Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

November/December, 1997

Legislative Issues
by Marty Marshall, Michigan DDS

MIKE FOSTER, 1996-97 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Chair, discussed NADE’s history of communication with the media and our need to continue to enhance our ability to deal appropriately with the press. In 1991, in response to a Congressional “Report Card” which graded the retirement program A- but which gave the disability program an F, President Tom Christopher and the NADE Board prepared a press release and Disability Fact Sheet. This was our first pro-active effort to educate the media. Two years ago Tom Christopher, with the approval of the Wisconsin DDS and the Parent Agency, agreed to act as NADE’s media spokesperson. However, while NADE has a well-established record of responding to program issues and Congressional concerns we do not have the same experience with or history of responding to the media. This year there was a heightened interest by the media in NADE’s position on issues involving the disability program. Mike was contacted by the CHICAGO TRIBUNE; Channel 11 (Chicago); the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR; and USA TODAY inquiring about the SSI childhood program. These reporters basically asked:

Why is the cessation rate higher in some states?

Why is there a high recon reversal rate? and If there was fraud in the SSI childhood program why did SSA’s studies find no problem with coaching or fraud? Also, this year NADE was asked to provide a statement supporting changes in the SSI childhood program for use at a press conference scheduled by Congressman Shaw. Although these requests and inquires were handled satisfactorily by Mike and Tom, Mike continues to feel that we need to expand media relations as interest in NADE’s legislative activities increases.