Share this on:
     
| |
Assembly Member Evan Low appointed to chair key legislative committee
|
|
| |
 COA is pleased to announce that Assembly Member Evan Low was appointed chair of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Monday. COA has strong ties with Assembly Member Low. He is the son of long-time COA volunteer Arthur Low, OD, who practices in Campbell, California, and COA and its member volunteers have been active supporters of his elective office campaigns. Assembly Member Low replaces Assembly Member Rudy Salas, who was removed from his position by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee is important to optometry because all legislation related to scope of practice must pass this committee. Historically, this committee has been full of appointments who have been more sympathetic to the California Medical Association. COA congratulates Assembly Member Low, along with his family, and looks forward to working with him in the future. |
|
|
Top
|
| |
Priority legislation update
|
|
| |
Scope of practice - AB 443, by Assembly Member Rudy Salas, would expand the scope of practice of optometry. COA has been meeting with legislative staff and representatives from organized medicine over the past few weeks and have negotiated several areas of agreement. However, the language is not yet available and the bill will not be amended before the Assembly Business and Professions Committee hearing on April 25. The bill is expected to pass this committee as a placeholder bill, or "spot bill," to give both sides more time to work out the details.
Children's vision - AB 1110, by Assembly Member Autumn Burke, would require that children receive a comprehensive eye examination before they enter school. This bill passed its first committee and will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee later next month. Add your name to COA's petition in support of this important legislation here.
Restoration of Medi-Cal vision benefits - AB 1092, by Assembly Member Ken Cooley, would restore Medi-Cal coverage for one pair of eyeglasses provided every two years to an individual 21 years-of-age or older. This bill passed the Assembly Health Committee and will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee before the end of May. |
|
|
Top
|
| |
Attend COA regional advocacy days
|
|
| |
Central Valley - Saturday, April 22
COA is holding a free regional advocacy day for all members in the COA Central California, Kern County and Tri-County Optometric societies. Don't miss this fun event on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Bravo Farms Smokehouse in Visalia. We will start at 7:00 pm with a reception and dinner that will include lawmakers from the greater Central Valley area, including the author of AB 443, Assembly Member Rudy Salas. The second part of the event will include an update on important legislative issues and grassroots advocacy training. Come out, meet Assembly Members Salas, D-Bakersfield, and Devon Mathis, R-Visalia, and have a great time! Register online now.
What: COA Central California Optometric Societies Regional Advocacy Day
When: April 22, 2017, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm - reception; 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm - advocacy training (beer/wine and dinner included)
Where: Bravo Farms Smokehouse, 400 N. Willis Street, Visalia, CA 93291
San Francisco/Bay Area - Friday, May 5
COA will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a regional advocacy day in downtown San Francisco that is free for optometrists and optometry students. The event is on Friday, May 5, 2017, at Spur Urban Center. The reception starts at 6:00 pm, where you will have an opportunity to mingle with Bay Area lawmakers in an intimate setting. The second part of the event will include an update on important legislative issues and grassroots advocacy training. The event is located close to the Moscone Center, with easy transit access via Muni, BART or parking garages nearby. Space is limited! Register online now.
What: COA Bay Area Regional Advocacy Day
When: May 5, 2017, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - reception; 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm - advocacy training (beer/wine and appetizers included)
Where: Spur Urban Center, 654 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Orange County - Saturday, July 22
Marshall B. Ketchum University has offered to host a free regional advocacy day for all optometrists and students on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Save the date! Online registration will be available in May.
What: Orange County Regional Advocacy Day
When: July 22, 2017, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm
Where: Marshall B. Ketchum University |
|
|
Top
|
| |
Assembly Member Kevin Mullin fundraiser - Friday, April 28
|
|
| |
We need your help! COA is raising money to support the re-election of Assembly Member Kevin Mullin in Hillsborough on Friday evening, April 28. Assembly Member Mullin is a Democrat representing the 22nd Assembly District, which encompasses most of the San Francisco Peninsula region. Mullin serves as the Assembly speaker pro tempore and is a member of the Assembly Business and Professions and Budget committees. He is a strong supporter of optometry and we need all optometrists to support his re-election.
Political involvement is essential to COA's success. The minimum contribution is $100 per person. If you are outside the area, please consider sending in a check to sponsor a student to attend.
What: Assembly Member Kevin Mullin fundraiser
When: Friday, April 28, 2017, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: The home of Dr. Andrew Soss: 5 Sandra Road; Hillsborough, CA 94010
How: Contribution levels: Sponsor $1,000; Patron $500; Supporter $100
To RSVP, contact Julie Andrade at jandrade@coavision.org or 916-266-5031
Make checks payable to: Kevin Mullin for Assembly 2018, ID #1392828
℅ McKinley+Pillows Fundraising; 921 11th Street, Suite 904; Sacramento, CA 95814 |
|
|
Top
|
|
|
