Ohio Speech and Hearing Governmental Affairs Coalition  
(OSHGAC):

OSHGAC (Ohio Speech and Hearing Governmental Affairs Coalition) is a coalition consisting of OSLHA (Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association), AAO (Aphasiology Association of Ohio), OAA (Ohio Academy of Audiology), and OCSHA (Ohio Council of Speech and Hearing Administrators). Its purpose is to monitor and provide timely input to legislative, regulatory, and governmental activity which impacts on our profession. OSHGAC has hired a lobbying group, Governmental Policy Group, to assist OSHGAC in implementing their goals. Brooke Cheney and Linda Kemp are the two lobbyists working closely with OSHGAC to identify key issues, upcoming legislation, and developing action plans for dealing with the legislature and state government. The lobbyists work to promote passage of bills or amendments as directed by OSHGAC and its member organizations. Conversely, they work to oppose legislation detrimental to the interests of the member associations. Brooke and Linda also arrange meetings between key legislators and representatives of the OSHGAC member organizations. Brooke and Linda also are willing to provide training in lobbying and political action for the leadership of OSHGAC member organizations.

OSHGAC meets monthly in Columbus and receives a report from the lobbyists concerning their promotion of the legislative agenda set forth by OSHGAC and/or the member organizations and inform OSHGAC members of progress of legislative activity and current status of legislation. Recent legislative activities which involved OSHGAC members includes funding for school based speech and language services, universal hearing screening, and medicaid reimbursements. New issues are discussed and developed with the assistance of the lobbyists at these monthly meetings. OSHGAC annually reviews the performance of the lobbying group we have hired.

Some of the grassroots efforts supported by OSHGAC include the annual legislative breakfast which has proven to be an effective forum for meeting and influencing your local legislators. We also honor the legislator identified by OSHGAC and the lobbyists as "Legislator of the Year" at the breakfast. Because of legislative term limits, there are frequently new legislators and/or committees to court and educate concerning speech/language/hearing issues. In addition to the legislative breakfast, OSHGAC has, within the last year, initiated a political pledge program which is used to support legislative lobbying efforts, mostly to elect legislators favorable to our position on key issues affecting our profession. The pledge program enrollment form simply state that you would be willing to be contacted for financial support for issues relating to our professions. OSHGAC identifies individuals and/or issues in need of support and contacts those members enrolled in the political pledge program for contributions if they feel they can support the legislator or issues for which support is being solicited. Contributions are entirely voluntary and those contributions targeting a specific campaign earn a tax credit of up to $100 on your Ohio State Income tax (for a joint return). Show us your support for OSHGAC and its activities by enrolling in the Political Pledge Program now. It's a win-win proposition for you and your profession. You can have a direct impact on issues affecting you profession and receive a tax break as well. Support OSHGAC as well by providing your representatives on the OSLHA Legislative Council with legislative, governmental, and regulatory concerns that we can take forward to OSHGAC. Remember, we represent you and need to have your input and concerns to serve you better. The lobbying efforts of OSHGAC are but one of the ways OSLHA is working to promote and improve speech/language/hearing professionals. Let your voice be heard!

For more information e-mail:
Kristen Brown, Director of Public Policy