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I would like to offer a quick update to the legislative
process.
First: Our bill will be heard in the Appropriations Committee on Friday
Feb 17th. It will then go to the House Floor... could be as soon as Monday Feb
20th.
Second: It is crucial that as many Representatives get calls or emails
ASAP! (Reps most important now, Senators more important later)
If there is no "BUZZ" about this bill it could fail!
I know it is tuff to get people to respond but we must continue trying...plead
with them...help them understand the importance at this stage!
We are doing great so far BUT...the most likely reason for a Rep. to vote NO is
that they have not heard from constituents!
At some point you should have heard from your communication group leader on our
legislative action task force to tell you who your state legislators are and how
you can get hold of them. If you have not moved or anything like that then the
information is still the same, but we are learning that several members have
moved since we created that database. The best way to learn who your state
legislators CURRENTLY are is… go to the NATA website
www.nata.org ; enter the members only
section, and go to the legislation page. On this page there is an option to find
who your representative and senator is both on the state and national level.
This link will provide you all the necessary contact information.
PLEASE take the time to contact your state legislator. This is a CRUCIAL step
in our legislative process!!
Also encourage, parents, coaches, neighbors, friends to place a call or send an
email...make it simple for them to do so.
I have included a sample email again to be sent to a legislator...personalize it
and get it out ASAP!
Representative/Senator _______,
Hello, I am (NAME) , live in (TOWN) and am a constituent in your district. I am
also member of the Colorado Athletic Trainers Association.
I am writing to ask for your support of a bill being presented in this 2006
session for the regulation of Athletic Trainers, it is HB1127 "Athletic
Trainer Practice Act".
Athletic Trainers are allied health professionals educated and trained in the
prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries.
Athletic Trainers work in a variety of settings including hospitals and clinics,
secondary schools and colleges, military, occupational and
industrial environments as well as professional sports.
I feel this bill is important because:
1. It will protect the public from harm, especially including the children and
patients in the educational settings.
2. It will provide healthy competition in the market of rehabilitative/injury
healthcare.
3. Athletic trainers will be regulated in the same manner as other health care
professionals who provide similar services.
4. It will help assure that those who have been properly educated and prepared
to do so will be practicing athletic training.
Thanks in advance for your attention to this bill,
(NAME)
Certified Athletic Trainer
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact
either myself or Jennifer Dougherty (303) 908-6303
jdougherty-atc@mindspring.com
Thank you.
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