Policy, Process, Politics Legislative Automated Workflow System (LAWS) Overview Barbara Schneeman, VP, Communication & Public Relations January 8, 2019

From the Institute of Medicine “It is unreasonable to expect that people will change their behavior easily when so many forces in the social, cultural, and physical environment conspire against such change.”

Policy & Politics Policy – rule made and enforced by people in authority to control the behaviors of other people Politics – the process people in authority use to make policy and decide who gets what, where and when…..without resorting to physical violence

MT Legislative Policymaking 90 day session, every other year (odd) 100 members = House of Representatives – elected to 2 yr terms 50 members = Senate – elected to 4 yr terms Interim Committees Term limits

What About Term Limits? Institutional memory is diminished Less time for policymakers to impact Lobbyists and advocacy groups may have increased opportunities Trusted lobbyists become very important Some advice: pay attention to who is running for office

Making Public Policy Decisions Experience Influencers Professional Personal Past offices Staff Constituents Financial contributors Opinion leaders Media Staff Spouse Personal network Committees/Issues How issue impacts constituents They are asked to be a champion High profile Future political ambitions Enlightened self-interest Accurate and compelling information

Who Represents You? Policymaker Information https://leg.mt.gov/map/

Legislative Automated Workflow System (LAWS) LAWS online database Bill text Bill status Committee & floor agendas & hearing schedules Vote totals https://leg.mt.gov/

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.”

Barbara Schneeman Barbara.sch@riverstonehealth.org 406.651.6420 Contact: Barbara Schneeman Barbara.sch@riverstonehealth.org 406.651.6420