Students

State Legislative Day at the Capitol

 A Student’s Perspective

By Kayla Florian

On March 7, registered dietitians, dietetics interns, and even students gathered in Harrisburg for State Legislative Day 2011, a free PADA event.  Dietitians eager to make their voices heard made a timely visit to the state capitol on the day before Governor Corbett announced his budget proposal.  The day was structured such that the first half focused on demonstrating the importance of creating a relationship with elected officials. Several speakers highlighted areas of importance and provided helpful tips. The second half of the day was focused on creating a relationship with elected officials through personal visits and a luncheon.

During the opening remarks, Susan Veldheer, State Policy Representative, filling in for ADA’s Director of Government Relations, Juliana Smith, emphasized how important it is for registered dietitians to have a voice as the experts of food and nutrition-related issues.  Next, Representative Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) gave a legislator’s perspective on how best to create relationships with legislators and how to ensure the message being delivered is not lost in her presentation, “Ten Top Rules for Understanding the Legislative Process.”  Following Rep. Harper, Susan Veldheer and PADA lobbyist, Dave Tive debriefed the group on relevant issues in need of a registered dietitian’s voice such as the reintroduction of the Highmark Bill (formerly HB 2535) and incorporating the phrase “registered dietitian” into legislative language. 

The second half of the day, PADA members made way to the state capitol to visit with their local representatives.  PADA also provided a luncheon to legislators able to attend which provided a socialization opportunity and a chance for RDs to explain their profession and individual work in a casual manner. This personal contact is essential because it is important to make your voice heard early and often during a legislative session. Of course, both those in attendance and those who were unable to attend can still meet with their local legislators’ office; however, PADA’s State Legislative Day is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence and knowledge through the presentations and interactions with other registered dietitians who are active advocates.