As you know, political action committees are an important part of advocacy. Encourage your colleagues to donate to MODentPAC and participate in our upcoming advocacy events February 1 and March 1.
by Halie Payne
Election Day 2022 has come and gone, and with it came some new roles in the Missouri legislature. In the Missouri House, Rep. Dean Plocher will be the Speaker of the House. Rep. Mike Henderson will be Speaker Pro Tem and Rep. Jon Patterson was elected to the role of House Majority Floor Leader. Rep. Patterson also is a physician, which is great news for the MDA to have a medical professional in leadership. Rep. Crystal Quade will remain as House Minority Floor Leader. In the Missouri Senate, Sen. Caleb Rowden was elected as President Pro Tem, Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin as Majority Floor Leader and Sen. Jason Bean as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. Sen. John Rizzo will continue as Minority Floor Leader and Sen. Doug Beck will serve as Assistant Minority Floor Leader.
As you know, political action committees are an important part of advocacy. In 2022, MODentPAC gave more than $84,000 to 116 candidates in Missouri’s midterm election cycle, with 94 percent of those candidates ultimately winning their general elections. This is great news, as the MDA continues to build strong relationships within the state legislature and work toward advancing the profession.
At this year’s House of Delegates, MODentPAC held its second annual “Big Hearts” competition, a chance for component societies to show their collective generosity. The component with the largest average contribution per capita takes home a trophy and bragging rights. This year, the Northeast Dental Society took the win and collectively more than $11,000 was raised. While this was a nice boost to our PAC balance, MODentPAC will need to start preparing for the 2024 election cycle. Thanks to MDA’s lobbying team, members and staff, the MDA had great legislative success in 2022 and is looking to repeat it in 2023. As one of the strongest healthcare PACs in the state, MODentPAC allows the Association to build positive relationships with key lawmakers, contributing to our future legislative success.
Encourage your colleagues to donate to MODentPAC and participate in our upcoming advocacy events February 1 and March 1. Giving to MODentPAC has never been easier. You can pay with credit card, check or Venmo. Call the MDA to contribute one time or to set up monthly contributions, or give online at modental.org/givetopac.
Halie Payne is the MDA Professional Affairs Director.