Having relationships with other is critical and should be prioritized lobbyists is also critical because little ahead of other meritorious programs. gets done in Washington based on the Fortunately, these efforts have paid voice of one or two stakeholders. To be off. Each year, at the same time successful, organizations like the AAN other programs have been cut or strengthen their positions by forming eliminated, funding for the BRAIN coalitions with other interested Initiative has increased—from $80 stakeholders to advocate in support million in its inaugural year to a or opposition of an idea. The AAN is a proposed $400 million for FY2018. member of many coalitions on issues These efforts occur in DC, but some such as addressing drug pricing, of the most impactful relationships reducing regulatory burdens, and occur when a constituent gets to advocating for cognitive specialists. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR),left; Brandt with Sen. Mark Warner (D- know a member of Congress back Each coalition consists of different VA); and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), right. home. Constituents have more access stakeholders—who band together out to lawmakers and their staff than a lobbyist can ever have. of mutual interest and are more powerful as a combined force. Neurologists speaking directly to members of Congress and One coalition the AAN leads supports the Brain Research congressional staff provide great credibility and give the AAN a through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) big voice on important issues. Initiative at the NIH. Each year, this coalition generates I encourage you to consider building your cosponsorship by dozens of members of Congress and letters own relationships with your state and federal in support of increased funding for this program. I remember representatives by attending their town halls, the first year we circulated the letter it was difficult to get visiting their local office, or even traveling to signatures, because we had to first educate congressional Washington, DC. As you do, I hope you’ll keep offices on the importance of the BRAIN Initiative. But each me up-to-date at dbrandt@aan.com , and subsequent year became easier, thanks to the relationships we follow the AAN by reading Capitol Hill developed. We also meet face-to-face with key congressional Report and my Twitter feed appropriation staff regularly to stress why the initiative @DerekBrandtDC.
AANnews • January 2018
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