The Truth about Washington WHO S REALLY IN CHARGE

The Truth about Washington: WHO’S REALLY IN CHARGE ON CAPITOL HILL! MYRNA MANDLAWITZ, M. ED. , 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!

What’s Different This Year? “Controversial” votes = “no-no!” Really ANY votes! Taking lots of credit for even the smallest “victories!” “Look how bipartisan we can be!” …. An even earlier exit for Congress: It’s all about the campaign! “August Recess” begins in July!

And What About FY 2017? Fiscal Year 2017: Starts Oct. 1, 2016 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Senate: Bill passed subcommittee and full committee The “high water mark” generally For Dept. of Education: Overall $220 million below FY 2016 House: Action? Another Continuing Resolution to keep the government running Long-term or short-term? ELECTION will determine.

And Don’t Forget Sequestration is NOT over. Current budget deal only provides $30 billion in relief for FY 2017. Sequestration resumes in FY 2018 if Congress doesn’t act. Will there be another “deal? ” Stay tuned to the ELECTION! (Sensing a Theme? )

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 is on the agenda, people seek government action.

The Truth about Policy-Making Party politics and the 2 -party system Issue framers exert enormous influence Other players add biases Final outcome and implementation not always that effective… BUT, “public policy” still usually the best way to address social issues!

TAKING ACTION: BECOMING A SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCATE!

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

“Getting to Know You…. !” 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, email, Facebook; become a “fan!”

Timing is Everything 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)

ALERT: Critical Slide! Authorization Expands & creates programs Needs to be reauthorized Appropriations Funds agencies/programs Federal Fiscal Year: Sept. 30 – Oct. 1.

Whose Voices Matter 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!)

Step-by-Step Guide to Lawmaking 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.

Once 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 = rules written by executive branch agency. Purpose: Implementation and enforcement of the law. Regulations have the force of law. Current “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” (NPRM) on ESSA – Comments due August 1, 2016.

Who’s Who on Capitol Hill? …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 Institutional staff

Personal Staff Connecting to Constituents Receptionist Caseworker Legislative Correspondent (LC) Grants Staff Getting Bills Passed Legislative Director (LD) Legislative Assistants (LA)

More Personal Staff Tending to Politics and Party Chief of Staff or Administrative Assistant District/State Director Communications Director Running the “Business” Scheduler/Executive Assistant Office Manager Systems Administrator

Committee Staff Director Chief Clerk, Chief of Staff, or Chief Counsel Deputy Counsel, Assistant Counsel, or General Counsel Professional Staff Associate Staff Specialists, e. g. , economists, scientists, etc. Clerical Staff

When you meet with staff, keep in mind…

When You Meet with Staff. . 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 or argue with staff. Follow up. Be a resource & stay connected. Thank members and staff.

Maximizing Your Meeting Time Prepare a concise message. Make sure they get WHO you are and WHAT you do. Don’t worry about hitting every talking point. Practice your message. Don’t just talk…Be a good listener, too! Read the body language…. Don’t overstay your welcome! Your #1 goal = become the “go-to” person on special education!

Takeaways! Getting to know staff can be very beneficial. Access to power structure. Capacity to influence decisions. You do NOT 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 being an advocate! QUESTIONS?