Sharon Pendergrass, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee

What an exciting time to be on the Hill!  I spent March 15th and 16th in Washington D.C. along with seven other ASCLS-MN members attending the Legislative Symposium.  On Monday, March 15th we spent the day in presentations learning about issues facing our profession, CLIA updates, and how to talk to the Legislative Assistants.  We also received an extensive review of the policies and procedures a bill must go through to be signed into law.

Then on Tuesday, March 16th we spent the day on the Hill visiting our two state Senators and six of our eight state Representatives.  As we were waiting to talk with the Legislative Assistant for Senator Klobuchar, the Senator was being interviewed by MSN in regards to her views on the Health Care Reform bill.

With the vote on the Health Care Reform bill to take place within the week, it was a very exciting time to spend on the Hill and watch the workings of our federal government.  If you would be interested in going with us next year, please contact one of the attending members to hear of their impressions and experiences. 

Cindy Johnson – ASCLS GAC Vice President
Deb Rodahl – ASCLS Region V President
Kristi Enerson – ASCLS-MN President-Elect
Christine Hinz – ASCLS-MN Leadership Academy
Carol McCoy – ASCLS-MN Education Chair
Sharon Pendergrass – ASCLS-MN Government Affairs Chair
Mallory Yelenich-Huss – ASCLS-MN First Year Professional
Yukiko Goto – ASCLS-MN Student Chair 

There are also several articles written by attendees in the April 20, 2010 issue of ASCLS-MN e-LABorate newsletter.