State & Federal Advocacy 101 St. Stephen’s Human Rights Program Cathy Heying

Who are our Legislators? Lawyers Teachers Nurses Nonprofit Manager Business Owners Social Workers Psychologists Chiropractor Community Organizers Chief of Police Insurance Agents Economists Consultants Farmers CEOs Real Estate Agents Rep. Rena Moran (DFL) Rep. Jim Abeler (R) Sen. Amy Koch (R) MN has a citizen legislature. They’re not professional public servants. They have other jobs and most of them are not experts in a broad area. They depend on lobbyists, advocates, and constituents for information to make good decisions. In 2010 the majorities switched and there are now dozens of legislators making decisions in areas they know very little about because there is too much to learn. Sen. Gen Olson (R) Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL) Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL)

2013 will be a Budget Year The session started in January and will go until May.

Governor Dayton’s Budget Proposal Governor Dayton will release his budget by early February Protects: Family Homeless Prevention & Assistance Program, Shelter Funding, Transitional Housing Program, Runaway & Homeless Youth Act, GA, GRH

Legislature’s Proposals Budget Policy The Legislature will release their budgets (House and Senate) by mid-March The 2013 Legislature is responsible for determining the details of Voter ID, should it pass on November 6. (I think this is where we “raise the heat”)

THE ELECTION Election Day is November 6, 2012 ALL of the legislative seats are up for election (only happens every 10 yrs) President All of the House of Representatives One of our Senate Seats (Amy Klobuchar vs. Kurt Bills) VOTER ID Amendment. (If passes, 2013 Legislature charged with determining details)

TAKE ACTION! Who represents you? Federal (D.C.) Senator Amy Klobuchar Senator Al Franken Representative Keith Ellison (Minneapolis) Representative Betty McCollum (St. Paul) State (St. Paul) Governor Dayton 1 State Senator 1 State Representative

FEDERAL LEVEL Federal Level Advocacy is a bit more challenging. Because Government is so big at that level, things move much slower and it can be harder to see the results of our efforts. Always call or write a personal letter rather than email at this level. Stay connected with national advocacy groups to help you wade through the bureaucracy!

Contact Your Representatives Call during the day Call at night Write a letter Write an email Set up a meeting at the capitol Set up a meeting in your neighborhood Friend them on Facebook “Like” their Fan Page Follow their Twitter account

Other Ways to Stay Active Follow the MN Coalition for the Homeless on Facebook for Action Alerts! Join advocates from around the state on a conference call at 3pm every Thursday Connect your friends and families with their legislators in greater MN and surrounding suburbs