Allied Health in the 110 th Congress By John Colbert Moss McGee Bradley and Colbert 810 First Street, NW Suite 530 Washington, DC

What are you thoughts about Congress? Are you satisfied with their performance?

George W. Bush Job Approval Ratings Democrats in Congress Republicans in Congress Strongly disapprove 46% Strongly disapprove 29% Strongly disapprove 32% Voters Have High Disapproval of All the Players

In In next years Congressional election, are you more likely to vote for the Democrat or the Republican? Democrat Republican Undecided +9 Generally speaking, in whom do you have more confidence to deal with the major issues facing the country today? Democrats in Congress President Bush Not sure +18 In comparative terms, Democrats still have the high ground

2006 Elections – Democrats take control SenateHouseGovernors Democrats Republicans Independents 200

Realities of Today Optimism for the new Congress is fading. A minority of voters still express a wait-and-see attitude. Voters Concern is 2007 are similar to concerns in 2006: Do Nothing Congress Extreme Partisanship Special Interests Waste, Fraud and Abuse Out of Touch Message in 2006 – CHANGE Message in 2007 – We are still waiting or Will the Democrats actually follow through?

Realities of Today Iraq – Over 70% of voters view war in Iraq as maintain number one issue. Two different areas of Concerns: Anger over lack of progress, lack of mission and loss of life. Frustration over cost in Iraq; unmet needs at home.

Realities of Today- Standoff over spending Showdown over spending brewing between the President and Congress Congressional Democrats are seeking to add $23 billion in funding for domestic programs President Bush has threatened to veto every domestic spending bill that exceeds his funding request Resolution of this standoff unclear

When you hear that President Bush will veto several of the Democrats appropriations bills for these reasons, who are you more inclined to side with on this issue? Side with the Democrats Side with Pres. Bush Much more 26% Much more 25% 46% 40% In veto fights over spending, voters initially the public is divided

When you hear that President Bush will veto several of the Democrats appropriations/spending bills, with whom are you more inclined to side? Side with the Democrats Side with Pres. Bush Much more 26% Much more 25% 46% 40% Initial Support Side with the Democrats Side with Pres. Bush Much more 42% Much more 18% 57% 31% Support after Arguments Making the Democratic case turns a narrow edge into a strong advantage

$3.7 B more than Bush on veterans health care $630M more than Bush on highways/bridges=jobs $1 B more than Bush on disease research $200 M more than Bush on health care for uninsured $35 B more than Bush on S- CHIP for uninsured kids $2 B more than Bush on homeland security $65 M more than Bush on food/medicine safety $1.5 B more than Bush on schools/Head Start $1.6 M more than Bush on law enforcement/crime 74% 71% 68% 67% 65% 64% 63% All voters Voters side with Democrats over Bush on a wide range of specifics

Invest in Americas future Its time to take care of things at home Its time to get our priorities straight Its time to put America first Put Americas priorities first Stop shortchanging America for Iraq Invest in Americas priorities Stop shortchanging America First things first Focus group participants ranking each among top four choices: Of 33 total participants Best rated slogans focus on investing in future, right priorities, taking care of things at home

Republicans feel that they lost the election because they became the party of excess spending. They are intent on reasserting themselves as the party of fiscal restraint. Nothing tests as strongly among Republican voters as curbing excessive spending. No incentive for the President to compromise

Democrats will complete their appropriations bills in the next month, with the Labor, HHS, and Education bill the first to be sent to the President. A Presidential veto is a near certainty. Congress will attempt to override the Presidential vetoes. This effort is unlikely to succeed, as only 10% of vetoes are overridden historically. This showdown will continue until almost Christmas, when either an Omnibus Appropriations bill or a long term Continuing Resolution will be sent to the President. A government shutdown is highly unlikely – it is not in either partys interest. Showdown likely

Democrats believe they have the upper hand as we approach the 2008 Elections Democrats enjoy an average lead of 12 points in the generic presidential race (51-39) Democrats enjoy a 9 point lead in generic congressional balloting Likely voters favor Democrats Independents favor Democrats by 19 points (President), 14 points (Congress) Twelve Republican retirements in the House, only two Democrats voluntarily leaving, both to run for the Senate Almost twice as many Republican Senators up for re- election this cycle, four are vulnerable and three additional Republican seats are open due to retirements.

However, it is too early to predict victory at this point -- and Democrats must prove that they can pass the audition the 2006 election provided and can run the government effectively Too early to predict the outcome for 2008

Broadening funding opportunities Department of Labor funding Workforce Investment Act reauthorization Higher Education Act Reauthorization Labor-HHS Appropriations HRSA Section 755 funding for Allied Health Programs What are we doing to help ASAPH in Washington?

S. 605 the Allied Health Reinvestment Act Senator Cantwell sponsored Ongoing effort – Republican cosponsor What are we doing to help ASAPH in Washington?

Focus today – making connections to the workforce system

Umbrella law for job training programs Funding provided by the Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration $3.4 billion in annual formula funding – at least 40% of the overall funding used for job training - Three funding Streams - Adults Dislocated (laid off) workers Youth – ages Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Funding

States keep 15% from all formula funding streams. State has broad choices in how to spend this funding – overseen by State Workforce Investment Boards (SWIB) SWIB required to have a business majority and SWIB members are appointed by the Governor. Representatives include elected officials, government agencies, labor, and experienced service providers Focused on addressing state workforce development needs WIA formula funding – State funding

Locals allocated roughly 85% of all formula funding The allocation of this funding is overseen by local Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) Over 600 local WIBs across the nation WIBs are also business majority with a Chair from the business community WIA formula funding – local funding

WIB members are appointed by local elected officials with criteria set by the Governor. Must be business majority and include labor organizations, local governmental partners, Community Based Organizations, disabilities, veterans, and education officials Local WIBs

Meet the job training demands of the local economy Oversee operations of their One Stop career centers Select training providers WIB focus

Most training currently performed by community colleges. Very little engagement by four year institutions – DOL would like to have more training performed by four year institutions. This provides a real opportunity for ASAHP members. The key will be making the connection to your local workforce board. WIA training providers