Introduce Yourself to Your Local Representatives

Posted on by 2843 E Grand River Ave #264

I am excited to announce that at our board meeting on January 8th, 2021, the board members in attendance voted to renew the contract for our lobbyist! Bob Devries at Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. has worked tirelessly with MAC and the Legislative Committee over the past year. Bob has assisted in creating discussions with LARA on the interstate licensure compact, has helped us rectify the transportation bill that allows for a designation of hearing loss on a driver’s license, and has opened doors for the profession in Lansing that have helped create awareness for Audiology in general. However, the work is just beginning. Bob is helping us navigate and address current issues important to our profession, but he cannot do it alone. It is important that each and every member is a voice for our profession. You can help in the following ways:

  1. Introduce yourself to your local representatives and senators and share about your experience as an Audiologist. This helps raise awareness of who we are as a profession. To find your Senator: https://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html To find your State Representative: https://www.house.mi.gov/mhrpublic/frmFindaRep.aspx
  2. Make sure your voice and concerns are heard by the legislative committee.  If you have suggestions for the Legislative Committee please feel free to share them via the google link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLqPfn_FgZ1Nh3tJs8F3rQC6ez97DLES1kiCAQ3rB9OpwUaw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0smR1KlHKg3XKuRjUD2J5t-Eib7q2bsMIxwUIoQ03L-sw-Ca97KJ1qSk0
  3. We have been able to afford the cost of a lobbyist thus far on account of generous donations by membership; however, covering the cost of a lobbyist is just beginning. I appreciate all of your donations thus far and encourage you to continue to donate to the cause.

Finally, I encourage you to think about your role in the MAC. Please consider running for a board position such as president elect, treasurer, or member at large. Stay tuned for nomination forms coming in March.

Erica Bennett, Au.D, Ph.D
President, Michigan Audiology Coalition