Protecting Your Earned Benefits at TSCL - A Cause Worth Fighting For

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Protecting Your Earned Benefits at TSCL - A Cause Worth Fighting For

By Shannon Benton, Director for Administration
When you think about the pharmaceutical industry having some 600 plus lobbyists on Capitol Hill, you could get a bit frustrated knowing that you are part of TSCLï¿½s more modest lobbying presence. However, itï¿½s just that sort of David and Goliath test that makes working at TSCL a welcome challenge for Legislative Director Patricia (Patty) Gaul.

Nearly two years ago when Patty -- who has worked both on the legislative and political sides of Capitol Hill -- came on board, Chairman George A. Smith welcomed her by coming into town to outline the TSCL mission and the Board of Trusteesï¿½ (BoT) expectations. Much of that strategy was laid out in a five-year plan developed by the current BoT, which includes plans for increasing TSCL members and supporters, expanding our lobbying issues and presence, and a key role for each of the five volunteer Board members. Mr. Smithï¿½s enthusiasm, as well as the conviction of the other four Board members, was infectious.

The energy evinced by the letters, calls and heartfelt mail received from TSCL members and supporters was also contagious. ï¿½The issues on which we lobby are ones that can be a matter of life and death for our members and supporters,ï¿½ says Patty. ï¿½A fair COLA can mean being able to afford decent food and heat; allowing drug reimportation may mean a matter of a senior being able to afford to take his or her prescriptions for such life-threatening diseases and conditions as diabetes and high blood pressure. How can you not feel passionate about the efforts of the organization?ï¿½

In addition to the meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs, Patty drafts letters and e-mails to elected officials and TSCL members; writes a monthly legislative update for The Advisor, articles for the TSCL website and e-alerts for our members; and analyzes and researches legislative proposals.

Patty grew up in Iowa on a dairy farm and graduated from The University of Iowa. Her brothers and father (semi-retired) still operate the family farm. Prior to graduating, Patty completed an internship for Senator Tom Harkin. After finishing her last semester of college and relocating to Arlington, VA, she once again joined the staff of Senator Harkin in his Subcommittee on Disability Policy. She has also worked for candidates doing legislative and political research.

While not working, Ms. Gaul enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, walking and cooking. She lives with her husband in what used to be part of George Washingtonï¿½s plantation in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

July 2004