{ legislative & regulatory } The start of another session by KATIE REICHARD I
t’s the start of a new year, and that only means one thing for Missouri’s legisla- tors: the beginning of another legislative session. As the newest member to join
the MDA team, I am anxious to see what this session will bring to the dental profession in our fine state. Having worked within the Missouri legislature for the past eight years, I am quite familiar with the process. However, in my new position as the Legislative and Regulatory Director, I am excited for the new set of challenges that come with lobbying the General Assembly.
Throughout my life, I have discovered that overcoming obstacles (such as this new job capacity) is my modus operandi. I prefer the road less traveled, and my affinity for that has turned me into quite the avid traveler. To date, I have been to Mexico, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Peru and Bolivia. I visit at least one country a year; more if I can manage it! Experiencing the diversity of other cultures is fascinating, although I am always glad to come home.
My “home” is in Jefferson City (born and raised), as it is for my parents and much of my extended family. Jefferson City is a sleepy little town that comes to life a few days prior to the gavel convening yet another session of the General Assembly. Legislators from all over the state descend upon it with big dreams, high hopes and the understanding that nothing is “final” until the gavel drops the evening of May 15.
Prior to the last day of session, lobbyists and legislators alike will have the opportunity to discuss their priorities for the year over din- ners, lunches and numerous weekly recep- tions. Receptions are hosted by associations (like the MDA), special interest groups and various regions of the state to enable those
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entities to speak to multiple legislators at one time. Although many of these receptions aspire to receive every single one of the 197 members of the General Assembly, only a handful are viewed as “can’t-miss”.
Some of the more popular receptions the legislators flock to are the Taste of Jefferson City, Great Northwest Days and the Cooking with Beer reception. The Taste has vendors from all over the Capital City to showcase unique appetizers and cocktails, both of which are presented by a few members of their staff. Great Northwest Days is a Mardi Gras themed dinner reception, and in years past has seen the likes of various legislators performing with the live Cajun band. The food is, you guessed it, Cajun style, and the
vendors are members that make up the rural portion of northwest Missouri. Finally, the Cooking with Beer reception is hosted by the beer wholesalers and microbrew facilities across the state. Much as the name denotes, food served is all cooked in some capac- ity with beer, and only beer is served as the drink of choice. Not surprising, this is one of the most popular receptions, as it highlights beers from various locales all over the state, not just the big city giants with which we’re all familiar (Budweiser, Boulevard).
The MDA also hosts an annual reception, which was January 14 this year. Although the MDA’s reception is typically held this second week of January each year, legislators and members still brave the cold to come
MDA HOSTS LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
JANUARY 15, THE MDA HOST- ED ITS ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION at the Revel Gallery in Jefferson City. Members of both the House and Senate were in attendance, as were members of the MDA’s Board of Trustees, MODentPAC and LRC commit- tee. This reception gives members the opportunity to have important discussions with lawmakers about issues and legislation that might impact the dental profession. It was a successful event that helps sustain and establish new alliances. (from top, clockwise) MDA’s new Legislative and Regu- latory Director, Katie Reichard, Sue Allen with MDA President, Dr. Joe Sokolowski. She and Sen. Mike Parson were presented MDA Legislative Excellence Awards for their efforts to support key dental legislation during the 2014 session. Wilbers, MDA Executive Director; Dr. Earl Larson, MDA LRC Chair; Dr. Joe Sokolowski; and, Dr. Merle Nunemaker, MDA Past President.
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