Professional Counseling Fund

The hallmark of counselors in the political advocacy arena is persistence and perseverance. We know that all of the gains in recognition and support for our profession have come after years of effort held together by the determination and participation of many members. The same is true of the Professional Counseling Fund. Those who keep it going are faithful contributors like you, led by the Board of Directors, who contribute time, creativity, and treasure to the effort. During 2010 we collected a total of $7, 567.00; $2, 030.48 was spent in operating expenses, and $3500.00 was distributed to three recipients: Congressman Pete Stark of California, Congressman Paul Tonko of New York, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Our income patterns make it clear that our most reliable supporters are those who contribute to sponsoring the annual Reception held during the ACA Convention. This year we are asking for your support again, and we are keeping the amount the same: $125.00 to renew your membership and to be listed as a Sponsor of the Reception (whether you can be there or not). Actually, we hope you can be there, since this annual gathering has become a warm celebration with those who most understand and believe in the work of the Professional Counseling Fund. When the arrangements are finalized, you will receive an invitation that also includes the names of our 2011 Sponsors. Because of the time required for printing and mailing the invitation, we need to receive your sponsoring contribution by March 1st. A form and a return envelope are included for your convenience. (The stamp is up to you.) If you are interested in renewing your membership without becoming a Sponsor, the cost is $50.00 for professionals and $20.00 for students.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know that last November's elections have radically changed the policymaking environment in Washington DC. Barack Obama is still president, and the Senate is still controlled by Democrats, but the House is now led by Republicans. (Actually, given its procedural problems, it's more accurate to say that Democrats are in the majority in the Senate than that they "control" the Senate.) Any legislation enacted during the 112th Congress must be approved by both Republicans and Democrats. Given how polarized political debate has become-and the fact that 2012 is a presidential election year-it's going to be a VERY interesting two years.

The two political parties remain far apart on almost every issue, and Republicans are going to spend a lot of time and energy attempting to undo the health care reform law. The House passed a repeal bill on January 19th by a vote of 245-189 (click here to see how individual Representatives voted). The repeal vote was made easier due to the fact that the House has adopted budget rules for the year that explicitly ignore the costs of repealing the law; the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that if enacted, the legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act will increase federal deficits by $145 billion over the 2012-2019 time period. A bill to repeal the new health care law was also brought up in the Senate, but was defeated by a 47-51 vote. All Republican Senators voted to repeal the law. All other Senators (except Virginia Senator Mark Warner and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, who both missed the vote) voted against repealing the law.

Although the budget and deficit fights are likely to be nasty, they don't change the fact that by the end of this year Congress will need to pass legislation to fix or postpone Medicare physician pay cuts, or have 25% reductions in payment rates kick in next January. In other words, there will be a vehicle for considering establishing Medicare coverage of counselors. It will be hard to convince legislators to spend money on Medicare benefits-even smart benefit improvements, like covering counselors-but it always is. We'll get another shot this year, and we need to make it count.

Pat McGinn                                          Rebecca Farrell
President                                             Co-President
Professional Counseling Fund             Professional Counseling Fund