The Massachusetts formal legislative session concluded at midnight on July 31st and the Glaucoma Bill unfortunately was not brought to the floor for a vote.
The legislative outcome in no way reflects the immense effort and energy contributed by countless MSO members. Our organization's mission, passion, and commitment was on full display throughout this entire campaign. Each and every advocacy strategy that was adopted this session was met with unanimous support and participation by the membership. With certainty, the MSO has earned the respect, admiration, awareness, and support of numerous legislators who eagerly encouraged passage.
Among the many advocacy accomplishments this past year, there are several achievements that are noteworthy and will allow us to build continued momentum. The unprecedented FTC-DOJ support letter, the impressive Boston Globe lead editorial, and our overwhelming Voter Voice participation of over 600 ODs will all continue to deliver dividends as we advance.
This past weekend I was able to speak directly with many legislators in both the House and Senate and witnessed first-hand the personal impact all your contributions and connections have made on so many elected officials. Although our goal was not achieved, we accomplished a great deal this past session. Our legislation is both widely known and supported; and with all your hard work, our profession and professionalism is highly regarded. We have a lot to be proud of.
The fact remains that we still have work to do. I am confident in our collective resolve to see this legislation completed. The MSO will build upon the diverse advocacy components that were achieved during this past session.
Over the next several weeks, I will be reaching out to MSO Board, Chairs, and members to review our strengths and areas of opportunity, gather our best thinking, and assemble the next strategy. One vital element we must continue to foster are the legislative relationships each of you contribute. The well-established, personal contacts that MSO members have with each of their elected officials opens new opportunities and adds another empowered voice to our initiative.
There are too many individuals involved to recognize and thank but please know, I am deeply grateful for everyone's hard work on this past campaign. Although this weekend was a disappointment, you have my sincere commitment to see this through and with your help, we craft a targeted and focused effort to ensure completion of our goal.
Thank you,
Matthew Forgues, O.D.
President of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists
The legislative outcome in no way reflects the immense effort and energy contributed by countless MSO members. Our organization's mission, passion, and commitment was on full display throughout this entire campaign. Each and every advocacy strategy that was adopted this session was met with unanimous support and participation by the membership. With certainty, the MSO has earned the respect, admiration, awareness, and support of numerous legislators who eagerly encouraged passage.
Among the many advocacy accomplishments this past year, there are several achievements that are noteworthy and will allow us to build continued momentum. The unprecedented FTC-DOJ support letter, the impressive Boston Globe lead editorial, and our overwhelming Voter Voice participation of over 600 ODs will all continue to deliver dividends as we advance.
This past weekend I was able to speak directly with many legislators in both the House and Senate and witnessed first-hand the personal impact all your contributions and connections have made on so many elected officials. Although our goal was not achieved, we accomplished a great deal this past session. Our legislation is both widely known and supported; and with all your hard work, our profession and professionalism is highly regarded. We have a lot to be proud of.
The fact remains that we still have work to do. I am confident in our collective resolve to see this legislation completed. The MSO will build upon the diverse advocacy components that were achieved during this past session.
Over the next several weeks, I will be reaching out to MSO Board, Chairs, and members to review our strengths and areas of opportunity, gather our best thinking, and assemble the next strategy. One vital element we must continue to foster are the legislative relationships each of you contribute. The well-established, personal contacts that MSO members have with each of their elected officials opens new opportunities and adds another empowered voice to our initiative.
There are too many individuals involved to recognize and thank but please know, I am deeply grateful for everyone's hard work on this past campaign. Although this weekend was a disappointment, you have my sincere commitment to see this through and with your help, we craft a targeted and focused effort to ensure completion of our goal.
Thank you,
Matthew Forgues, O.D.
President of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists