the Texas House. The 31-member Texas Senate also will have at least four new members since incumbents are not returning.
Given the outcome of the 2011 state legislative session, major changes in the composition of the Texas Legislature could provide a more balanced body, where meeting citizens’ needs and adequately funding state government are desired outcomes. This is a crucial time, and hospital stakeholders need to get involved and exert influence on the political process.
You can help HOSPAC prepare for the 2012 elections in two ways. First, contribute to HOSPAC to ensure that significant monies are available to donate to health care friendly candidates. Even if you have already contributed, please give a little more or get others in your sphere of influence to participate.
Second, you can get to know the candidates in your area, and educate them about health care policy issues. Then, provide the HOSPAC board your feedback to help guide our endorsement decisions. (See related story.)
And last but not least, Jim Summersett takes over as chairman of the HOSPAC Board on Jan. 1. It has indeed been an honor and privilege to chair the HOSPAC Board these past two years. We’ve made great progress in our fundraising, and our influence. I’d like Jim to come into office with full coffers so that HOSPAC can make a real difference in the 2012 elections. You can make a difference by working with your friends and colleagues to meet HOSPAC’s 2011 fundraising goals. We set the bar high, and I know that working together, we will deliver! Achieving the fundraising goals set by our HOSPAC Board will demonstrate the successful “make-over” of HOSPAC that we have achieved together these past two years.
As always, please accept my sincere thanks for your leadership, participation and support. Let’s end 2011 on a high note!
David Tesmer
Chairman, HOSPAC Board of Directors
Preparing for the 2012 Elections
HOSPAC already is engaged in the 2012 primary elections and subsequent 2012 General Election. Hospital advocates are encouraged to look at this list to see if any open seats are in your hospital’s area. HOSPAC can help you engage with your elected officials and/or candidates in your area. The majority of seats will be decided in the March 6 primary elections, so now is the time to get involved and support HOSPAC.
HOSPAC also is meeting with candidates running for open seats or different offices. The HOSPAC staff has met with more than 27 Texas House, Texas Senate and Texas Congressional Delegation candidates since September. In addition to assessing their interest in health care issues and their priorities, HOSPAC is strongly encouraging candidates to meet with their local hospital executives and emphasizing that HOSPAC endorsements are made with the input of the local THA member hospitals.
Hospitals across the state should be doing two things. First, you should meet the candidates for elected office in your community. Invite them to visit your hospital, and show them the good work you do. Assess their interest in health care, and their willingness to provide the financial resources needed to deliver high quality health care. Be sure you provide your insights and assessment to HOSPAC’s Jennifer Banda, J.D., or Wendy Thomas.
Second, in January, host a voter registration drive. HOSPAC will have resource materials available on its Website by Jan. 1. Your hospital also could volunteer with your local election officials to be an early or election day voting site.
HOSPAC Recognition, Activities at THA Annual Conference and Expo
Individual contributors as well as hospitals and health systems that meet their 2011 fundraising goal will be recognized in THA and HOSPAC publications and at THA's 2012 Annual Conference and Expo, Feb. 1-2 in Austin. Funds must be received by Dec. 19 for contributors to be listed in conference publications.
In addition, HOSPAC will present its HOSPAC Star Award during the Town Hall Luncheon on Feb. 1. The award honors a HOSPAC member who works hard to elevate HOSPAC in Texas politics. Please contact Jennifer Banda if you would like to nominate someone for the Star Award. Previous recipients include Mike Williams, Peggy Allison and Don Beeler.
Hospitals Reach HOSPAC Goals
Congratulations to the 24 hospitals and health systems that have reached their HOSPAC goals for 2011!
If your hospital is not among that elite group, it’s not too late. HOSPAC works on a calendar year, and you can end the year right by pushing forward to reaching your goal. Every Texas Hospital Association-member hospital has a HOSPAC fundraising goal based on $2 per FTE, with a $500 minimum per hospital. To see those who have reached their goal and what your own hospital has raised toward its individual goal, go to www.hospac.org/rankings.
Hospital leaders and their management teams are encouraged to join HOSPAC.
THAT Award Presented to Rep. Coleman
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| Rep. Garnet Coleman, left, received his fifth Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute award on Sept. 14 in San Antonio. Jennifer Banda, vice president of advocacy, public policy and HOSPAC for the Texas Hospital Association, right, presented the award which recognizes Rep. Coleman for his legislative accomplishments on behalf of health care during the regular and special sessions of the 82nd Texas Legislature this year. Pat Carrier, president/chief executive officer of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, next to Coleman, and THA President/CEO Dan Stultz, M.D., FACP, FACHE, helped congratulate the winner. |
State Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) received the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute award during a Sept. 14 reception at the Omni San Antonio Colonnade hotel. The event was held in conjunction with the Texas Rural Health Forum to highlight Rep. Coleman’s important role in passing legislation giving rural hospitals the option to employ physicians and improve access to medical care in rural communities.
In addition to his work to allow employment of physicians, Rep. Coleman was active in legislation address Medicaid funding, end-of-life care and mental health. He served as chairman of the House County Affairs Committee, and is the ranking member of the House Public Health Committee.
One of five recipients chosen from the 2011 session, Rep. Coleman is a five-time winner, having received Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute awards in 1999, 2001, 2007 and 2009.
HOSPAC Members Have Breakfast with Rep. Sarah Davis
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| THA’s John Hawkins, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, left, joined Houston HOSPAC members Rebekah Schroeder, Texas Children’s Hospital; Jeff Holland, Bayshore Medical Center; Rep. Sarah Davis; Rex Everett, Team Health; Brian Sanders, Harris County Hospital District; and Gary Stankowski, PPO Check, for the Nov. 4 event. |
HOSPAC held its first “members only” breakfast with Rep. Sarah Davis (R-Houston) on Nov. 4 in a private room at Brennan’s in Houston. Attendees had the chance to have personal dialogue with Rep. Davis, who serves on the House Public Health Committee and represents a portion of Harris County, including the Texas Medical Center. This breakfast was part of HOSPAC’s new strategy to better integrate fundraising with grassroots events connecting THA members and their local legislators. Watch for monthly breakfasts in 2013 and contact HOSPAC staff if you would like to meet with a legislator in your region.
HOSPAC Staff Reorganized
Effective Sept. 1, the HOSPAC staff was reorganized. Jennifer Banda, J.D., who is the secretary-treasurer of HOSPAC, was promoted to vice president of Advocacy, Public Policy & HOSPAC. In her new role, she oversees the operation of HOSPAC’s state and federal activities.
Wendy Thomas has moved into the role of manager of Advocacy, Public Policy & HOSPAC. She coordinates HOSPAC fundraising, and is focused on grassroots, working to integrate advocacy, HOSPAC, elected officials and THA’s hospital members.
Jennifer O’Neil was named Advocacy & Government Relations specialist, the position previously held by Thomas. O’Neil provides administrative support for all of THA’s government relations, public policy and advocacy communications staff, as well as works on HOSPAC.
Lisa Kepple, former director of Political Education, resigned in August, for personal reasons.
Mark Your Calendar
Dec. 13 – HOSPAC Contributors’ Breakfast with Sen. Robert Deuell, M.D., Greenville (invitation only)
Jan. 10 – HOSPAC Contributors’ Breakfast with Sen. Dan Patrick, Houston (invitation only)
Jan. 31 – HOSPAC Board makes endorsements for 2012 elections
Jan. 31 – HOSPAC Reception in conjunction with THA Annual Conference and Expo, Hilton Austin Hotel. Rep. John Zerwas, M.D., will be the featured speaker.
Feb. 1 – Presentation of HOSPAC Star Award in conjunction with the THA Annual Conference and Expo, Austin Convention Center.
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