Getting the Job Done: Who’s Really in Charge on Capitol Hill! Myrna Mandlawitz, Ed.M., JD MRM Associates, LLC

Why are you here?  To tell your district’s stories. Your LEA in their district/state = kind of a big deal!  To tell your story. You are a constituent. You matter and have a story to tell.  To show solidarity and share a message.

Special Education…. …is a BIPARTISAN issue!

Is it 2016 ALREADY?  Presidential politics are in play.  Impact on congressional activity: Who’s left to vote?! No “controversial” votes.  Party winning White House historically makes gains in Congress.

“Let’s Go Home…!”  Election year = early adjournment  Significance Less time for issues requiring long debate. Will fiscal year finances be settled? Again, no “controversy!”

And STILL No “Regular Order?”  Fiscal Year deadline: Sept. 30, 2015  Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee Affordable Care Act Labor issues Other “riders”

And Don’t Forget Sequestration  Sequestration is NOT over.  FY 2016 President’s budget eliminates NDD cap.  Would mean extra $37 billion for education. House & Senate budgets keep cap.  Would mean deep cuts in education.

What is “Public Policy?”  Whole range of government actions to improve citizens’ lives. Rule, plan or action pertaining to issues of national importance.  Because public is so broad, lots of opinions about which policy is “right.” How best to create and implement.

“Incrementalism”  A fancy word for “policy changes occur slowly!”  Usually policies tweaked slightly over time rather than dramatically altered all at once!  PERSISTENCE & PATIENCE!

The National Agenda  Issues become part of national agenda: As part of larger trend. After major event. Through interest group. Through political speeches, e.g., State of the Union.  Once issue on the agenda, people seek government action.

The Truth about Policy-Making  Party politics, 2 party system  Issue framers exert enormous influence  Other biases added by players  Final outcome and implementation not always that effective..... Despite these, “Public Policy” is often the best way to address social issues!

So What Does All This Mean For YOU? STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE!

First of all, Do Your Research!  Legislator’s prior record?  Committee assignments?  Reasons constituents want support?  Helpful personal information?  Other legislators who can influence his/her decision?  “Opposition” arguments?

Build Relationships!  Have an initial in-person meeting, if possible – with legislator and/or staff.  Establish yourself as an “expert” and a resource.  Stay in touch through website, , Facebook; become a “fan!”

Critical Points in Advocating  When YOU have an issue to address How to get lawmakers to make it ‘their’ issue!  When a lawmaker raises an issue Committee hearings Research phase Bill drafting Floor action Governor’s action (sign/veto)

Two KEY Types of Legislation  Authorization Expands & creates programs Needs to be reauthorized  Appropriations Funds agencies/programs Federal Fiscal Year: Sept. 30 – Oct. 1.

Key Roles in Lawmaking  Legislators  Personal Staff & Committee Staff  Lobbyists: professional and volunteer  “Experts” Researchers Practitioners in the field of interest Folks with personal experience  Constituents (Untapped power!)

Steps in the Legislative Process  Issue raised.  Bill introduced.  Hearings.  Bill markup.  Floor consideration.  Consideration in other chamber.

And Even More Steps  Conference committee to reconcile versions of the bill.  Chambers vote on final bill.  Bill sent to president for signature or veto.  Possible veto override vote.

After the Law is Passed  All “details” not in law.  Administrative law provides the details. Regulations; Guidance  Easier to change regulations than to amend laws.  Regulations/guidance = Administration’s stamp on the law!

Regulations  Regulations = rules written by executive branch agency  Purpose: Implementation and enforcement of the law.  Regulations have the force of law.  Executive branch puts its stamp on laws through regulations.

Who’s Who? …and why we care!

The REAL Scoop on Capitol Hill  Congress legislates by anecdote! Compelling stories prompt action.  Members need to “hear from home!” Constituents have an impact.  Congress is run by 20-somethings! Young staffers have power & influence, but need YOUR expertise!

Who cares about staff? You Do! Staff members have…  direct access to legislators.  their bosses’ trust.  knowledge (sometimes!) on issue areas.  INFLUENCE over legislators’ decisions and actions!

All Staff are NOT the Same  Personal staff State or DC staff District staff  Committee staff  Leadership staff  Support agency staff  Institutional staff

Personal Staff: Constituent Relations  Work directly for individual members.  Handle constituent services, including meetings. Staff Assistant/Receptionist Caseworker Legislative Correspondent (LC) Grants staff

Personal Staff: Legislative Duties  Members rely on staff at every phase of legislative process.  Legislative staff include: Legislative Director (LD) Legislative Assistant (LA)

Personal Staff: Political Duties  Nurture political relationships at home & in DC. Making member “look good!”  Work with party leaders. Better committee assignments!  “Political” staff includes: Chief of Staff or Administrative Asst (AA) District/State Director Communications Director

Personal Staff: Administrative Duties  Congressional office is like a small business!  Who’s involved: Scheduler/Executive Assistant Office Manager Systems Administrator

Committee Staff  Have expertise on issues in the committee jurisdiction.  Committee stage critical for any proposed legislation.  “Majority” and “Minority” staffs.

In meeting with staff, keep these points in mind:

In working with staff, keep these points in mind…  Remember who they are.  Don’t overestimate what they know.  Don’t underestimate their influence.  Maintain your credibility.  Provide concise, useful information.

More points….  Visit before asking for a favor!  Don’t attack ideas.  Follow up.  Be a resource & stay connected.  Thank members and staff.

In summary…  Getting to know staff can be very beneficial. Access to power structure. Capacity to influence decisions.  Don’t have to be in DC to develop relationships. Work with district/state staff. Meet with DC staff when they’re at “home.”  GET INVOLVED!

Thanks for your attention! Questions?