Pictured here is Representative Williams’ Healthcare Staffer Touring Winship at Midtown.

This week, the Senate returned to Washington to face a packed September agenda; the House will return September 11. Since it is expected Congress will not complete the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process by the end of the month, a short-term continuing resolution (CR) will be needed to avert a government shutdown. Stark differences on federal funding levels and policy priorities between the House and the Senate, as well as within the House Republican Conference, will make it difficult to find consensus. In addition to facing a possible federal government shutdown, Congress is focusing on several other expiring policy priorities (view table here) as well as grappling with the need for supplemental funding for natural disasters, border security, and Ukraine. Because the federal government is Emory’s largest external funder, OGCA is closely monitoring the political potholes associated with the FY24 appropriations process.

Last month, President Fenves spent time with several of our House and Senate champions. Representative Becky Evans, Representative Mary Margaret Oliver, and Senator Elena Parent joined President Fenves for a luncheon recognizing Emory’s delegation. Senator Esteves and his wife, both Emory alums, joined President Fenves and Carmel Fenves for dinner to discuss opportunities for collaboration. President Fenves and OGCA look forward to continuing to work with our elected leaders to advance Emory’s mission.

CCE visits the State Capitol   

On August 17, Emory’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCE), working alongside OGCA, brought 50 undergrad students to tour the State Capitol. The state affairs team educated students about OGCA’s work, shared available career opportunities, and spoke to the students about effective advocacy strategies. In addition, the students benefitted from a panel discussion with the Center for Pan Asian Community Services and the Georgia NAACP.   

Governor meets with Michael Carlos Museum Leadership 

On August 30, the state affairs team, leadership of the Michael Carlos Museum, and members of Rise2Recovery gathered at the State Capitol for a photo with Governor Brian Kemp. Henry Kim, Director of the Michael Carlos Museum, has been leading work with Rise2Recovery to implement a new behavioral health initiative at the museum, including the making of a “recovery quilt” to represent those who have lost themselves to addiction. The Michael Carlos Museum will hang the quilt in the museum; and the quilt also will be installed in the State Capitol at a future date.

Emory will once again serve as a polling location for DeKalb County during the upcoming election cycle. DeKalb County residents can participate in early voting in the 1599 building on the Atlanta campus. During the general election period, students who are registered in Georgia and DeKalb residents for whom Emory is their assigned polling place can vote on campus. OGCA will partner with the Emory Votes Initiative (EVI) to help ensure smooth operations and a good voter experience.  

The dates for the General Municipal Election in November and Early Voting can be found here.  

On September 14, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host the 4th Annual Opioid Summit. This year’s Opioid Summit will reconvene in person for the first time in three years. OGCA and Emory Healthcare are proud to partner with Commissioner Johnson on this important initiative. See the flyer below for details and RSVP here if you plan to attend.