ILOTPACIllinois Occupational Therapy Political Action CommitteeFrequently Asked Questions
What is a PAC?A Political Action Committee (PAC) is an agent of an interest group, such as Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, and one whose function is to influence the outcome of an election campaign; ensuring the candidate, who is supportive of the goals of the interest group, wins. PAC’s contribute to candidates who are sympathetic to their cause and to those who are likely to win the election and who have power and influence in the legislative process. The Illinois Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee, a separate entity from the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, has contributed to campaigns of legislators who are on key committees that would affect Occupational Therapy.
What does IOTPAC do for Illinois Occupational Therapy Practitioners?IOTPAC was created in 1985 by former IOTA president Lynne Barnes of Urbana. IOTPAC relies heavily on the volunteer efforts of ILOTA members throughout the State to attend political events and inform the Committee regarding potential candidates to support. IOTPAC helps give the profession a voice in assisting legislators to become elected and who will pass bills and regulations that affect the daily practice of occupational therapy practitioners As an example, on a very cold and snowy day last winter, a small group of volunteers canvassed for the then incumbent Republican Representative of the 17th District, Elizabeth Coulson’s 10th Congressional District campaign. IOTPAC supported Representative Coulson, a licensed physical therapist, due to her prominent advocacy efforts for the profession and the populations we serve. She kept us abreast of legislation that affected OT practice, and sponsored a bill that protected OT credentials in early intervention. By contributing to IOTPAC, you have support to contact your local legislator, you increase the image of the profession, your facility, your area of practice, and of you as a healthcare practitioner supporting our clients’ needs. You can also influence healthcare policy development in Illinois. If you have any questions regarding volunteering, supporting legislators, attending political events, or suggestions, please contact Monika Robinson. Where, who and how does the IOTPAC receive & use its funds?
If you have any questions regarding donations, use of funds, or supporting IOTPAC please contact:
Monika Robinson, OTR/L Gail Fisher, MPA, OTR/L Committee Chair, IOTPAC Treasurer, IOTPAC Email: mrobinsonot@gmail.com Email: gailsfisher@aol.com |