Legislative Defense Fund (LDF)
The OPA LDF was created in 2014 at the request of an independent pharmacy owner seeking to help OPA boost its advocacy efforts for pharmacists. Unlike a Political Action Committee (PAC) fund, where personal funds are given directly to political campaigns, both personal and corporate funds are accepted by the LDF to enhance our government affairs endeavors, and there are no limits on the amount you can give. Contributions from corporate funds may be tax deductible as a business expense. In the words of that pharmacy owner, “Better for OPA to have it than Uncle Sam.”
OPA LDF IS YOUR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM. Big companies have high-powered lobbyists working daily to protect their interests. Your small business, or you as an individual pharmacist, deserve the same representation.
WE HAVE YOU COVERED ON ALL FRONTS. As a pharmacist, there’s a lot that can impact your practice: State legislature, Board of Pharmacy, Medicaid, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, even federal issues… Funds for the OPA LDF help our ability to ensure that all bases are covered.
Why Support the OPA LDF?
Pharmacy is facing more legislative battles than ever before, and we know these fights will continue into the future. Obtaining provider status, opening restrictive networks, regulating PBMs, increasing vaccination authority, expanding consult agreements with physicians… Ohio pharmacists are actively involved in these issues, and we must keep making progress. Other health care organizations have more resources and greater numbers. For too long, pharmacists have been in the passenger seat while other entities dictate how our practices operate. As a profession, we need to ensure that we are in the driver’s seat. Whether you are a staff pharmacist or pharmacy owner, your future employment will be determined by what we accomplish here and now. Protecting and enhancing the profession of pharmacy to make it more viable, ensures your job and the jobs of your colleagues. Consider this your “employment insurance.”
Complete the OPA Legislative Defense Fund Pledge Form to sign up to make a monthly contribution to our advocacy efforts. Choose the giving level that best suits you, and then fill in your billing information. OPA will bill your account in the middle of each month, and you will receive a receipt at the end of the year for reporting. Then it’s our job to put that money to good use.
