Office of
Government Relations &
Community Affairs
Mission
The Office of Government Relations and
Community Relations serves as a liaison between
Georgia Regents University (GRU) and Georgia
Health Sciences Health System, the community,
and local, state and federal officials.
We advocate and leverage productive
relationships to build partnerships, support of
public policy makers and the community in order
to further the full mission of Georgia Regents
University, an integrated academic health center.
Meet Our Team
Michael Shaffer
Vice President of
Government Relations &
Community Affairs, CAO
Monty Philpot
Director of
Federal
Relations
Meg Fischer
Director of State
Relations
Cedric Johnson
Director of
Community
Affairs
Our Goals
• For Georgia Regents University to become a top-50 research
institution and world-class academic health center
• For Georgia Regents University to achieve a National Cancer
Institute (NCI) designation for a consolidated cancer
research center
• Plan, develop and direct all aspects of the university’s state
and federal operations to secure funding and favorable
legislative provisions and rules to the benefit the Enterprise
• Plan and direct public policy development, including reviews
and evaluations to identify key government issues for the
University and the Health System
University System of Georgia
other R1 Universities
How We Plan To Achieve the Goals
• Coordinate the University’s government relations
activities at the Federal and State level
• Involve federal, state and local elected officials and key
stakeholders.
• Enhance and develop broader community partnership
initiatives across the state of Georgia to support the
GRU Enterprise
• Participate in local and state organizations to help
understand the broader missions of the GRU Enterprise
• Requires more community involvement!
Georgia Regents University (GRU)
2013 Legislative Priorities
• Cancer funding:
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The GRU proposed budget for the comprehensive cancer center includes
$45 million in bond money and $10 million for continued research dollars
for the new cancer research facility
With a $55 million state investment, GRU would construct additional
cancer research laboratories, expanding its research campus and enhancing
its hiring opportunities, while reinforcing its reputation and ability to
leverage increased funding from NIH, peer-reviewed funding and private
philanthropy
This investment will help to sustain forward momentum in building a
world-class program for the state of Georgia in cancer prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment
Georgia Regents University (GRU)
2013 Legislative Priorities
• Education Commons funding:
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110,000 square feet
4.5 acres directly adjacent to the new College of Dental Medicine
Will serve as the primary educational facility for dental and medical
students
Proposed $5 million for equipment funding in the USG FY14 budget and
GRU will advocate for the retention of this financial support
Georgia Regents University (GRU)
2013 Legislative Priorities
• Expansion of GRU campus into Northwest Georgia
(Rome):
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An integral component of the ‘hub and spoke’ model of medical education
delivery
Northwest Georgia Clinical Campus requires start-up and operational
funding
MCG estimates an annual budget requirement of
$1 million for salaries of the Campus dean, clerkship
coordinators, travel, office space, and other associated
costs of delivering medical education
The money for the campus is carved out of the existing
expansion funding and we would like to change this to a
line item in this year’s and future budgets to ensure the
state’s ongoing support
Georgia Regents University (GRU)
2013 Legislative Priorities
• Retain exemption of provider payment fee (bed tax):
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Facing Medicaid deficits, Governor Sonny Perdue implemented a hospital
provider payment program (“bed tax”) of 1.45% of Net Patient Revenue in
2010, which is set to expire in June of 2013
Because it is a state-owned hospital, Georgia Regents University Health
System was excluded in the original legislation. GRU will advocate for this
exemption in any future proposals
• Certificate of Need (CON):
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Georgia Regents University believes the CON process helps contain costs by
reducing the likelihood of overutilization and unnecessary duplication of
services
We support an open and transparent CON process and
encourage legislators and DCH to maintain its basic
provisions
Georgia Regents University (GRU)
2013 Legislative Priorities
• Stem cell Research:
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The human body has tremendous innate capacity to repair and regenerate
injured tissues through the use of bone marrow derived stem cells
Georgia Regents University is utilizing this technology and is currently
undertaking multiple research studies involving adult stem cells primarily
through its Institute for Regenerative & Reparative Medicine (IRRM)
GRU will oppose efforts to limit adult stem cell research
Georgia Regents University (GRU)
2013 Legislative Priorities
• Carry Forward legislation:
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GRU supports USG’s efforts to reauthorize provisions relating to write off of
small amounts due to the state and allowing USG to carry forward:
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Unexpended student technology fees
Continuing education fee revenue
Indirect cost recovery
Departmental sales and services
And up to 3% of tuition revenue
• USG Funding formula:
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GRU is advocating for a “hold harmless” provision related to graduation
rates for consolidating institutions
We also urge legislators and USG to consider a medical school’s differing
characteristics from traditional colleges and universities
Georgia Regents University
2013 Community Affairs Priorities
• Form and maintain relationships with local city officials, health
and community agencies, and government representatives
• Encourage open dialogue between the university and elected
officials and members of the Augusta community concerning
GRU priorities, activities and decisions
• Assist external audiences in better serving their constituents
through the dissemination of information and services
• Hold regular meetings with elected officials and members of the
university’s neighboring communities
• Represent the university at community events
• Solicit support for the university through
community engagement
Georgia Regents University
2013 Community Affairs Priorities
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Pursue opportunities to fund the creation of community engagement
programs
Strengthen community engagement programs that align with
university and community priorities
Support university and state college readiness goals through targeted
community engagement initiatives for high school students
Garner community support for the university’s strategic goals and
priorities
Promote the university’s academic programs and offerings through
increased collaboration with external agencies
Support the university’s enrollment goals by
strengthening relationships with area high schools
Questions