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EIMPAC is the state political action committee of the Illinois College
of Emergency Physicians.
EMPAC supports candidates for state office who share the views of
emergency medicine and the medical profession.
EMPAC is governed by a Board of Trustees which directs the organization’s
contributions. EMPAC makes contributions to members of both political
parties. The EMPAC Board works with ICEP’s lobbyists and staff
to identify candidates who are sympathetic to the concerns of emergency
physicians and patients seeking emergency care.
In
2005 the White Sox won the World Series and the Illinois legislature
passed and the Governor signed medical malpractice reform legislation
including caps on non-economic damages. It is hard to imagine a
better year for both long-suffering fans and physicians in a malpractice
crisis state.
Was
there any among us who thought either was likely or even possible
at this time last year? While some thought both were phenomena long
overdue, others would see it as the result of planning, strategy,
execution, and some well-placed commitment of financial resources.
Whatever your interpretation, you could not ignore the effect that
active engagement of organized medicine, including emergency medicine,
had on the malpractice reform debate.
You
may have participated in this process by lobbying legislators, writing
letters to the editor, and talking to your friends and patients.
However, to engage in advocacy, you need to BUY a ticket, hence
my appeal.
The
Emergency Medicine Political Action Committee of Illinois (EMPAC)
was formed in 1994. It distributes campaign contributions to candidates
who run for statewide office, including state senators, representatives,
governor, lieutenant governor, and treasurer. It also contributes
to Supreme Court races, which help shape the legal environment in
Illinois .
Since
its inception, EMPAC has contributed more than $500,000 to candidates
in Illinois . With input from political consultants and individuals,
the EMPAC Board of Trustees has overseen this process, which has
successfully identified and contributed to the winner of races more
than 75% of the time. In 2005, EMPAC-supported candidates were instrumental
in the passage of the medical malpractice reform, and in securing
favorable changes in Medicaid payment policy for critical care services.
Many
challenges face emergency physicians. Medicaid payment is still
woefully slow and inadequate. Some of the proposed Medicaid managed
care reforms have the potential to negatively affect patients and
emergency physicians. Trial lawyers are committed to overturn the
reforms recently passed. Emergency physicians need to maintain and
advance our leadership role at the state level in the areas of EMS
and disaster preparedness.
As the
only Illinois political action committee dedicated specifically
for the interests of emergency physicians, the EMPAC Board is asking
for a minimum contribution of $100/individual
this year in order to meet our goals. We will also be recognizing
EM groups who have either 100% participation or
the equivalent donation amount. Please participate and encourage
your colleagues to do the same. Feel free to contact me for any
questions or interests.
Sincerely, 
Mark Mackey, MD, FACEP
Chair, Board of Trustees
Emergency Medicine Political Action
Committee of Illinois
Contributing to EMPAC is an essential step in having your voice
heard in Springfield.
For more information,
please contact:
EMPAC
1 South 280 Summit Ave. Ct B2
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
E-mail: empac@icep.org
Phone: 630-495-6400
Toll-Free: 888-495-ICEP
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