Grassroots advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of legislative sessions, which is why physicians are essential in advancing medicine’s agenda.
There are many factors that determine whether a bill makes it through the legislative process: its significance, timing, and relevance; the leadership behind the bill in the House and Senate; the strength of the message; and the level of support it garners.
But one of the most critical factors – often the deciding one – is you, the legislator’s constituent.
Every bill lawmakers work on has a corresponding file where they collect phone calls, emails, letters, and feedback from constituents. When a bill is up for discussion in committee or during a hearing, the first thing legislators do is check with their staff to see what their constituents are saying – what have they heard from their community?
Local advocacy matters, and it can make all the difference. That’s why, even during the interim – the 18-month period between legislative sessions – the Texas Medical Association and TMA Alliance urge physicians, alliance members, and medical students to regularly meet with their legislators and cultivate strong relationships.
Your voice plays a key role in shaping the future of medicine. And you don’t need to be an expert to get involved. Here are six easy steps to help you get started.
Get to Know Your Legislator
When medicine speaks, lawmakers pay attention – particularly if they’ve heard from you in the past. Collaborate with your county medical society to arrange a local meeting with your state representative or senator.
Very often, you or your colleagues know them personally. There is no substitute for this personal relationship.
Follow your legislators on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. It’s a simple way to stay informed about their priorities and interests. Just remember, social media isn’t the place for debates.
Register for First Tuesdays at the Capitol
Mark your calendars for TMA’s 2025 First Tuesdays at the Capitol. Join your colleagues on the first Tuesday of each month in February, March, April, and May when physicians, medical students, and alliance members descend on the Capitol to meet with their legislators.
Reach out to your legislator by email, phone, or letter when important issues come up. TMA makes it simple – just respond to a TMA Action Alert with the pre-written message (see example, left) or personalize it with your own. Use TMA’s Legislative Action Alerts Center at www.texmed.org/ActionAlerts.
Bookmark TMA’s Texas Legislature Page