December 18, 2023
Here is the latest update on where things stand with our efforts to resist the latest attempts to deregulate opticianry in Virginia. Ever since we retained our professional lobbying team after this attempt became known, they have been working diligently behind the scenes, both to educate the appropriate state government officials on this issue to persuade them that this is not a prudent course to take, and to coordinate efforts with some of our national partners for additional advocacy efforts where needed. We have been encouraged by these efforts and continue to follow this course. The deadline for legislators to submit drafting requests for pre-filed legislation has now passed, but since these requests are confidential until a legislator chooses to introduce a bill, we do not know yet whether any requests have been made to draft deregulation legislation.
Until (or if) a bill is introduced, we will not know for sure if the Administration has chosen to proceed with this path.
We remain cautiously optimistic that they will not. However, even if they do not, there is nothing to stop any other random legislator to introduce deregulation legislation should they see fit when the General Assembly convenes on January 10, 2024. Because of this and because we do not know yet the new composition of House and Senate committee membership following the November General Assembly elections, we are not yet at a point where we are ready to call for a full-fledged grassroots effort by our members. Until we know for sure whether or not legislation is introduced, we need to keep our grassroots action in reserve until it is needed and will be most effective. We promise to keep you continuously informed as necessary and as events merit. Thank you for your patience and rest assured that we continue to proactively and effectively work on your behalf!"
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This is about YOUR career. The burden should not lie on the shoulders of the few that are volunteering in this effort. EVERY OPTICIAN needs to help provide the financial resources to maintain our lobbying representation for this immediate issue and moving forward.
If we have learned nothing else from these situations it is that maintaining a strong legislative fund is no longer optional – We must have ongoing and attentive representation of our profession.
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In the Weeks & Months Ahead
Stay alert to future communications from us to share our lobbying strategy and issue action alerts when and if necessary.
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