| | 182nd Edition | September
05,
2025 |
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| Federal Affairs | | In August, Emory Hospital Warner Robins welcomed Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA) for a tour and leadership roundtable. Emory Hillandale Hospital also hosted senior health care staffers from Senator Raphael Warnock’s (D-GA) office. |
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|  | | | Congress has returned to Capitol Hill for a busy legislative stretch, with appropriators racing to finalize government funding before the Sept. 30 deadline. A Continuing Resolution (CR) — which extends current funding levels — is widely expected, though its duration remains uncertain. Emory’s OGCA team continues to advocate for strong investments in higher education, research, and health care.
OGCA is also closely monitoring new regulations stemming from H.R. 1. While Treasury has begun drafting rules, provisions of interest — such as the endowment tax — are unlikely to be addressed until late October.
Chancellor Gregory L. Fenves was on Capitol Hill this week advocating for Emory. He had a series of productive meetings spanning a range of topics including research funding, indirect costs, and patent royalties. |
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|  | | Federal Advisory Committee Nominations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is accepting nominations for individuals to serve on Federal Advisory Committees. This effort seeks experienced professionals to provide independent guidance on advancing patient-centered care and health care reform. Visit this page to learn more or submit a nomination. |
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| State Affairs | Welcome, Natalie Riner
We are excited to announce Natalie Riner’s transition within the Office of Government & Community Affairs to the State Affairs Team as Assistant Director. Natalie brings valuable experience and a deep commitment to public service, and we look forward to her contributions as our team continues to advance Emory’s priorities at the State Capitol.
House Health Appropriations Subcommittee Tour
On July 31, members of the House Health Appropriations Subcommittee visited Emory University Hospital for an in-depth look at several of Emory’s signature programs. Legislators heard about the statewide impact of Emory’s nationally recognized transplant program, which serves patients from across Georgia and beyond. The group also toured the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit, a unique resource that plays a critical role in the state’s emergency preparedness and response efforts. In addition, the Winship Cancer Institute shared how they extend Emory’s reach through community-based education and outreach programs, ensuring access to cancer prevention and care in communities across the state. The legislators even got to ride an Emory shuttle bus!
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|  | | Emory Experts in the Statehouse
On Aug. 25, Kathy Kinlaw, Associate Director of the Emory Center for Ethics, spoke before the House Public and Community Health Committee. Her remarks centered on the ethics of palliative care and health care options available to Georgia’s seniors in their final stages of life. We are grateful to have had another Emory expert contribute to discussions at the Capitol on such an important issue. |
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|  | Community Affairs | Local Government Reception at Lullwater
On Aug. 12, Emory welcomed local leaders to the City & County Officials Reception. The event brought together city and county officials for an evening of connection and collaboration with Emory leadership. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, strengthen relationships, and explore shared priorities between the university and the surrounding communities. The reception underscored Emory’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong partnerships and supporting the region’s continued growth and well-being. |
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|  | | Voting
In June and July, Emory's 1599 Clifton facility served as an advance, general, and runoff voting site for DeKalb County for the Georgia Public Service Commission primary elections. Emory will serve as a polling site once more this year for the upcoming November elections, which will include both the statewide Public Service Commission and local municipal races. Interested in volunteering --sign up here.
DeKalb County CEO Hosts Key Events on Campus
Over the last two months, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson convened two impactful events on our campus. On Aug. 13, she led the Legislative Priorities Work Session with the Board of Commissioners at the Miller Ward Alumni House, fostering open dialogue around pressing legislative issues affecting our community. On Sept. 4, in partnership with the DeKalb Chamber and Decide DeKalb, the CEO hosted a Small Business Summit that welcomed 300 attendees and featured four dynamic panels focused on supporting and growing small businesses. |
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|  | OGCA Webinars | Advocacy 101 and 102
On Aug. 27, OGCA hosted anAdvocacy 101” webinar to share best practices with Emory community members interested in advocacy. A recording is available for viewing here. The next session, “Advocacy 102,” will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and feature Brenda Baker, PhD, RNC; Shamie Das, MD, MBA, MPH; and Tracey Henry, MD, MPH, MS, who will share insights from their experiences as Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows. Register for the webinar here.
OGCA Legislative Updates
In response to the dynamic legislative landscape, the OGCA team continues to host bi-monthly sessions to help the Emory community stay informed. The most recent update, held on Aug. 25, drew nearly 200 attendees. To wrap up the year, we have two remaining sessions scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13, and Monday, Dec. 8. If you’d like to attend, please register here.
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