NYATA - Lobbyist Status

[Michele Amendolari]

Dear Donna and All,

 

The NYATA Board met to discuss the idea of hiring a lobbyist / joint lobbyist.

 

This is completely new territory for us so many questions were raised.

 

Re: going with Music Therapy’s lobbyist:

 

There were concerns regarding the possibility of bias.  As you mention, Music Therapy would be re-hiring their lobbyist. While the Board understands the importance of hiring someone with experience in the area, their first choice would be to hire someone with neutrality. The board was also concerned about the flexibility of moving forward in union with Music Therapy as there seemed to be no room for consideration, discussion or middle ground at the mention of only being willing to work with this one lobbyist.

 

NYATAs first choice would be a neutral lobbyist (with experience) who does not pose a possibility of conflict of interest.  We are still in the process of determining how much our non-profit status will legally allow us to contribute to lobby efforts yearly as we understand there are legal limits in percentage terms based on status.  We also discussed approaching National for assistance in funding.  None of this has been done before so there is a learning curve.

 

We would however like to hear the full details of your proposal and where Drama and Dance stand on the issue of hiring a joint lobbyist.

 

The only alternative we can think of is to work individually which we are certain will not be as effective and/or financially feasible.  We envisioned it as we worked recently with the MHCs leading and others jumping on board who were in agreement.

 

Perhaps we should arrange a conference call to discuss- since we seem to be having challenges with in-person?

 

Thank you,

 

Michele Amendolari

Michele Amendolari MA, ATR-BC, LCAT 
Governmental Affairs Chair, New York Art Therapy Association

www.nyarttherapy.org   

 

 

[embodiedps...@gmail.com]

Hello Fellow CATs

I am unclear about where we are at in terms of scheduling a meeting.  I think it would behoove all of our respective communities to discuss this matter in- person. 

My understanding is that NYCCAT used to be the central organization in terms of acquiring and maintaining a lobbyist, with each respective CAT organization contributing funds for lobbyist payment each year. 

Further, I imagine it would be useful for us ,LCAT's, to re-hire our former lobbyist as this person understood the ins and outs of getting our licensure legislation through in NYS.

Again, I cannot emphasize enough that I feel it would be really useful for us all to have this discussion in person. 

Take good care. 

Cara Gallo

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Amendolari]

Hi Cara,

 

I can speak to two points which  may help you.

 

1) NYCCAT is no longer - which was a catalyst for getting this communication and group going.

 

2) I have spoken to Jim Carr (NYCCATs former lobbyist). I spoke with him as recently as last week.  He is no longer available to us as his firm now represents our opposition and he feels it would be a conflict of interest for himself or anyone in his firm.  I am afraid that is not an option.

 

I hope this information helps.

 

Michele