Ohio Psychological Association | Political Action Committee

Political Action Committee (PAC)

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What is OPA PAC?
The Ohio Psychological Association Political Action Committee (OPA PAC) follows the concerns of OPA members, specifically targeting issues that impact Ohio's psychological community. The PAC seeks to influence Ohio's political actions by contributing to candidates, office holders or other political committees.

Thanks to the generous contributions of OPA PAC members, we have given unprecedented support to political candidates who support the issues critical to psychology in Ohio. Support for OPA PAC makes a difference for psychology and our patients.

Read the 2010 edition of PAC News to learn more about who OPA has contributed to and why.

Why should I get involved with the OPA PAC?
The effects of government action on the practice of psychology in Ohio cannot be understated. Each year, multiple bills come before the state legislature that deal with issues ranging from prescription drug privileges to parity laws that assure coverage of behavioral health in insurance programs.

As term-limits begin to take effect in Ohio, legislators change quickly along with these policy trends. By taking part in the OPA PAC, your voice can be heard in this complicated political process. Choosing not to become involved leaves the door open for other groups and interests to control the practice of psychology in Ohio. Every contribution to the PAC assists in influencing important political decisions and helps us further the goals of psychology and mental health in Ohio.

How has OPA PAC helped the profession of psychology?
Your contributions to the OPA PAC have made a difference in the past.

For example,

OPA helped elect the first governor, Ted Strickland, who is also a psychologist. Gov. Strickland’s budget greatly allowed more children to have access to health services, including mental health.
OPA stopped legislation that would have eliminated the State Board of Psychology and left psychologists with an omnibus board with little or no experience or training in psychology.
OPA also pushed for legislation requiring insurance companies to pay psychologist fees promptly and provide real penalties when they fail to meet this obligation. Recent legislation demanding transparency in insurance contracts and fees was passed with OPA’s help.

Who are the members of the PAC?
The PAC is comprised of three or more volunteer members appointed by the president of the Ohio Psychological Association with approval from the Board of Directors.

Current members are:

Thomas Swales, Ph.D., Chair, Cleveland
Bobbie Celeste, Ph.D., Columbus
Susaye Rattigan, Kent State University, Kent
David Hayes, Ph.D., Columbus
Alice Randolph, Ph.D., Lyndhurst
Greg Brigham, Ph.D., Columbus
Karen Desmarais, Ph.D., Akron
Kathleen Ashton, Ph.D., Cleveland
Mike Dwyer, Ph.D., Berea

How can I get involved?

Donate! PAC donors are acknowledged on the website and in OPA publications.
Attend a fundraiser for state legislators and candidates.
Attend OPA's Legislative Day in Columbus and meet legislators to begin building personal relationships with them.
Work for candidates in your area and make sure they know psychology’s issues.
Attend the PAC Luncheon at the OPA Convention.

OPA PAC Goals for 2010

Provide regular information to PAC Donors and OPA Members (PAC Newsletter, news in other OPA publications, attend regional meetings, PAC luncheon at OPA Convention)
Support friends of psychology
OPA members get involved (as volunteers and donors) in state races
Increase awareness of OPA issues among legislators
Improve access to key legislators
Raise at least $17,000 by Dec. 31, 2010
Increase the number/percentage of OPA members who give to the PAC
Increase the number of OPA members who authorize recurring credit card charge donation to the OPA PAC (monthly or quarterly donations)
Increase the number of members who give “One Hour of Power”
Encourage OPA members take of advantage of Ohio’s tax credit opportunities for donations to statewide candidates/office holders for gifts made prior to Dec. 31, 2010

OPA PAC Policies

OPA will support any psychologist running at any level who supports and understands our issues
OPA will support a legislator or candidate, who completes our PAC survey and supports and understands our issues, recommended by a psychologist
OPA supports its friends of psychology in the legislature
OPA targets people on key committees (House and Senate Health and Insurance committees)
OPA supports the caucuses and leadership

PAC Newsletter

Read the 2010 Winter Edition