Lobby Day 2013 An Overview #breadrising

Matt Newell-Ching Deputy Director of Organizing Western Region

“The reality is that in order to break free from the bondage [of poverty] in this country and the world, we need elected officials to make good on their words and put love thy neighbor at the center of our legislative agenda.” -Derick Dailey #breadrising

Today’s Agenda Lobby Day Basics Issues –The Farm Bill –Sequestration Resources What Comes Next? #breadrising

Lobby Day Basics

Source: Congressional Management Foundation, 2011

Lobby Day 8 am – 12:30 pm Mead Center Breakfast/Registration Worship Issues Briefing State Caucusing (Lunch) Depart for Senate Mead Center U.S. Capitol #breadrising

Lobby Day 1 pm – 5 pm Lobby Visits 1 – 3 pm (Senate) 3 – 5 pm (House) House Buildings Senate Buildings Shuttle Dropoff Mead Center Transportation alternatives will be provided for people with limited mobility U.S. Capitol #breadrising

Lobby Day 5:30 – 8 pm Canon House Office Building Reception Closing Worship House Buildings #breadrising

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Issue 1: Protect SNAP and Reform Food Aid in the Farm Bill

Christine Meléndez Ashley Policy Analyst

The Farm Bill #breadrising

The Farm Bill Reality Governs farm and food policy – including SNAP & international food aid Considered every 5 – 6 years Must be passed by both the House and Senate Unique budget climate means… #breadrising

Farm Bill Reality #breadrising

Where are we now? The Senate On the Senate floor $4 billion cut to SNAP Reforms plus increases funding for Local and Regional Procurement program #breadrising

Where are we now? The House Will be on the floor in June $20 billion cut to SNAP $2.5 billion cut to food aid & 78% cut to food aid quality programs #breadrising

Our Asks Protect & strengthen SNAP Protect & improve food aid #breadrising

ISSUE 2: Replace “Sequestration”

Amelia Kegan Senior Policy Analyst

“Sequestration” Automatic cuts: half defense, half non-defense Tool to force a budget deal Purposefully painful Cuts began March 1 and last 9 years #breadrising

Now is not the problem. Tomorrow is the problem. #breadrising

Replace with a balanced budget plan Revenues Entitlements #breadrising

Fuel the fire Build the pressure #breadrising

Stories!!! #breadrising

What Comes Next

Additional Resources: #breadrising

I am prepared to take the long, hard road, knowing it may not happen today or tomorrow, but ultimately, eventually, it will happen. That’s what faith is all about. That’s the definition of commitment – patience and persistence. People who are like fireworks, popping off right and left with lots of sound and sizzle, can capture a crowd, capture a lot of attention for a time, but I always have to ask, where will they be in the end? Some battles are long and hard, and you have to have staying power. Firecrackers go off in a flash, then leave nothing but ashes. I prefer a pilot light – the flame is nothing flashy, but once it is lit, it doesn’t go out. It burns steadily, and it burns forever. -Rep. John Lewis Walking With the Wind

Possible Next Steps Contact House hill staff during Farm Bill debate Organize a lobby visit in a local office Brainstorm with your regional organizer

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