Legislative Advocacy 101

1. Legislative Advocacy 101 Presented by: LuAnn Madsen Madsen & Wright, Inc.

2. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Madsen & Wright, Inc. The team consists of professionals and political operatives that have represented clients’ interests before the General Assembly and Executive Branch since 1986. 107A E. High St., Suite 201 Jefferson City, Missouri (573) 635-4694 www.mwimo.com

3. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Madsen & Wright, Inc. LuAnn Madsen – Is an attorney and has been a contract lobbyist for over 25 years. She has also served as a local assistant prosecutor, on the legal staff in multiple capacities for the Missouri Bar, and as an adjunct instructor at UCM (Warrensburg), and State Fair Community College. She is a Past President of the Missouri Society of Association Executives, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Society of Governmental Consultants. In her spare time she teaches tap dancing and choreographs shows for community theater.

4. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Advocacy vs. Lobbying • How is advocacy different from lobbying? • Lobbying is only one kind of advocacy. • Not all advocacy is lobbying but all lobbying is advocacy.

5. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy What is “Advocacy”? • The Latin roots of the verb “advocate” include vocare, “to call,” and vox, “voice.” Advocacy means speaking out, answering a call. • “Advocacy” encompasses a broad range of activities that can influence public debate and policy decisions. • Through advocacy, people and organizations seek to influence the laws, policies, and systems that affect entire communities.

6. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy What is “Advocacy”? (cont.) • Effective advocacy can include: • Educating the public and policy makers about issues of concern. • Attempting to influence legislation. • Working to shape the development of governmental agency rules and regulations. • Litigating on public policy issues. • Educating voters and candidates about policy issues. • Ensuring that underrepresented communities have a voice in the policy process.

7. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Why Advocate? • Effective advocacy enables a nonprofit to shape the public debate on important social issues and ensure that underserved communities have a voice in the policies that impact their lives. • Advocacy is the number one way nonprofits can advance the issues they care about and help bring about systemic, lasting change for the people they serve.

8. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Types of “Advocacy”? • Organizing: Build power at the base. • Educate Legislators: Provide information on issues. • Educating the Public about the Legislative Process: Introduce communities and constituencies to the legislators whose represent them. • Research: Produce relevant resources that reflect the real story of your community. • Organizing a rally: Mobilize for your cause. • Regulatory efforts: Take action at the agencies.

9. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Types of “Advocacy”? (cont.) • Public education: Educate the community on the issues. • Nonpartisan voter education: Inform the electorate on the issues. • Nonpartisan voter mobilization: Encourage citizens to vote. • Educational conferences: Gather, network, share information, and plan for the future. • Training. • Litigation: Win in court for your cause or your community. • Lobbying: Advocate for or against specific legislation.

10. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy What/Who is an Advocate? • Generic term for a person who represents a client’s interest before federal, state and/or local government. • Similar to how an attorney represents a client’s interests in a court of law. • Can be a volunteer or employee of any: company, association, government agency or like-minded group. • Most commonly think of a “hired-gun” or lobbyist; who can be a person or firm, acting as an independent contractor on behalf of a “special interest” that hires them to represent their interests.

11. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy What/Who is a Advocate (cont.) • Almost anyone can be a Advocate or Lobbyist: • Any profession (or non-profession) • Don’t have to be an attorney, but it is often an advantage. • Ability to meet people, develop relationships, and process lots of information happening at once is also helpful. • Every state is different • There are virtually no two states alike when it comes to lobbying. Each has a unique set of rules and laws governing how lobbying may be conducted. • Lobbying on the Federal level is also very different. • Discussion can be its own presentation.

12. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly • Bicameral State Legislature (two chambers: House & Senate) • 34 State Senators • Must be 30 years old • Limited to serving two four-year terms for a total of eight years. • Each represents approximately 176,145 people • 163 State Representatives • Must be 24 years old • Limited to serving four two-year terms for a total of eight years. • Each represents approximately 36,742 people • Federal (Congress or “The Hill”) • 2 - U.S. Senators – six-year terms • Each state has two representing the entire state. • 2012 Missouri has eight (8) U.S. Representatives – two-year terms • Each represents approximately 621,690 people NOTE: The Missouri General Assembly/State Legislature is not referred to as “Congress” or “The Hill.”

13. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly (cont.) • Each “General Assembly” convenes for two consecutive, one-year sessions. • 2011 was the 1st Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly. 2012 was the 2nd Regular Session. • 2013 was the 1st Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly. 2014 is the 2nd Regular Session. • An “Extraordinary Session,” commonly called “special sessions,” may be convened when it is called by the governor for special purposes. • December 1st is the first day bills may be filed for the upcoming session. • The State Constitution says each Legislative Session “begins on the first Wednesday, after the first Monday in January and ends on the second Friday, after the first Monday in May” (approximately 80 legislative days). • The State Constitution requires that the state budget be passed by the “first Friday after the first Monday in May.”

14. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly (cont.) Results of November 2012 Elections • 67 Total New Legislators (34+%): • 54 (33%) new House members • 13 (38%) new Senate members (10 were former House members) • General Assembly make up as of January 2014: • House -108 Republicans / 52 Democrats / 3 Vacancies • Senate - 24 Republicans / 9 Democrats / 1 Vacancy

15. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly (cont.) • Important Websites: • Missouri Senate – http://www.senate.mo.gov/ • Missouri House – http://www.house.mo.gov/ • Governor Jay Nixon – http://governor.mo.gov/ • House/Senate Bills Tracking - http://www.house.mo.gov/billcentral.aspx?pid=26

16. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly (cont.) • Missouri General Assembly Website • http://www.moga.mo.gov/ • Links to House, Senate and Statewide Official’s Websites • Bill Search • Fiscal Notes • Legislator Contact Info, Bios and Votes • Missouri Statutes • Code of State Regulations • Frequently Asked for Resources • http://www.moga.mo.gov/question.htm

17. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Frequently Asked for Resources How to Address Government OfficialsMissouri Representatives E-mail AddressesContacting the Governor's OfficeState of Missouri Home PageWho is my Representative and/or Senator?Who are my County officials?Who are my US Representatives?Missouri Senate E-mail AddressesMissouri State StatutesMissouri ConstitutionDriver and Automobile LicensingState SymbolsBirth & Death RecordsTerm LimitsCandidate Filing InformationGlossary of Terms House and Senate Joint Bill SearchTax Forms, Tables and ChartsProfessional LicensingStarting a New BusinessUtilities RegulationCode of State Regulation (CSRs)Administrative RulesMissouri JudiciaryVoting & ElectionsBallot IssuesJob Opportunities in State GovernmentBid OpportunitiesState Boards & CommissionsStatutes Popular Name TableMissouri Ethics Commission

18. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy “I’m Just a Bill…!” • How a bill becomes a law…? (see House website) • How are bills created? • Legislative sponsor(s) and champions • Bill drafting/writing language • Proponents, Opponents, Coalitions, Allies, Colleagues, Mutual Interests, Amendments, and Substitutes • “…sausage and laws” • How does a bill become a law? • 2000 introduced vs. 200 passed

19. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy “I’m Just a Bill…! (cont.) • HBs/SBs versus: • Bills with referendum clause • Joint Resolutions • Requires public vote • Concurrent Resolutions • Message to Federal Government • Courtesy Resolutions • “Certificate Suitable for Framing” • Which Version? • Printed, Online, Substitute, LR #

20. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Tracking Legislation & Reports • How Legislation is Tracked? • Read Physical Bills • Mark Them as Potential Interest • Follow on our Tracking Report • GovWatch Reports • Frequent Communication, Legislative Committee, and other appropriate coalition members. • Reports sent for distribution.

21. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Legislative Advocacy • Establish and build “personal” relationships • Legislators and their staffs • Executive Branch, including: governor’s office, department & division decision makers, and regulatory agencies • Educate about current policy status • What’s good or bad? • How Missouri’s policy(s) compare to other states, and how the policy(s) impacts Missouri’s competitive position? • Educate about desired policy changes • Why change is better than status quo? • Who is impacted (positively or negatively) • Who will or will not benefit? • Additional positive or negative impacts? • What is/are the cost(s) of desired changes?

22. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (cont.) • Scheduling an appointment & Communication Courtesies • When making an appointment, state the subject to be discussed and identify persons who will attend, noting whether they are constituents. • In-District or Capitol? In the office or in the hallway? • Time Expectations? How long will you need? • Will there be media coverage? • Use of Titles… • First Name • Representative or Senator (name)

23. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (cont.) • Select a spokesperson if others are going with you, and agree on your presentation in advance of your meeting. • Know the facts, both legislatively and related to your position. If discussing a bill, know the number and title. • Present the facts in an orderly, concise, positive manner. Stay on the issue. Don't try to talk about too many different topics or your position may become confused.

24. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (cont.) • Relate the positive impact of legislation you support and the problem(s) it corrects. If you are affected personally, tell them your story, and how an issue will impact you or your profession. • Relate the negative impact of legislation you oppose and the problem(s) it would create. • Leave fact sheets if possible. • Encourage questions. Be prepared to discuss.

25. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (cont.) • Ask for favorable consideration, thank the legislator for his/her time and courtesy, and leave promptly. • Be sure to get the name of staff members in the legislator’s office, especially those in charge of setting appointments and covering your issue.

26. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (cont.) • Follow up with a note of thanks. Sometimes, it’s good to carry some cards with you, so you can write notes immediately after your meeting, and mail them on your way out of town (there is a USPS with drop boxes on the street across the street from the Capitol). • You may end up meeting with a staff member instead of the Legislator if he/she is called away for votes or committee business. The staffer will convey your message to the Legislator.

27. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Initiative Petitions • Statutory • Need signatures equal to 5% of the vote for governor in last general election in six of the nine congressional districts. • Constitutional • Need signatures equal to 8% of the vote for governor in last general election in six of the nine congressional districts. NOTE: Both petitions must be turned in by first part of May. • A new political tactic is to file joint resolutions in the legislature to flush out supporters, opponents and campaign messages.

28. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly (cont.) Education Specific Policy Issues • Teacher Performance and Evaluation • Amendment 3 • Common Core Standards • Missouri Specific Implementation • Fully Funding the Foundation Formula: • Impacts of Tax Cuts, Tax Credits, and Withholdings • Protecting the Religious Liberties of Students and Parents. • Vouchers: • Public Money for Private Education • Public School Retirement System: • Defined Contribution vs Defined Benefit

29. Madsen & Wright, Inc. - Legislative Advocacy Missouri General Assembly (cont.) Overarching State Policy Issues • Economic Development & Job Creation • Tax Reforms • “Fair Tax” (replace income and property taxes with one state sales tax) • Redesign to Eliminate all State Tax Credits • TABOR (Constitutional State Government Spending Reduction) • Redesign of Missouri’s Court Plan and Civil Court Laws • Budget: • Spending Reductions • Structural Changes (tax credit reforms, program cuts, fees for service, privatization, etc.) • Transparency at All Levels (State, County, City, Schools, Public Higher Ed) • “Right to Work” laws (attacking Organized Labor) • Change Missouri’s Minimum Wage Law • Medicaid Reforms: • Health Insurance, TANF Time-Limits,

30. Madsen & Wright, Inc. Thank You for the Work You Do and Your Attention Today!