Talking in Tallahassee
Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days
March 31 and April 1, 2009
By Scott Hartsfield, FSMTA Lefislative Committee Chair

Our focus in 2009 has been different from years past. As we have heard from many, including our US Government, change is going to happen! It is. It has. It will.

This year, being mindful of the economy and knowing that FSMTA had no legislative issues – we, too, employed change to our approach with our Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days (LAD).

Maureen Gilbert, President, and I strategically and thoughtfully planned what LAD would look like well in advance of the event. Meetings were pre-scheduled and a host of others visited while in Tallahassee, FL.

Below is an abbreviated quick-glance of those where FSMTA has established relationships (or, now, new relationships).

Senator Dave Aronberg
Senator Jim King
Senator Dennis Jones
Senator Mike Haridopolos
Senator Stephen Wise
Florida House of Representative John Tobia
Florida House of Representative Debbie Mayfield
Florida House of Representative Mike Weinstein
Florida House of Representative Lake Ray
Department of Health – Kaye Howerton
Board of Massage Therapy members
CORE Institute – George Kousaleos
Jamila Jackson – Governor’s Appointment Office
Big Bend Chapter (FSMTA)
Donald A. Severance – Senate Sergeant at Arms
FSMTA Lobbyists – Janet F. Mabry and Allison S. Carvajal
FSMTA Attorney – Paul W. Lambert

Our message and theme this year was Thank You! The seed was planted with every conversation that (1) we want to provide massage therapy to our legislators and (2) we want legislative change in 2010.

Over the years, the FSMTA has been very fortunate to have solid, strong relationships with our legislators. As you know, each year (since 1988) we are fortunate to obtain a Florida Senate Resolution for Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days (click here to download the 64 KB pdf). This year, Senator Jones submitted on our behalf. You should feel proud of this accomplishment and use this resolution to leverage conversations with your local legislators and even as a marketing approach.

Our position in 2009 has been to build solid relationship in our local hometown. You are encouraged to reach out to your legislators and tell them Thank You. Let them know we are 30,000+ in numbers and growing everyday. Let them know your thoughts and concerns about massage therapy, massage therapy laws, advertisements, unlicensed activity, and healthcare – the list can go on.

We truly missed the camaraderie and excitement of having FSMTA statewide representation this year for LAD. We also know that we can count on you to understand and appreciate our current position.

However, we are more excited about hearing from you how your hometown LAD is going. LAD is not limited to March 31 and April 1 – it is an ongoing effort.

Send us pictures of your meetings and let us hear from you and thank you again for all of your support.

It is always my pleasure to help you locate local city representatives – or help you initiate contact. You can contact me via email at MassageJax[at]aol[dot]com or phone at 904-745-1900. Get involved and build that relationship at your local level – you will be glad you did. Wishing you much success!