‘Capitol Connection’ provides insight into Statehouse decisions

Because so much of what occurs during the 40-day legislative session currently going on in Atlanta impacts Augusta University, the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs plays a significant role in tracking and promoting the interests of the university and its health system.

Each Friday during the legislative session, the office publishes the Capitol Connection, an online newsletter that provides a legislative recap, budget updates and other details about the week at the Statehouse.

To sign up for this important resource, click here.

The Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs, located on the Summerville Campus in Augusta, serves as the liaison between Augusta University, the community and officials at the local, state and federal levels

As director of state government relations, Margie Miller, who works in close partnership with the senior leadership team, is responsible for representing and coordinating the university’s government relations activities at the state level. This can involve local general assembly members, state elected officials and key state agencies when applicable.

The staff of four, including Miller, two undergraduate interns and a shared staffer, track hundreds of bills and millions of dollars.

This year, some of the milestone legislation relating to higher education include college affordability, tuition caps, sanctuary campuses and campus safety. Issues affecting health care include surprise billing, changes to the Certificate of Need, scope of practice changes and rural hospitals.

As the news and information platform for both the university and the health system, Jagwire will check in with Miller at key points during the legislative session for updates.

For a weekly update, subscribe to the Capitol Connection.