2006 Summer CATA Newsletter

Dear CATA Members:

I sooooo wanted this Summer 2006 edition of our newsletter to be a celebration of our legislative success. I had grand visions of lists of people to thank for our success, an article about what our new law was all about, and some information about how the state was going to begin implementing our new law. But Governor Owens’ actions on “the Memorial Day Massacre” totally changed the focus of this newsletter and the CATA’s activity for the next year.

Governor Owens’ actions were very much a surprise (see my essay The End of HB 1127, later in this newsletter) but not uncommon for a politician such as him. It took our board a good month to be able to even speak calmly about it; and now, six weeks later, we still get the “what ifs” when we are talking. Regardless, what’s done is done and now we have to move forward. That is our task as the chosen leaders of OUR association.

Last week the board met and debriefed. Since our announcement we have received SEVERAL calls, and e-mails responding to our news. All, but one, have been very complimentary and congratulatory for doing as well as we did. EVERY response we have received thanked the people for working as hard on the effort as they did.

While I was concerned with the idea of requesting feedback from the members, I have been very relieved to see that every person who has responded had noticed the hard work being done on behalf of ALL athletic trainers in the state and were very thankful.

As you can see in this newsletter from the several letters of people who played a prominent role in our 2006 legislative campaign they all have been very congratulatory and hope that we will try again in 2007.

In our board meeting the board unanimously voted to continue our legislative efforts for the 2007 session. We hope that the relationships we created, the ground work we laid and the lessons we learned this session would lead to success in the 2007 session. At this meeting we all had significant concerns about a campaign in 2007, but in the end we felt we came too close to not try again. We felt that we owed it to OUR association and OUR profession to attempt passing a law again.

The two primary concerns that the board voiced were the finances of a 2007 campaign AND how the membership will respond to our continued efforts. Both are significant issues. A successful campaign requires money to hire the correct professionals and host appropriate events. But MORE importantly it requires citizens working to invoke change. The CATA did have several members carrying the torch this past time but we need more for 2007. We need such a buzz created that legislators AND the governor will see the need for this type of regulation.

We are now in the initial planning stages for the 2007 campaign. We are asking members who played a role in the 2006 effort their thoughts on what we did well, and what we did not do well. We are also asking them if they would play a role again in the 2007 project.

As of today I have a list of 15 CATA members plus the board who have said “I am in, in 2007”. That list is growing by the day. Following this newsletter and after members review the presentations that I am developing for our website to explain what happened, and the 2007 campaign, I hope to have that list of members who say “I am in, in 2007” grow to AT LEAST 100.

It is my sincere hope that EVERY athletic trainer see that having a strong regulation law of OUR profession will benefit EVERYONE regardless of setting and position; and that they offer to “join the cause”.

We have gained a lot of valuable insight from our exit evaluations. With such, we will be doing some reorganizing and “fine tuning” some of our actions and procedures for 2007. We hope to create an efficient and effective means of communication; and effectively utilize our resources in 2007. These procedures are still being created.

One thing that will make the 2007 campaign immediately different from 2006 is the fact that this is an election year. We will have a NEW governor, and 25% of the legislators will be new for 2007. RIGHT NOW legislators are VERY approachable and willing to listen to the issues. The fact is their jobs depend on them being approachable. This provides a unique opportunity for our association to: confirm support and create new relationships NOW!

By being involved in campaigns of select legislators, whether it be by financial support or “sweat equity” with the candidate we can create VERY STRONG bonds with those politicians who will be reviewing our case in 2007.

Both Charlie Hebeler and Rick Ball have said that coordinated and focused efforts by the CATA will be CRUCIAL to success in 2007. Each of them went as far to say that we “could make or break our effort in 2007, by what we do now”.

With Charlie’s direction we will be working with select candidates and providing support to them. We should be announcing in a very short time, who needs our support, what support they need and how we can provide that.

One legislator that Charlie asked that we back “big time” is Representative Jim Riesburg. He was our bill sponsor in the house and is “in the race of his life” in house district 50. He is running against Dave Owen, who was a senator from the same area, and who voted AGAINST us in the senate (one of only 8 senators who voted NO on HB 1127 in the senate). If Representative Riesburg loses we will be losing a HUGE supporter of athletic trainers and replacing him with a legislator who opposes any regulation of our profession.

On July 24, 2006 Charlie is hosting a fundraiser event for Representative Riesburg, her invitation is included in this newsletter. PLEASE make arrangements to attend this event. Also we will be coordinating providing volunteers (it does not have to be just athletic trainers) to help Representative Riesburg on his campaign. It sounds interesting how we can be involved with a “citizen government”, and honestly I am looking forward to helping out in that campaign. One thing of note… it does not have to be just people from house district 50 who help out in his campaign. I have asked Dominic DiManna to be the captain of the “Support Jim Riesburg” effort, if you are interested in helping out (in any manner) please contact Dominic DiManna.

In Atlanta I met with the national leaders about their help both financially and administratively for our 2007 effort. They have pledged significant support to us; they saw us come too close to not try again and would very much like to see us succeed. I am confident that they will provide the assistance that we deserve for this campaign.

While I would sooooo rather being planning of how we are going to implement our new law right now than to be planning another legislative quest, I am proud of the effort we gave in the 2006 campaign and am optimistic that if we can get the same effort or hopefully bigger and better effort in 2007 we can succeed in passing a bill that is truly an advancement of OUR profession.

I would ask from “my heart” that you get involved with this effort.

Sincerely,

Chris Mathewson

I share your disappointment in the recent decision made by the governor. During March, I had the pleasure to speak with a few of your members and was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and passion shared by each person in your legislative efforts. To a person, everyone I spoke with shared the enthusiasm for the efforts to pass favorable legislation during this past session.

You should take heart in that you were able to convince two thirds of the required areas that your bill was appropriate and needed. My optimism that you will succeed in the coming session is as high as it can be. If you supported the efforts, you should realize your efforts did result in a positive result. If you did not participate, you are needed now more than ever!

Imagine the sense of pride and accomplishment each of you will share when the next governor does sign your bill! Imagine how the public will feel, knowing a licensed professional is helping them when the next governor does sign your bill! Imagine the opportunities that will be made available to every athletic trainer, regardless of your setting, when the next governor does sign your bill! Finally, imagine the sense of ownership you will feel because you helped get the bill passed when the next governor does sign your bill!

You should know how much the NATA and everyone involved in advancing our profession is proud of the efforts of the CATA and you. You should realize that we stand ready to continue to assist you, where we can, in every way possible.

It is much more difficult to grab the brass ring than it is to hold it. This year you had it in your hands but someone knocked it out. The next time, I believe, you will not only grab it but you will hold it!

Having spent almost 30 years in the legislative arena, it should be easy to summon words of consolation over the veto of HB 1127 and encouragement for a renewed effort. Experience has taught me that legislation is an incremental process, that efforts rarely succeed the first time or two, and that each setback builds momentum for the next effort. However, every defeat is crushing and I know it’s hard to marshal renewed enthusiasm.

So I’ll fall back on that experience and tell you that once you’re back in the game, the spirit of competition will take over. You will find that people you talked to before remember you. You will find (if you haven’t already) that legislators respond to their constituents. You will find that it’s easier to talk about your bill now that you’ve gained a deeper understanding of the issues. You will find that what you’re called to do is not as hard, not as expensive, and not as mysterious as it seemed just a year ago. You will find that pride in being part of the larger effort will invigorate you and, more importantly, demonstrate the adage about strength in numbers. As Edward Everett Hale wrote:

I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do
The something that I can do.

I was so surprised and shocked with the action of Governor Bill Owens on May 26, 2006. The governor was misinformed in his reasons why he vetoed HB 1127. I have been serving as the governmental affairs chair for Missouri since 1999 and was past president before that. I understand having set backs in dealing with state government. In 2001 there was I bill in Missouri to add several groups to the Good Samaritan act in Missouri. I went to the Senate hearing and requested that Athletic Trainers be added to this group. I had the Executive Director of the MSHSAA (high School Association), and the Executive Director of the Show-Me State Games (the largest state summer games in the country), testify in favor of this action, and a senator who didn’t know what an athletic trainer does said “Why do you need to be included in this bill, you aren’t even licensed in Missouri.” That was all I needed to go on the offensive. I hope you can do the same. Gov. Owens comments made me mad and I don’t even live in Colorado! So don’t let this set back cause you to give up. It is worth the fight!

You will find it easier to do this the second time. You have already met most of the players in the game. Your lobbyist will give you good direction in working on district and state wide races that will pay off next session. Take a little time off work, or work a few evenings or a weekend for a person running of office or reelection of office. They will remember you helped get them elected. This is one way to help your cause and will not cost you money. You don’t need to change your message. It’s a great one. Keep up the hard work, and next year we will be celebrating a successful outcome.

I want to first congratulate you for your accomplishments during this past legislative session. It is disappointing to be vetoed by the Governor after such an extraordinary effort but you shouldn’t feel defeated by his action. The legislative process can be exhilarating and deflating- usually during the same session! Remember that this process is more like a marathon than a sprint- but equally rewarding when you cross the finish line.

For those members who were engaged during the legislative effort, you are to be commended for your time, expense, and effort that will pay off for the profession of athletic training in Colorado. This however isn’t the end of the line for you- even if you had been successful. Now that you have been involved with legislators I want to encourage you to make this relationship more of an ongoing, lasting one. There will always be issues that you will want to discuss with your elected officials. Hopefully you‘ve realized that these people are indeed approachable and are willing to listen to your concerns. I encourage you to contact your fellow members to recruit them to become active this summer as you will need everyone’s help next session.

Please stay active especially during the upcoming election campaigns. Much of the ground work has already been established as legislators are now educated about athletic training and the need for licensure in your state. It is vital now to strengthen this relationship and offer to help them during their re-election campaign. This year will also provide an opportunity to meet new legislators who are running for office for the first time. Be sure to meet them and discuss your issues in order to decide who you want to support this fall. Remember too that many will welcome your support through working for their campaign- putting up yard signs in your neighborhood, making phone calls in the evening, stuffing envelopes, handing out campaign flyers, etc. In other words you don’t have to make a huge monetary campaign contribution to be an effective supporter.

Stay in touch with your state leadership who will be guided by your lobbyist for the latest strategy that they develop over the summer months. Please contact your regional representative on the state athletic training legislative task force to volunteer what you can in order to help ensure successful passage of your legislation next year.

I have been involved with CATA legislative efforts since 1990. That year I traveled to Denver to meet with your legislative committee, and to testify at a legislative hearing in support of the bill which created your current “exemption.” In subsequent years I consulted with your President and Board, and even made a presentation to the membership at an annual meeting in which I addressed the value and benefit of licensure.

Two years ago, your Board of Directors formally retained me to serve as your legislative consultant in support of the most recent effort to obtain licensure. This has been an extremely enjoyable experience for me, and I have been honored to serve in this role.

Most importantly, this experience and provided me with a tremendous appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the CATA leadership, Legislative Action Task Force, and membership to improving the legal status of athletic training in Colorado through legislative change. The organizational structure created by the Board, and implemented by the LATF, was “state-of-the-art for the profession, and truly created the optimum opportunity for success. I was particularly impressed with the dramatic improvement in this approach as compared with past efforts in your state and in other states.

More significantly, member response to calls for participation in the “grass-roots lobbying” effort was remarkable. You should all take great pride in the fact that, in just one legislative session, you succeeded in establishing your association as a political force to be reckoned with in Colorado. You also created some very important new relationships with legislators from around the state.

I was as disappointed as anyone when I learned of the decision of Governor Owens to veto HB 1127 after it had been passed with considerable support by the legislature. We knew from the beginning that his “political orientation” was potentially problematic, and took steps long before the bill was introduced to enlist his support. He had a history of interaction with some of the most respected (and highest profile) members of the CATA, and of strong interest in both athletics AND athletic training, and we felt we had an excellent chance of overcoming his usual opposition to regulatory measures. Quite frankly, Governor Owens misled us into believing that he would be open-minded about our bill and give it due and appropriate consideration. In the end, “politics” won out.

You now have the choice of giving up in discouragement, and quitting, or of coming back next year with renewed commitment and determination. Your current “legal” status still leaves much to be desired, and the only solution is a regulatory statute creating licensure for your profession. I have been intimately involved with the athletic training profession for nearly three decades, and I know you are not quitters!!!

The biggest challenge we faced this year was that athletic trainers around your state did not have established political relationships with legislators (and the Governor). This is not a problem unique to Colorado, but in an effort of this type, it is critical to develop that foundation ahead of time so that you can take advantage of those relationships in enlisting “political” support for your bill. Fortunately, this is a problem which can be readily solved over the next four months!!

In November, the people of Colorado will elect a new legislature and a new Governor. Many of the same people will return to the legislature, but there will be a new Governor. Over the next four months, the people running for those offices need all the support they can get from people like you. In politics, if you help them get elected, they remember that when you contact them later to ask support for your bill.

There is a gross misconception that only the wealthy and powerful, or people with a lot of spare time, can influence politicians. Nothing could be further from the truth. With a relatively minimal investment of your time, energy and money over the next few months, you can create “friendships” with legislators and the new Governor which will pay enormous dividends when you renew your legislative effort in January of 2007.

Your leadership is committed, you lobbyist is committed, and I’m committed to doing all we can to assure that by this time next year, your profession is licensed and regulated in Colorado. I have every confidence that you will build on the foundation that has been created, and do everything you can in the coming months to develop the “political capital” we need to be successful in that endeavor.

Your leaders are about to launch a campaign to educate you as to the “what, when, how, and with whom” of participation in political campaigns. It will be up to you to take advantage of this great opportunity to assure that your association is not only a political “force,” but has genuine political “influence.” That is what it takes to get laws passed, and I know you can do it!!

So there I was… I had just hung up the phone with Charlie, she had called me to tell me that Governor Owens had just vetoed our bill (HB 1127). My head was spinning. My wife came up and asked me if she heard my conversation right, she thought I was joking. I was dumfounded, Owens signing or at least NOT vetoing our bill was supposed to the least challenging part.

What most people do not know is that the CATA has had his ear since LAST summer. Steve Antonopulos did him and his family favor years ago, and as a result he gave Steve his personal phone number and told him if he ever needed anything, Steve should just call him. With advice/instructions from Charlie, Steve had spoken to Owens a few times since last summer. Steve was laying some MAJOR groundwork, for our bill.

Owens had never strayed from his stance that he is anti-regulation, but he did say that he would look closely at our issues and he knew that healthcare professions do require some regulation. Steve spoke to Owens about halfway through the Senate process. Owens had said that if we made it through the Senate and onto his desk he would listen to us, and “he could be convinced”. Steve is very adept and experienced at talking bluntly and clearly, he really thought we could get his support, or at least his cooperation.

One other special link to the Governor appeared this spring… Keith Dugger of the Rockies had special access to the Governor while he was attending a fantasy baseball camp in Tucson. Keith called me for “instructions”. I immediately put Charlie on the task and we provided Keith with some timely items for Keith to present to Owens. In their conversation Owens said the same thing to Keith, that we has anti regulation but if we made it through the Senate he would listen to us and he could be convinced.

We thought we were sitting pretty well… done with the House and making real progress in the Senate. It looked pretty good for us. IF we could make it through the Senate with at least some Republican support, Owens would see bipartisan action and at the bare minimum he would not have to kill our bill. He could see that this was a needed law and he could stay with his “anti regulation” stance and just not sign the bill, expressing his support.

When we made it through the Senate, Charlie said that we should let the dust settle for a day or so, and then contact Owens and ask for the meeting. Steve called the “private line” and left messages. But he never called us back.

A week had passed and I was starting to worry, but I knew he was busy, and he had taken a few days to call Steve back all the other times. But then we got the news that he killed the bill. I was shocked.

Charlie had always said that in state government a person’s word is a contract and if people break those contracts they are not around long. So when she had “verbal commitments” from the legislators she knew that it was a solid. But she has ALWAYS referred to Owens as “that slippery Governor”. Always. I had so many other things to worry about I never really asked what that meant. Now I know.

“It is about connecting the dots”, Keith Webster, NATA Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman. As you go through the process you find who knows who and who has access or a history to certain legislators. To succeed you need to utilize those relationships. This is a representative government, and it works with relationships.

“This is a marathon, NOT a sprint”. Rick Ball had us well prepared as an association, but no matter how many times he told the BOD that I don’t think we could have known how true that was without living it. That was a LONG five months.

“Creating a new or changing a law should not be easy”. Charlie had said that we would be amazed that anything gets done, because there are so many places you can slip up. It is an amazing process, and every time I thought I could see the light at the end of the tunnel she always pointed out all of the areas we could slip up.

“It is an odd process, but it is fair”. Representative Jim Riesburg said to me that they know this is a goofy process but it is fair. While we did get kicked in the stomach at the end, I would agree with him. I would say that 99% of the time the people we were approaching whether it was via phone, fax, e-mail or letter, were interested and wanted to know what the issues were. Some were quick to decide or judge, but overall they were committed to being a part of a representative government.

Probably the biggest thing I learned was there are a LOT of dedicated and passionate athletic trainers in the state. As we have gone through this legislative process I met MANY athletic trainers from all around the state. I have always referred to the CATA as OUR association, and I really enjoyed meeting and working with so many people that make up OUR association.

Lastly I want to say that I am very proud of the work we did as a state association. We gave an effort that we can and should be proud of. We should not feel ashamed for not succeeding, we gave it our best.

You can always look back and say “what if” we did this or that. But we did what we thought was the best at the time, and we gave 100% effort, all the while doing this as a volunteer activity! That is something that we should be proud of. A couple of us even found time to have babies J.

In closing I would like to thank all of you who participated in our effort, there were so many of you. Thanks.

Wow! What a roller coaster ride this licensure endeavor has been. I never new just how different politics really was until this experience. Yes, we were defeated this time around. Yet, after much thought, I believe it is in the best interest for the CATA and its membership to try, try again. Whether it be protecting the public, protecting our profession, or gaining opportunities for Certified Athletic Trainers’, this bill is too important.

In order for the CATA to be successful in getting this bill passed, it is imperative that we have help, hopefully yours. Yes, you! It will take more than just a few people to get this bill passed. Whether it be a physical appearance at the Capitol, or just writing a letter or making a phone call- every bit helps. Would you please consider helping out in this exciting time? Please let a board member know of your interest in helping-you CAN make a difference.

Let me begin by letting all of you know how much I appreciate the help and support of each and every member during, what I consider to be, a very revolutionary time in the history of the athletic training profession in the state of Colorado.

As you know, we did fall short of our goal of licensure of athletic trainers, however, I am very proud of and committed to the involvement of our membership, and to all those who supported us in our most recent legislative effort.

I am also thankful for the leadership and guidance that we received from very dedicated and knowledgeable people both locally and nationally, serving on groups, committees, testifying to the legislature and serving in many more capacities that are too numerous to count.

I want to thank all of the people outside athletic training, as well as, the legislators who supported our effort. I feel we have nothing to hang our heads about or be ashamed of.

I was, however, bitterly disappointed with the Governor’s decision and felt insulted and broken hearted for the association, our profession and myself. This campaign, after all, was the third time around for a number of our members and myself, with being involved in legislative efforts while a member of the CATA.

Despite these feelings however, I believe that in the legislative session of 2007, the CATA can and should move ahead and put our bill before the legislature for a second time. We have a wonderful lobbyist, in Charlie Hebeler, a knowledgeable and committed consultant in Rick Ball, a solid legislative action plan, committees and support from members, and I believe the support of enough legislators to pass our bill. Most of all, we have a membership of over 600 athletic trainers in the state of Colorado. Our greatest asset is in our numbers!

I believe that the changes that will occur in the legislature and in the Governor’s office in 2007 give us every reason to be encouraged that we will be successful in our efforts this time around. I have committed myself, as have the other members of your Bard of Directors, to re introducing our bill in 2007 and staying with the process until our goals as an association and as a profession our achieved.

I think the purpose of this letter is to ask you, the membership, to take this unique opportunity to examine your professional and personal goals and to realize that your involvement in the association at this time in our history will allow you to share in shaping the profession both locally and nationally. You have the opportunity to have a long lasting effect on our profession for many years into the future. Again, as I said before, we have every reason to be optimistic. If everyone is involved we have strength in numbers!!!

Please share with me, your Board of Directors and the other members of your profession the pleasure in assisting the CATA during this wonderful time in our history. We need to be a group of many as opposed to a group of a few.

Thanks again for your friendship, support and involvement with your association now and in the future. It is a heartfelt honor and my pleasure to serve you as a member of your Board of Directors.

The NATA Governmental Affairs Committee sponsors an award for outstanding governmental affairs efforts. In early February 2006 Jennifer Dougherty approached the CATA BOD saying she felt as if the Colorado LATF was deserving of national recognition for their efforts. The CATA BOD agreed and asked her to prepare the application and I would submit it on behalf of the CATA BOD.

At the Atlanta NATA Meeting the Colorado Athletic Trainers Association was awarded the NATA Governmental Affairs Committee “Outstanding Governmental Affairs Efforts in 2005” Award. Below is what Judy Pulice, National Manager, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the NATA wrote in her letter to me that went with the award.

“Enclosed is the 2005 Governmental Affairs Award, presented by the NATA Governmental Affairs Committee. Congratulations on your effort.

Your tireless effort and that of your Legislative Action Task Force are to be commended. While the action of Governor Owens is a huge disappointment, you may be sure that it does not reflect on the hard work and strategy of CATA.

It is an axiom in legislative circles that it takes seven years to pass a bill in Washington. Well, sometimes it takes that or more in state legislature. I hope that this setback will not dissuade your membership from making another run at it. Other states have faced the daunting task of beginning again and learned that a veto is just another step in the process.

Again please accept the congratulations of the entire Governmental Affairs Committee. This award and your state will be highlighted at the Annual Symposium in Atlanta.”

The next election will be in 2008 for the offices of Vice President, Secretary and one

At Large position. Nominations for this election will open during the 2007 Business Meeting.

Congratulations to the following 2006 student scholarship award recipients. Each student will receive a $500 scholarship.

Dan Libera Memorial Scholarship: Genadine Toves - Widefield High School, to attend the University of Northern Colorado

Jim Conboy Memorial Scholarship: Morgan Collins - currently attending Mesa State

Opportunities for Continuing Education are available, and the registration deadlines are approaching. Check out the following links for further information.