1. A Review of the Legislative Process and How to Advocate Presenter: Alyssa Dobson, Director of Financial Aid, SRU V.P. PASFAA and Chair GRC

2. Laws and Policies Impact Us
Laws drive our processes and the framework of our jobs
Federal AND State
Created and ratified by folks who don’t live in our world
Potential for a disconnect between intent and reality
Up to us to educate and advocate

3. Laws and Policies Impact Us
Federal Level
Affects post-secondary Ed more than secondary
Funding
Regulations
Application
State Level
Affects secondary Ed more than post-secondary
Funding
State Grants
State System
Federal
State

4. Our Goal De-mystify the Lobbying Experience
Helping You Prepare for a Lobbying Visit
Sharing the Keys to Successful Meetings
Encouraging You to Be an Advocate

5. PASFAA’s Role in Advocacy
Government Relations Committee
Advises PASFAA leadership
Arranges annual D.C. Capitol Hill visits
Maintains Government Relations Resource Center on PASFAA website
Alerts membership to key issues
Communicates with Congress on specific issues

6. State Legislature 203 Members of the House 50 Members of the Senate
Republicans hold the majority in both
Find out who your legislators are:
Put your address in

7. State Legislature Sign up to watch committees and get updates
Based on your personal preference
“Daily Session Updates” is a big report, easy to get lost
Committee and Bill Updates = much better, more relevant info

8. State Legislature

9. Federal Government House of Representatives Senate
435 members proportionally representing the population of the 50 states
18 of them represent PA
Senate
100 members
Each state has 2
Republicans currently hold the majority in both

10. Federal Government Find your Representative: http://www.house.gov/
Input your zip in the upper right hand corner
Sign up for Education and Workforce information
Bottom of page, enter your address
Indicate your information and areas of interest

11. Federal Government Find your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/index.htm
Bob Casey (D)
Pat Toomey (R)
Watch the HELP (Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) Committee:
Keep your eye on Lamar Alexander 

12. Preparing for a Hill Visit
Identifying and Researching Relevant Issues
Are there specific bills to address?
What is the Congressional agenda and timetable
What are the perspectives/positions you should know?
Defining Your Position on An Issue
Gather input from PASFAA members, your school, other associations (e.g., NASFAA)

13. Preparing for a Hill Visit
Gather Data About Your School
Numbers of aid recipients and dollars
Trends in aid and cost
Collect Student Testimonials
Personal stories
Putting a “face” on the aid programs
Obtain Clearance from Your Institution

14. Preparing for a Hill Visit
Goal of a Handout
Guide your discussion
Provide reference material for Members of Congress and staff
One-Page Versus a More Detailed Letter
Detailed letter allows more in-depth descriptions and adds points beyond those discussed at the meeting
One-page “effect” can be met through an upfront summary and subheadings
Attach data, student testimonials, PASFAA brochures

15. Working with Congressional Staff or Members of Congress
Never lie or exaggerate
Tell them something they don’t know
Have clear, concise points
Make your points early in a letter or
Make your points in the first 10 minutes of a visit or phone call
Avoid jargon or acronyms
Find a reason to follow up
Your goal is to be a trusted resource
You are the subject matter experts
You can assist them in their deliberations
Meeting with staff is important
Don’t be intimidated

16. How to Make Your Case Build a Constructive Message
Offer specific alternatives
Identify specific concerns with proposals
Emphasize items you support
Explain the impact on your office, your school & your students
Numbers help, for example
Demographic data on the students and families you serve
Total dollars of federal aid
Student and family indebtedness
“Personal” stories add dimension and depth
“Testimonials” on importance of programs and services
Highlighting importance of state and federal programs

17. Keys to a Successful Visit
Be Prepared for a 10-Minute Drill
Prioritize your issues
Have a simple memorable message
Provide a summary they will easily remember
Personalize Your Pitch
Build in data and student testimonials
Anticipate questions
Explain Opposing Views
Who and why
Treat Staff With As Much Respect As the Member or Senator

18. The Real Lobbyists of PASFAA
Things We’ve Learned
Be Flexible
Meetings in the hallway can be just as good, or better
No two meetings are alike
PASFAA’s opinion is valued
Wear comfortable shoes
Hill visits can be fun!

19. Questions and or Comments