Through the activities of its Legislative Steering Committee and the services of Capitol Hill Associates (a lobbying firm engaged by MSHA), MSHA pursues change in legislation that will positively impact the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology.

The Legislative Steering Committee directs the activities of MSHA's two lobbyists (one for shool issues and one for health care issues), coordinates communication to the membership regarding legislative trends and proposals, and facilitates grassroots lobbying efforts from the membership.

Capitol Hill Associates identifies key issues and legislators, drafts bills and obtains legislative sponsors, promotes the passage of bills or amendments as directed by MSHA, opposes legislation detrimental to the interests of MSHA, makes presentations and assists with presentations of testimony, arranges meetings with legislators, helps train MSHA members on effective ways to influence legislation, and monitors and reports on legislative, regulatory, and other governmental activity throughout the year.

The goals of the Legislative Steering Committee for 2009 are to:

• Continue to monitor and respond to emerging issues from state agencies, ENTs, HIDs, etc.
• Monitor and provide input regarding the BOT Special Education Licensure Review.
• Challenge attempts to repeal supportive special education mandates while providing constructive input related to paperwork reduction.
• Minimize cuts in eligibility benefits sets and provider rate reimbursements as they relate to SLP and audiology services.
• Guard against amendments to the SLP and Audiology Practices Act.
• Collaborate on possible legislation from MAA and the MN Commission Serving the Deaf Hard of Hearing.
• Discourage use of surplus SLP and audiology licensure dollars to help balance the budget.

Legislative Session Reports and Updates

• Final 2008 Legislative Session Wrap-up (May 21, 2008)
• Final 2007 Education Funding Report (May 31, 2007)
• Final 2007 Legislative Session Wrap-up (May 29, 2007)
• 2006 Legislative Session Wrap-up Report (June 2, 2006)
• Audiology News (May 15, 2005)
• FAQs about the August 2003 Minnesota licensure legislation

MSHA Letters of Support

• MSHA Support for SF0868 (April 24, 2007)
• MSHA Support for Infant Hearing Screening (March 9, 2007)
• Letter template: Support for SF1016 and HF877 (March 2007)