LOBBY DAY 2007

CNMA is pleased to report that its 5th annual Lobby Day, held on April 23, 2007, was a success due to the combined efforts of Political Solutions’ Angela Wagner and CNMA board members B. J. Snell, Ruth Mielke, Susan Stone, Barbara Boehler, and Candace Curlee. In one afternoon, CNMA covered nearly 45% of all Senate and Assembly offices with 56 legislative visits!

Fifty CNMs and student nurse midwives met in the State Capitol for the morning kickoff.   Angela Wagner & Stacy Dwelley from Political Solutions briefed the attendees with a review of the agenda followed by BJ Snell who gave an update of legislation supported by CNMA and passed last year.  Preparation for legislative visits included discussion of bills supported by CNMA this year which are:  AB 139 -Medical Examinations:  Physician Assistants and Registered Advanced Practice Nurses and AB 741- Infant mortality:  Interpregnancy Care.  Leslie Cragin gave a brief overview of changes that may influence CNMA in the proposed revisions that have been suggested in ACNM By-Laws.

Highlights of the morning included a welcome address by Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass, author of both bills discussed in the legislative visits who also presented the Nurse-Midwifery Week Resolution. To follow, Herb Schultz, Senior Health Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger, gave a substantive overview of the governor’s health care reform package including a lively question and answer period with attendees.

Lobby day attendees enjoyed a “working lunch” sponsored by Organon at Spataro Restaurant during which Ken Knowles of Organon gave an informative presentation about the new contraceptive system Implanon.

Following lunch eight groups of nurse-midwives descended on the Capitol for visits with selected representatives and senators.   CNMs were able to educate their legislative members or their legislative aides on nurse-midwifery practice in California and present CNMA supported bills in order to garner additional support.

Lobby Day 2007 concluded with a lovely wine and cheese reception at Political Solutions, where we debriefed on group’s visits and congratulated ourselves for another successful CNMA Lobby Day.

Assemblywoman Karen Bass welcomes CNMA members
to their 5th Lobby Day in Sacramento.

CNMA members are prepared for lobby day by Angela Wagner
and Marc Keller of Political Solutions.

BJ Snell, CNM, CNMA legislative chair and Angela Wagner
present legislative update to attendees.

Herb Schultz, Gov. Schwarzenegger's lead health care adviser,
fields CNMA member questions on  plans for health care reform in California.

Leslie Cragin, CNM, ACNM Regional 6 representative gives
national update to CNMA.

Ruth Mielke, CNM, CNMA president and Angela Wagner
welcome attendees to CNMA's 5th Lobby Day.