Civic engagement is the cornerstone of our society. A 20th century politician once said, “there can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.” However, for those of us in the home care industry, our daily lives are consumed with serving our patients' needs and meeting the payroll for our employees, and the world in Washington seems far removed from these very important tasks. When you add to that the overwhelming perception of power, influence and money in Washington, D.C., it is easy to become ambivalent about your role in democracy and to question your ability to make a difference.
I would like to offer another perspective on the HME provider's role in democracy. Despite the old adage of “politics as usual,” the political landscape in Washington has undergone dramatic changes in the past two decades. As a result, democracy has never been healthier and more prevalent at any time in our nation's history. Now more than ever, your voice matters.
Political Power Shift
Since the last election, many believe there has been a tremendous erosion of political party influence across the country. By many polls, the largest response to one's party identification is “independent.” Remember the excitement of Sen. John McCain's “Straight Talk America?” The context was about being Republican yet Independent.
As a result of the political climate, elected officials want to appear more independent in their voting and to rely less on party leaders for direction. Similarly, the expanding influence of term and leadership limits will serve in breaking down some of the strongholds on legislative committees. Because of new and emerging leaders, we must forge and strengthen new relationships with members of Congress.
This shift in power has altered the way health policy is influenced and made in Washington. At its most basic, there are essentially two groups of people — players, who vote and play an active role — and victims, who have to live with the players' decisions. So, never before has the voice of the people been more important, more needed or indeed more effective than today.
AAHomecare plays a vital role in representing the regulatory and legislative issues facing our industry before Congress, the administration and federal agencies. We welcome that responsibility and commitment to our membership, coalitions and other valuable partnerships.
But there are times when we need everyone's involvement. Nothing is more important to an elected representative in Congress than to see one of his or her constituents on Capitol Hill. The economic and political clout offered by home care providers is best delivered by you.
Legislators Do Listen
Just two weeks ago, an elected official was quoted in the Washington Post as saying, “We listen to the silences. If we don't hear from a [certain] sector of the public … then we generally assume it's adequately funded.”
Legislators listen to those they represent. Individual voices are strong — but many voices advocating the same message, at the same time, are stronger. Together, we will actively engage in democracy.
Certainly, you can't do that on a daily basis and be responsible for your business, too. But I encourage you to come to Washington to visit your elected representatives and let them know how the decisions they make affect you and your patients each and every day.
Kay Cox is president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare, Alexandria, Va. For more information about the association, its efforts on Capitol Hill or about AAHomecare's Legislative Conference, to be held June 7-9 in Washington, D.C., visit www.aahomecare.org or call 703/836-6263.
