Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society - Austin, Texas

January 3, 2012

Re: Texas ASC Society PAC Donations

Dear Texas ASC:

The upcoming elections will result in major changes to our state's political landscape. There may be a record number of new faces in the Texas House and the largest change in the Texas Senate in several decades. Accordingly, we have an opportunity to significantly impact which candidates are elected through our Texas ASC Society PAC, but we cannot do so without your support.

So why should you and your ASC support the Texas ASC Society PAC? Ask yourself - besides Texas ASCs, who else will stand up for your patients and your ASCs? Unfortunately, the answer is no one. The Texas Legislature and our State agencies control virtually every aspect of your ASC - ownership, licensing, operational regulations, payment rates, and every aspect of health insurance. If the ASC industry does not actively engage in the political process, the laws and rules will not support your patients and your ASC.

We have had a tremendous start to the 2011 - 2012 election cycle, but we need your support to continue the push! We are asking each ASC to become an "Industry Leader" by contributing $1,000 or more to the Texas ASC Society PAC. See enclosed contribution form. By supporting your PAC, you and your colleagues can ensure that the Texas ASC industry continues to have a strong voice in the political process.

In 2011, the Texas ASC Society PAC held three successful events for key friends to the ASC industry:

• State Representative Charles Schwertner, MD - Aside from serving in the Texas House, Dr. Schwertner is an orthopedic surgeon and ASC partner in Georgetown, and now he is running for State Senate District 5. Our Texas ASC Society PAC held an October fundraiser for him that raised over $70,000.
• State Senator Carlos Uresti - In November, we held an intimate fundraiser for Sen. Uresti on the eve of our Annual Conference to "thank" him for his unwavering support of the Texas ASC industry and to give our leadership and members time to personally visit with him and thank him for his leadership in the Texas Senate and on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
• Greg Bonnen, MD - In late November, we held a fundraiser for Dr. Bonnen in Houston, to support Dr. Bonnen's campaign for Texas House District 24. Dr. Bonnen is a neurosurgeon, physician Hospital owner and an ASC partner in Friendswood, Galveston County. We raised over $30,000 for Dr. Bonnen's campaign, but know that we will have much more to do before the election is over.

The health care "crisis" will continue to dominate the legislative and political arenas. We know the ASC model is a solution to many of the challenges regarding quality and efficient health care. And, your involvement in your PAC will strengthen the voice of the ASC industry at the political and policy "table" where the decisions about health care will be made.

Accept our challenge, step up and be a true ASC Industry Leader by contributing $1000 or more to your Texas ASC Society PAC today!

If you do not stand up for your patients and your ASC, who will? We cannot do this without your support.

Sincerely,
John Garrett, MD
Chair, TASCS Political Action Committee