FROM ASDA
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Learn more about advocacy hot topics

ASDA's student leaders will discuss hot topics in dentistry at Annual Session, including dentists' roles in administering vaccines. You'll want to check out this session to learn more about these topics and the policy resolutions passed at the House of Delegates. We'll also review how you can create change by submitting your own resolutions at next year's Annual Session. The webinar is scheduled for Feb 25, 2021 at 7:30 PM CST. To register, click here.
FROM Washington
President Biden's COVID-19 package moving through Congress
 
The issue: On Jan. 14, President Biden revealed his COVID-19 relief plan. The plan includes:
  • $1,400 stimulus checks for most Americans
  • $350 billion for first responders and other essential workers
  • Grants for small businesses, tribal governments and transit agencies
  • Funds to expand vaccinations and testing
  • $130 billion for schools to achieve safe reopening
Congressional Democrats are using a budget reconciliation bill strategy that would allow the relief package to pass with a simple 51-vote majority in the Senate rather than the typical 
60-vote threshold. The process has limitations as items that don't impact the federal budget can removed from the bill.
 
On Feb. 5, the Senate approved, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote, a bill that paves the way for President Biden's relief package to be signed into law. Congressional Democrats hope to have the bill passed by mid-March when unemployment and other aid will expire. The package is not expected to garner much Republican support.

Why is this important? ASDA, along with the dental community, continues to advocate for priorities to be included in future COVID-19 relief efforts.

President Biden extends student loan moratorium through September

The Issue: On Jan. 20, President Biden directed the Department of Education to extend the moratorium on student loan payments through September. This was one of the 17 executive actions President Biden took on his first day in office.

Why is this important? ASDA has been advocating for the pause on student loan payments since the onset of COVID-19. The continued extensions demonstrate the importance of ASDA advocacy.
FROM the States
More states allow dentists to administer vaccinations

The issue: At least 16 states now allow dentists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. ASDA will continue to monitor the developments related to COVID-19 vaccine approval and administration.

Why is this important? During Annual Session next week, delegates will vote on advocating for dental students to administer vaccines when appropriate. As noted in the resolution background, "Dental students are trained to administer anesthesia injections and are taught a variety of conditions that impact patients' overall health. With appropriate education, dental students can also have the skills to administer vaccinations. Expanding those who can administer vaccinations to include dentists will increase the number of people receiving vaccines and improve patients' health."
Advocacy Brief shares news about ongoing issues and legislation that are of interest to dental students and organized dentistry. Inclusion of items does not imply their adherence to ASDA policy.