ARTICLE
The 88th Texas Legislative Session kicked off a few weeks ago. As the Texas Chiropractic Association’s Legislative Affairs Committee Chair, let me assure you that TCA is working extremely hard for Texas chiropractors and to ensure all Texans have access to chiropractic care. Because of TCA and our army of supporters, past issues such as your right to diagnose patients and to treat nerve-related conditions – which posed a real threat to the future of the chiropractic profession in the Lone Star State – are a thing of the past. But that doesn’t mean we’re done … not by a long way! TCA’s agenda for this season is ambitious, with lofty goals such as defending Texans’ ability to choose chiropractic care and curbing the opioid epidemic that is raging across our country through conservative, non-pharmalogical care. If TCA prevails, these would be mega wins for you and your patients. TCA also is fighting to protect your right to perform chiropractic acupuncture, participate on school district concussion oversight teams, be included in the Designated Doctor program, and much more! But TCA cannot do it alone. Our past – and future successes – depend on you: TCA members and ALL Texas chiropractors. That means attending TCA Legislative Day on Thursday, February 16, at the State Capitol in Austin. TCA Legislative Day is THE biggest day of the year for Texas chiropractors. This is when the chiropractic community unites to promote our profession. TCA’s advocacy team sets up meetings with members of the Texas Legislature. The goal is to educate elected officials about chiropractic and to drum up support for TCA’s pro-chiropractic initiatives. Let me be clear: this isn’t just a field trip. If you sign up for TCA Legislative Day, you will actively participate in meetings with your state senator and representative and make your voice heard loud and clear. When chiropractors show up and speak in unison, it makes a major impact. Never been to TCA Legislative Day? Don’t worry, we have you covered. We will offer a virtual Advocacy 101 webinar on Thursday, February 16, to show you how to be a chiropractic advocate. On TCA Legislative Day, you will attend a mandatory orientation to get your marching orders for the day, including an overview of TCA’s legislative issues and packets to distribute at your meetings. You won’t be going solo, either; you will be assigned to a team with an experienced leader to ensure your meetings run smoothly. I know it’s a sacrifice to take the day off from seeing patients, but it’s your duty as a Texas chiropractor. This is one thing you can do for you, your state association and, most importantly, your patients. Plus, it’s fun and empowering being around your peers, students from Parker University and Texas Chiropractic College, staff, patients, and others who love chiropractic. Here’s what I need you to do: 1. Register online for TCA Legislative Day! There’s no cost to participate, and you are encouraged to sign up your associates, staff, spouse/significant other, and patients. If you are coming from out of town, make your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Regency Austin. The day starts early at 8 a.m. and you want to be on time. 2. Let us know if you have a personal relationship with your senator or representative by emailing the TCA office at exec@chirotexas.org. This is extremely helpful to our efforts. 3. Watch the virtual Advocacy 101 webinar on Thursday, February 9. When you register for TCA Legislative Day, you will be automatically be provided with a link to watch the webinar. 4. Be on time for orientation! If you are late or don’t show up for the orientation, you won’t be able to participate in your meetings. 5. Stick around for the 2023 Texas Chiropractic Legislative Conference (TCLC) on Friday, February 17, and Saturday, February 18, at the Hyatt Regency Austin. Complete your CE hours in one weekend! We have some amazing speakers this year that you don’t want to miss. Register for TCLC now! 6. Make a donation to buy lumbar seat cushions. You can sponsor the branded TCA cushions that will be distributed to your members of the Texas Legislature. 7. If you’re not a TCA member, join today and get involved! On behalf of TCA and the Legislative Affairs Committee, I want to encourage you to join us for TCA Legislative Day. There is strength in numbers, and we’re counting on you! See you in Austin! Korey Rose, DC TCA Legislative Affairs Committee Chair