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Welcome to a new year of legislative activity! I encourage all
members to join the AZENA Government Affairs email tree. It is important for
our legislators to know the issues that are on our agenda and to give them the
opportunity to ask us, THE EXPERTS, for information on emergency care issues.
There are no formal requirements to participate in the email tree. Just send me
your contact information (address at the end). As we follow issues and bills
you will receive information and a request to contact your legislator, as an emergency nurse and constituent. I
am happy to help you navigate the process, identify your state Senator and
Representative and answer any questions you may have.
This year, AZENA will focus on child restraint system legislation
and we are in support of SB1010 sponsored by Senator Linda Gray. In Arizona, we
already have legislation that requires a child restraint system to age 4 and
seat belt use to age 16. Recent research shows that use of a seat belt for a
child age four to nine and less than 4'9'' can be injurious. SB1010 would bring
the current child restraint law in line with current research information.
AZENA participates in a coalition with AAA on this issue.
One of the 2010 goals for AZENA Government Affairs is an
increased media involvement. The national ENA website (ena.org) makes media
contact easy. Go to the Government and Advocacy section on the left side of the
main ENA website page and click on the Legislative Action Center. Click on the Media Guide, enter your
zip code and information on national and local print media, radio and television
will appear. Finally, click on the particular media site you wish to contact
and you will see a list of editors and web addresses. Keep in mind that state
legislators watch their particular local print media most.
Ginny Orcutt and I look forward to working with you this year and
are grateful for your support. We welcome your questions and concerns.
Rita Anderson
Chair
AndersonRnRita@aol.com
Ginny Orcutt
Co-Chair
ermom@cox.net
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