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

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

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

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

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

State Legislature 203 Members of the House 50 Members of the Senate Republicans hold the majority in both Find out who your legislators are: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/#address Put your address in

State Legislature Sign up to watch committees and get updates Based on your personal preference http://www.legis.state.pa.us/login/Form.cfm “Daily Session Updates” is a big report, easy to get lost Committee and Bill Updates = much better, more relevant info

State Legislature

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

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 http://edworkforce.house.gov/ Bottom of page, enter your email address Indicate your information and areas of interest

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: http://www.help.senate.gov/ Keep your eye on Lamar Alexander 

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)

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

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

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 email 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

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

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

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!

Questions and or Comments