| | 175th Edition | April
11,
2025 |
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| Federal Affairs | | On April 8, President Gregory L. Fenves was back on Capitol Hill, alongside Cameron Taylor and Jessica Davis, to speak with key Senate staff about Emory’s groundbreaking research, the importance of indirect costs, our concerns related to the endowment tax, and Emory’s partnership with the federal government. President Fenves explained the three lines of revenue for research: direct grant funding, indirect institutional support, and the university contribution (see graphic). He also encouraged a re-envisioning of F&A, a major effort our associations are undertaking. Finally, President Fenves explained Emory’s endowment(s), the impact of the 1.4% excise tax and any growth of the rate, and concerns about using the endowment tax as a definition for further punitive measures.
President Fenves and OGCA team members will continue to be a regular fixture on Capitol Hill this year. We also continue to build community with our alumni friends serving in government. On April 2, we held a reception in honor of our Hill staffers who are Emory alumni. It was an important opportunity for us to express gratitude and for them to network with each other. |
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|  | | | Pictured above is President Fenves visiting with Shamie Das and Tracey Henry, Emory physicians and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation policy fellows working on Capitol Hill. |
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| State Affairs | | On April 4, the Georgia General Assembly adjourned sine die the 2025 legislative session. Governor Brian Kemp now has 40 days to review all bills passed by both Chambers, including the budget for fiscal year 2026, and sign or veto the legislation.
Tort reform was a priority piece of legislation by many industries, including Emory, and gained final passage in Senate Bill 68. Additionally, Emory secured two new line items in the fiscal year 2026 budget to support the behavioral and mental health services offered at Emory University Hospital Midtown’s Emergency Department, as well as to expand Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and therapy to Georgia’s veterans at the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program. The OGCA team is honored to represent Emory’s perspective and advocate for our priorities at the Gold Dome throughout the legislative session. We will continue to do so; we will be monitoring study committees as they meet this summer.
To request an in-depth report of the 2025 legislative session, please contact Veronica Watts at Veronica.Watts@emory.edu. |
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|  | | | Pictured above are Sydney Wilkins and Veronica Watts at the State Capitol on Day 40. |
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| Community Affairs | DeKalb County Mayor’s Retreat
On April 10, the local affairs team proudly hosted the DeKalb County CEO’s Mayors Retreat, bringing together the CEO and mayors from all 12 cities across the county. Centered on the theme Stronger Together in DeKalb County, the retreat provided a collaborative space for leaders to share their top priorities and engage in meaningful dialogue around regional solutions in housing, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and mental health. |
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|  | | DeKalb County BOC Retreat
On March 28, the local affairs team hosted a retreat with the DeKalb County CEO and Board of Commissioners (BOC) at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. This convening brought leaders together to align key priorities for the year. During the retreat, the commissioners identified housing and homelessness, economic development, public safety and infrastructure improvements as top focus areas. The gathering fostered collaboration and a shared commitment to tackling the most pressing issues for DeKalb County residents. |
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