he ASA Political Action Committee (ASAPAC) continues to serve as the bipartisan, non-ideological political voice of ASA to advocate political issues on behalf of all anesthesiologists.

Please review the accompanying table on page 19 for state-specific information regarding ASAPAC. 2006 was a year of improvement — we raised $897,877 from 4,001 contributors. This number represents an increase of $68,640 and an increase of 538 members. ASAPAC is currently supported by 11.5 percent of the membership.

The number of local political events attended or hosted by an anesthesiologist presenting a PAC check increased to 111 for the year for a total of more than 200 for the election cycle.

The special distinction winner was Oregon, with a 10-percent increase of donors and an increase of 75 percent for contributions. Other states recognized for outstanding achievement include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina and Missouri.

The Alabama State Society of Anesthesiologists continues to set the benchmark nationally. Thank you, Alabama!

The ASAPAC goals for 2007 remain the same: Increase membership participation and dollars raised. We will continue to be fully engaged. Key unresolved issues essential to the future of our specialty include the Medicare anesthesiology teaching rule; proposed Medicare cuts for 2007, along with five-year review proposed cuts; Medicare payment equity for anesthesiologists; Medicare sustainable growth rate reform; Medicare rural pass-through; involvement in pay for performance; scope-of-practice issues; and medical liability reform, to name a few.

Jeffrey S. Plagenhoef, M.D. displays the ASAPAC Alabama Cup at the 2006 ASA Legislative Conference.

Finally, the ASAPAC board will be preparing for the 2008 elections. Associate Director of Governmental Affairs and PAC Director Manuel Bonilla will address the November 2006 elections, highlighting the impact, challenges and opportunities for 2007 in the January 2007 NEWSLETTER.

Remember, united we stand, divided we fall.

ASAPAC Giving FY 2006 ASAPAC Fiscal Year runs from October 1 – September 30. Bold numbers indicate top three totals or percentages.

James L. Becker, M.D., is a partner in Associated Anesthesiologists, PC. He practices at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines Orthopedic Surgery Center, Lakeview Surgery Center and Iowa Methodist Day Surgery, Des Moines, Iowa. He is a member of the Committee on Governmental Affairs.