Advocating for our members is an important aspect of meeting the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) mission. This means ensuring not only our members, but policymakers have the information they need to make informed decisions when presented with healthcare related legislation. Therefore, each year SDAHO embarks on a state-wide tour hosting legislative forums in different communities. This past December the SDAHO advocacy team traveled to Yankton, Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, Rapid City, Pierre, in addition to hosting a virtual meeting. These legislative forums allowed attendees to hear about issues important to healthcare communities, see relative healthcare data, take note of what issues SDAHO expects to take center stage, and ask questions.
Attendees included both SDAHO members, returning and new lawmakers, allowing all to ask questions to better understand the issues before heading to the state capitol. Tammy Hatting, SDAHO’s COO says connecting with our members and lawmakers prior to the legislative session is an important part of educating our legislators on the top issues facing our healthcare providers. “Prior to each legislative session, SDAHO visits communities across the state to engage with policymakers and connect our members to representatives in their district. I appreciate those who can join us at the legislative forums, and I think it is a great way to share stories and network with each other in an informal setting.” Tim Rave, SDAHO CEO, says the legislative forums are a good tool to help educate everyone involved on some very complex issues. In addition Rave says many of SDAHO’s members are able to attend these events – giving lawmakers the opportunity to hear firsthand the challenges impacting the healthcare industry. “We appreciate the opportunity to connect not only with our members during these legislative forums, but to introduce our lawmakers to our members. Many of the bills that are discussed could impact the work they do and access to care for patients. It’s important we can bring everyone together to better understand the issues that impact healthcare communities.”
The 98th South Dakota Legislative session will kick off on Tuesday January 10, 2023, with Governor Kristi Noem’s State of the state Address. There are several healthcare related issues expected to come up during this year’s legislative session:
- Medicaid Expansion
- Abortion Legislation
- Food Tax Repeal
- Medical Marijuana
- Medical Conscience
- Vaccinations.
To stay on top of issues important to the healthcare community visit the SDAHO Advocacy webpage. There members have access to the Bill Tracker, which is a real time bill tracking tool that provides members with direct links to bills with details regarding a bills journey through the legislative process and more. SDAHO has many resources for our members to help keep you connected during the legislative session. Follow SDAHO on all our Social Media Platforms.
- Facebook @sdahoSD
- LinkedIn @SDAHO
- Twitter @SDAHO
- Instagram @sdaho_org
- YouTube @sdaho9194
Sign up for SDAHO’s Unified Voice. This weekly newsletter will provide news and events during the legislative session, including social media and website posting you may have missed earlier in the week. Scan the QR code to subscribe.
NEW this session – the SDAHO advocacy weekly video update. At the end of each week, the SDAHO Advocacy Team will provide a short, recorded message to with information on bills our members need to know about in addition to what is coming the following week. Look for this exciting new communication tool on our website and our social media platforms.
SDAHO looks forward to representing all our members this legislative session. If you need to connect with the SDAHO Advocacy Team or have questions, please contact Communication Manager, Stephanie Rissler, Stephanie.Rissler@sdaho.org
