The Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee
(POTPAC) is a voluntary, non-profit, unincorporated committee
of members of POTA. POTPAC was formed in June, 2003 with the
purpose of furthering the legislative aims of the Association
by influencing or attempting to influence the selection, nomination,
election, or appointment of any individual to any State public
office, and of any occupational therapist, registered, certified
occupational therapy assistant, or occupational therapy student
member of POTA seeking election to public office at any level.
The committee is not affiliated with any political party.
POTA standing alone cannot contribute even a token amount to
a candidate. Through a PAC, we, as occupational therapists, can
solicit and direct the flow of contributions and provide important
assistance to individual candidates for election to State office.
Decisions of Pennsylvania 's General Assembly can and do have
a direct, long-range effect on the occupational therapy profession.
When individuals with mutual interests unite and support candidates
who share those interests, steps toward favorable action can
be encouraged. The candidates who support the profession need
our support. Political involvement enables a us to broaden our
contacts in the legislative and executive branches. Through POTPAC,
occupational therapy practitioners in Pennsylvania have a collective
voice which will be heard in the debates over the ever-expanding
number of health care issues that come before the General Assembly.
What criteria determines which candidates are supported?
Among the factors relied upon by the POTPAC Officers on reaching
decisions regarding which candidates will receive POTPAC support
are the recommendations of Association members and officers.
Among the criteria used to determine which candidates to support,
the POTPAC Officers consider the following factors:
- Is the candidate sympathetic to the goals of the occupational
therapy profession? Has the candidate supported specific proposals
or policies advanced by the profession?
- If an incumbent, does the candidate hold a key position of
responsibility (i.e. chair or member of important committee
or subcommittee; member of majority or minority leadership)?
- If a nonimcumbent, will the candidate pursue assignment to
a key committee or subcommittee, or likely to be in a position
to assist the profession?
POTPAC makes financial contributions to candidates for State
office regardless of party affiliation.
Who are POTPAC Officers?
Chair of POTPAC: Don Walkovich
Treasurer of POTPAC: Jennifer
Jandt-Czemeryk
How does POTPAC raise money?
The majority of money raised by POTPAC is through direct POTA
member contributions. On the application for POTA membership
a space is provided to include a contribution to the PAC. Telemarketing
efforts and mail solicitations are also conducted as feasible
and necessary. Click here for
a POTPAC contribution form (Adobe
Reader required - download for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html).
Have there been any POTPAC victories yet?
We are glad you asked! On May 18, 2004, Governor Rendell signed
into law our optometrist referral bill. It is designated
Act 30 of 2004. Effective 60 days after May 18th, occupational
therapists can accept the referrals of optometrists for therapy,
including low vision therapy. This legislation represents a victory
for occupational therapists in Pennsylvania , and is the first
major change since the Licensure Law in 1982.
How can YOU help?
By becoming politically aware and involved, occupational therapy
practitioners can ensure at least some measure of input into
the decisions that affect their professional lives so directly.
Because of member participation, POTPAC will make a difference,
but it can only be as successful as we choose to make it. Remember
the candidates who support our profession need our support. Please
consider donating to POTPAC now. It is vital that we receive
much more support if we are going to continue to grow and be
active in the political process.
Click here for a POTPAC contribution
form
(Adobe Reader required - download for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)
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