GASPAC Day of Contributing Challenge
2023 has been an eventful year in the California State Legislature, witnessing the introduction of thousands of bills, many of which have a direct impact on healthcare and physicians, particularly Anesthesiologists. In the midst of this legislative flurry, the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) has been tirelessly fighting for the rights and interests of its members, advocating on various fronts, such as combating title misappropriation, providing expert input on bills related to the opioid epidemic, and safeguarding physician-led care. Our presence and efforts in the state Capitol in Sacramento have become crucial in representing the voice of Anesthesiologists.
A cornerstone of CSA’s endeavors to protect the specialty of Anesthesiology and healthcare in California is the GASPAC (General Anesthesia State Political Action Committee). The relationships built through GASPAC and the support it provides to advocates have proven instrumental in influencing the outcomes of CSA’s advocacy efforts in Sacramento. However, to sustain these efforts, we are calling for your support, during the GASPAC Day of Contribution Challenge on Wednesday, August 9th.
An integral piece of CSA’s fight to protect the specialty of Anesthesiology and health care in California is the GASPAC. The relationships we have built and the advocates we are able to support, continue to impact the outcomes of CSA’s advocacy efforts in Sacramento. The importance of a robust GASPAC cannot be understated, as it plays a key role in advancing CSA’s policy priorities in the state legislature.
GASPAC resources have not only contributed to legislative leaders but have also played a significant role in supporting an independent expenditure committee that helped both Dr. Akilah Weber and Dr. Jasmeet Baines get elected to the state Assembly, two of three physicians currently serving in the California state legislature.
To ensure the continued strength of GASPAC, CSA leaders have implemented the GASPAC Fix, which dedicates a portion of dues revenue to GASPAC. While successful overall, it does not vacate the need for individual contributions. Specifically of note, members of academic practice groups whose department funds their membership dues may not be aware that they are not automatically contributing to GASPAC. The GASPAC Day of Contributing Challenge is encouraging these physicians to make personal contributions.
CSA actively encourages all its active members to participate in the challenge, with contributions starting at $100, and residents are urged to contribute $15 or more. Their goal is to raise $75,000 from at least 250 members, and they are counting on member engagement and support to achieve this milestone.
Unlike federal legislation that limits contributions to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee (ASAPAC) to ASA members only, California law allows non-CSA members to contribute to GASPAC. As part of the GASPAC Day of Contributing Challenge, CSA aims to engage non-member anesthesiologists, urging them to support CSA’s objectives through a contribution to GASPAC and, ideally, recruit them to join the society.
Additionally, California law permits businesses to make substantial contributions to PACs, up to $9100 per year. CSA looks forward to recognizing the generous contributions of businesses in 2023.
While the total dollars raised are important, CSA leaders are putting greater emphasis on the number of individual contributions during the GASPAC Day of Contributing Challenge. Their hope is to engage as many members and non-members as possible, encouraging them to make contributions that they feel comfortable with.
To ensure widespread participation, please set an alarm, put it on your calendar (click here to add the event to your calendar), and be ready to support GASPAC on Wednesday. Bookmark GASPAC.org or our direct contribution link here.
The GASPAC Day of Contributing Challenge represents a significant opportunity for CSA members and non-members alike to make a difference in the legislative process, supporting the specialty of Anesthesiology and healthcare in California. By joining forces and contributing what they can, individuals can collectively strengthen CSA’s voice and impact in the state legislature.
Thank you for your service and dedication to CSA!