TMA Alliance Advocacy



TMA Alliance members support and participate in the legislative process on behalf of the Family of Medicine. Whether meeting with their legislators on issues that impact patients and physicians or working to support medicine-friendly candidates, alliance members are strong advocates for the united voice of medicine.

The 2025 regular session of the Texas Legislature adjourned June 2. Some lobbyists are saying it was one of the hardest sessions to date. TMA played hard offense and defense on many bills, with TMA and TMAA members playing a crucial role, showing up in force to testify and educate their legislators on key legislation. It made a difference. See TMA’s 2025 legislative wins below.

In-depth 2025 Legislative Wins

2025 Legislative Summary

Advocacy Opportunities


First Tuesdays at the Capitol
Each legislative year, members of the Family of Medicine are empowered and take action as political advocates through First Tuesdays at the Capitol. On designated days during the legislative session, more than 1,000 physicians, alliance members, and medical students converge on the Capitol to meet with their legislators regarding important health issues. This award-winning grassroots lobbying program was started by the TMA Alliance in 2003.

First Tuesdays at the Capitol Dates
 Feb. 2
March 2 (TMAA day)
April 6
May 4

View the First Tuesdays at the Capitol Flyer
TMA Grassroots Action Center

Your strong voice is needed to improve the practice of medicine today and for future generations. That's why it's important for all members of the family of medicine to get involved. You don't have to be an advocacy expert. All you need to do is follow these seven steps. Learn Seven Simple Ways to Get Involved in TMA Advocacy. Find your elected official. 


Party of Medicine
Local alliances and individual members host Party of Medicine events in their local communities. This peer-to-peer education and recruiting tool brings together members of the Family of Medicine in a relaxed, social setting to explain the importance of supporting the practice of medicine through advocacy.

A Party for Medicine: Alliance Advocacy Events Increase TEXPAC Visibility (texmed.org)


TEXPAC
TMA Alliance members align with physicians as members of TEXPAC, TMA’s political action committee, to protect Texas patients through political education and activism. TEXPAC annual membership options for TMAA members are: 

  • Patron Club: $5,000 ($417/month) the first year, $2,500 ($209/month) every year thereafter, includes physician and spouse

  • Capitol Club: $1,000 per year, includes physician and spouse ($84/month)

  • 300 Club: $300 per year

  • Basic Alliance: $55 per year

  • Resident Physician Spouse/Partner: $20 per year

  • Student Spouse/Partner: $10 per year


Learn More


TEXPAC’s June Bratcher Award for Political Action recognizes the outstanding efforts of a physician’s spouse on behalf of the Texas Medical Association. The award is named in honor of Ms. Bratcher, a longtime TEXPAC alliance leader and political trailblazer. See past honorees and a history of the award.


Alliance Representatives to TEXPAC Board of Directors

Suzanne Perkins, Smith
Marilyn Brodeur, Nueces
Dhammie Dayawansa, Bell
Karin Foster, Travis
Keely Hunsaker, Nueces
Linda Kennedy, Tarrant
Beverly Kerbow, Travis
Sunshine Moore, Nueces

Alliance Representative to TMA's SCOPEPAC Executive Committee
Martha Vijjeswarapu, Bexar
Jenny Shepherd, Bexar (Chair, First Tuesdays at the Capitol)
Elizabeth Vanexan, Nueces
Priya Vejayan, Tarrant
Renee Wright, Smith
Alternates:
Sharon Robinson, Lubbock
Joi Smith, Smith
Libby White, Lubbock