Re: U S Politics / Consolidation Cost

Re: U S Politics / Consolidation Cost

In a message dated 4/30/99 2:42:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, <Email Address Redacted>
writes:

<< The total for consolidation is approximately $145,000 The money is
 budgeted through the National Office with each organization (ABC, AOPA, and
 the Academy) contributing thru their allocation. >>
=========================================================

David J.......... I am astonished by the expense and have to again question
the economic prudence of the Consolidation effort!!

Again, I feel the money would have been better spent on addressing the Real
Issues (B. Van Hook) facing the profession related to regulation and
reimbursement.

I can't help but say it again...... We would be much further ahead and more
effective in our efforts by using the coalition support of our constituent
organizations, along with other allied organizations, to more effectively
address legislative or regulatory issues facing the delivery of O&P health
care services.

Can you or someone clarify the dollars and cents issue or financial benefits
of Consolidation, as it is yet to be clearly addressed?

Also, am I correct in assuming the 70K expense already incurred was not a
budgeted expense and, if so, was the money drawn from the emergency cash
reserves of the Academy, AOPA, and ABC? I know when I left the Academy Board
in 97, the Academy's cash reserves were no where near that of AOPA and ABC.

Assuming Consolidation is now a budgeted expense, is the 75K expense also
being drawn from emergency cash reserves of the Academy, AOPA, and ABC?

Lastly, it is my understanding from Lance that every effort is being made to
allow a full and complete airing of the issues of concern and many have been
expressed on this Internet Listserver. How are the Non-Internet members
being informed of the open dialogue and issues being carried out on OANDP-L?

I appreciate your openness to respond to all the questions being
raised!!......... John