NYPIRG1 Protecting the Public’s Health: Tips for Advocates Presentation to the New York State Public Health Association Blair Horner May 30, /2/2015

Agenda Defining advocacy Background on government Lobbying in New York Components of successful advocacy Basics on lobbying Do’s and Don’ts NYPIRG210/2/2015

What Is Advocacy? Informing decision makers about risks/benefits of policy change. Building a persuasive case for a particular change. Engaging the community to advance or promote social, environmental or public policy issues. NYPIRG310/2/2015

Example: NYC Smoking Rate Down Nearly 30% NYPIRG410/2/2015

NYPIRG5 The Powers of the Executive Governor is one of most powerful executives in nation. Controls budget process. Governor Andrew Cuomo Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli Elected to four year terms 10/2/2015

NYPIRG6 The Legislature Senate controlled by Republicans/Independent Democratic coalition with 35 members (29 – R; IDC – 5; D/R -1) of 63 seats (two open). Assembly controlled by Democrats: 100 D members of 150 seats (ten open). 2 year terms, elections are in even numbered years Extremely powerful leadership. Chooses: chairs, staffing, office and parking locations. Also controls leadership PACs. 10/2/2015

What is NYS’s definition of lobbying? New York State law applies to lobbyists and public corporations, and to clients or employers of lobbyists, who in any year either reasonably anticipate expending, incurring, or receiving, or who actually expend, incur, or receive, more than $5,000 of combined reportable compensation and expenses for lobbying activities at either the state and/or local government level. 7NYPIRG10/2/2015

What is not lobbying? Educating students or others about issues, how state government works and politics. Training folks on how to lobby or providing information on lobby-day activities. Asking a public official to speak at an event on an issue they have a position on. Planning or discussing strategy and tactics among those who already have a position on the issue. NYPIRG810/2/2015

New York State Commission on Public Ethics New York City Clerk’s office bying/law.shtml bying/law.shtml NYPIRG910/2/2015

NYPIRG10 Lobbying Spending Over Time 10/2/2015

Top Lobby Groups, 2013 OrganizationMoney Spent Altria (parent of Philip Morris)$3,001,247 United Federation of Teachers$2,552,379 NYS United Teachers$2,213,444 Greater NY Hospital Assoc$2,173,536 Public Employees Federation$1,442,741 Goddard Global, LLC$1,384,307 Genting NY, LLC$1,368,500 NYPIRG1110/2/2015

NYPIRG12 Additional lobbying facts 6,742 individual lobbyists 4,202 clients New York State leads the nation in its ratio of lobbyists to lawmakers – 31 to 1. 10/2/2015

“But the public is with us!” NYPIRG1310/2/2015

Political scientist Jonathan Bernstein has observed: One of the big mistakes of the latest gun control debate was equating public support for reform with public demand for reform: “Those people who have been pushing for marriage equality? They were calling for change. And marching for it, demanding it, donating money to get it, running for office to achieve it, and supporting candidates who would vote for it, filing lawsuits to make it legal. In many cases, they based their entire political identity around it. Action works. "Public opinion" is barely real; most of the time, on most issues, change the wording of the question and you'll get entirely different answers. At best, "public opinion" as such is passive. And in politics, passive doesn't get results.” NYPIRG1410/2/2015

NYPIRG15 Ingredients of Success Strategy Lobbying Coalitions Media Grassroots, constituent pressure 10/2/2015

Advocating/Lobbying The practice of influencing votes of elected officials Whatever the issue, we can “lobby” our elected officials so that beneficial action can be taken. NYPIRG1610/2/2015

Lobbying What do you want? Why can it be done? Who has lobbyists that can help? Who are the relevant committees/leadership? Systematically and consistently advocate. Who are your champions? Materials needed. Know the law: New York State, New York City and the IRS. NYPIRG1710/2/2015

When To Lobby When recruiting prime sponsors When recruiting co-sponsors When asking for support for a specific bill When new developments give rise to media coverage. Before the issue gets to the Legislature (state) or Congress (federal) and a policy decision is made. NYPIRG1810/2/2015

Who To Contact To schedule a meeting: scheduler, often based in the district office, call Albany office first. To contact your state legislators, use , letters and/or leave phone messages. Albany switchboards: Assembly , Senate: Ask for your member’s office. NYPIRG1910/2/2015

Know your legislator Research his/her record on related legislation and/or voting record General predisposition Constituent pressures he/she faces NYPIRG2010/2/2015

Know your issue Research issue thoroughly before meeting with your legislator If you are asked about something you are not sure of or do not know the answer, admit to it and let him/her know that you will get back to his legislative aide as soon as possible (try to provide answer within 24 hours). NYPIRG2110/2/2015

The Personal Visit The most effective way of transmitting your message If the legislator is not available, ask to meet with a legislative aide NYPIRG2210/2/2015

Know your opposition Inform legislators of opponents and their positions Identify other groups that support your position (coalition members) NYPIRG2310/2/2015

How to Lobby Your Legislator Be a credible representative Be fully aware of your organization’s position/s State your name & town where you reside Be as specific as possible & keep it brief Give name and bill number Be reasonable, be clear about the “ask” (vote for bill, sponsor bill, etc.) Ask legislator to state his/her position on the issue NYPIRG2410/2/2015

Do’s and Don’ts: DO: Address Senator, Representative or Assembly member properly Identify yourself (by name and town) Be brief and explicit, courteous and reasonable Know the status of the legislation (refer to a bill by number) Establish your own credentials or expertise on the subject Respect legislator’s time When presenting several “ASKS” keep all information to one page (materials matter!) Pay attention to staff Ask for specific action Win/lose graciously Keep door open for further discussion Follow up NYPIRG2510/2/2015

Don’t: Assume the legislator is familiar with your issue Underestimate your opponent Flood the office with paper Mislead or lie Be arrogant, condescending or threatening Apologize for taking his/her time Argue or back legislators into a corner Make notes of a conversation while talking to a legislator Underestimate the influence of a chief of staff or legislative aide NYPIRG2610/2/2015

Post Visit Send a thank you note (not an ) Send follow up to legislative chief of staff or legislative aide with additional information Make follow up call to inquire about legislator’s position (will he/she support legislation?) NYPIRG2710/2/2015