PPAI News: PPAI’s Lobbyist Gives Staff A Refresher Course In Civics


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PPAI News: PPAI’s Lobbyist Gives Staff A Refresher Course In Civics

Issue: 2009jul

The PPAI staff got a refresher in civics and how government operates when Association lobbyist Robert Drummer stopped by the Irving, Texas, headquarters last Friday.

Drummer, who has been working on behalf of PPAI since January, talked about the role of a lobbyist in Washington. He said he spends much of his time educating politicos— clearing up misconceptions about the role of promotional products and explaining the implications of S. 301, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act.

Also discussed were efforts by Drummer and PPAI legal counsel John Satagaj to modify S. 301, which could effectively ban the distribution of promotional products to healthcare professionals. Drummer praised the industry’s grassroots efforts to change public policy, but he said more needs to be done.

“Lawmakers pay attention when they receive messages from constituents. And, they pay attention to volume—it gets their attention. They know that without your support they won’t be elected,” he explained.

To that end, Drummer called for action on the part of the staff. He encouraged each person in the room to call, fax and/or e-mail their senators in opposition of the S. 301 at 3:01 pm—a few minutes after his presentation ended—and to repeat the process every Friday at 3:01 pm.

“People always think someone else is going to make the difference, but PPAI lobbyist Robert Drummer really drove home the point that it’s really up to all PPAI members, partners and staff to take action now and protect our industry. So I did,” said PPAI Marketing Manager Gage Chariton, who reported that after the meeting he wrote his senator, congressperson and the President.

For detailed information on how you, too, can contact your senator at 3:01 pm every Friday, go to PPAI LAW or visit www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.

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