| | 190th Edition | February
06,
2026 |
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|  | Federal Affairs | Chancellor Fenves in DC
On Wednesday, Feb 4, Chancellor Gregory L. Fenves joined the OGCA team for a day of meetings with key officials in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. Department of Treasury. Topics included sustaining federal funding for research, college access and affordability, and regulatory guidance related to the Excise Tax on Net Investment Income of Private Colleges and Universities (aka endowment tax).
FY26 Appropriations Update
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the House of Representatives voted 217–214 to pass the government funding plan approved by the Senate on Jan. 30, ending the four day partial shutdown. The package consists of five full year appropriations bills, including conferenced legislation for the Departments of Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. Overall, this package includes several provisions that we have been advocating for, such as robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a prohibition on any changes to negotiated Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rates. Government funding is secured through Sept. 30, 2026, except for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is only funded through Feb. 13, 2026.
NAICU DC Fly-In
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Emory participated in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Meeting with Georgia-elected officials in both the Senate and House, the group advocated for independent colleges and universities in Georgia. Pictured below is Emory’s assistant director of federal affairs, Elizabeth Goines, and Shea Calhoun, legislative assistant to Congresswoman Nikema Williams and an Emory alum. |
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|  | State Affairs | Oxford Day at the Capitol
On Monday, Feb. 2, we welcomed 15 students from Oxford College to the Capitol for an immersive learning experience focused on state government. During their visit, the students had the opportunity to engage directly with legislators, gain insight into the legislative process, and observe Senate floor action from the gallery as key business was conducted. The day began with welcoming remarks from Representative Lee Hawkins, Chairman of the House Health Committee and an Emory alumnus, who shared his professional journey and offered perspectives on public service and policymaking. His remarks set the tone for a day of hands-on civic education, giving students a firsthand look at how laws are debated, shaped, and enacted at the Capitol.
Under the Gold Dome
We are a quarter of the way through the legislative session, and a growing number of bills are advancing through the committee process and moving closer to consideration on the floor. Legislative activity is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks as key deadlines approach. We anticipate that the amended budget will be finalized and passed within the next few weeks, which will provide greater clarity on funding priorities. Throughout the session, we continue to closely monitor legislation that may have implications for Emory, including measures related to higher education, research, health care, and workforce development.
Public Health Day at the Capitol
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Public Health Day at the Capitol brought Emory public health professionals together with students, partners, and fellow public health universities from across the state to engage directly with state leaders. Emory was represented by faculty and public health leaders, including Dean Dani Fallin, who highlighted the importance of academic public health in advancing statewide health priorities. The event provided an opportunity to showcase how training, research, and community-based initiatives originating from Emory and other institutions are translating into real benefits for Georgia communities. |
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|  | Local Affairs | EHC-DeKalb Engagement
On Thursday, Jan. 29, Emory Healthcare participated in the DeKalb Municipal Association’s first Policy Committee meeting of the year, bringing together mayors and regional health care leaders to explore collaboration on community health and local economic vitality. Dr. Joon Lee, CEO of Emory Healthcare, was a panelist and shared insights on how health care systems can partner with cities to strengthen communities. The meeting was coordinated by Kendra Price to ensure Emory’s alignment with local priorities. |
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