Unraveling the Legislative Process By Connie Myers

What is “Grassroots”? Webster's Dictionary definition of grassroots is: 1 : basic, fundamentalbasicfundamental 2 : being, originating, or operating in or at the grass roots grass

National Resolutions Chair reviews, sends to Legislative Director State Association approves resolution Resolutions Committee approves resolutions at Annual Conference Legislative Committee prioritizes resolutions, sends to Legislative Director State Association sends to Area Legislative Director gets NGB comment, prints for conference Area reviews, sends to National Resolutions Chair Legislative Director works resolutions on Capitol Hill Legislative Process January—May—August

Prior to the Annual Conference Within each State Association: – Develop legislative resolutions – Use a vetting process to approve or disapprove suggested resolutions – Format approved resolutions for submission to Area – Submit resolutions to Area Resolutions Chair

Prior to the Annual Conference Area Resolutions Chair: – Receive properly formatted resolutions from State Associations – Review all resolutions for completeness and clarity – Submit resolutions to National Resolutions Chair no later than May 1

Prior to the Annual Conference National Resolutions Chair: – Receive properly formatted resolutions from Area Resolutions Chair – Review all resolutions for completeness and clarity – Submit resolutions to National Office no later than June 1

Prior to the Annual Conference National Office (Legislative Director): – Receive properly formatted resolutions from National Resolutions Chair – Review all resolutions for completeness and clarity – Submit resolutions to NGB for comment during June – Review comments from NGB and forward to National Resolutions Chair by July 15

Prior to the Annual Conference National Resolutions Chair: – Receive comments from National Office – Prepare resolutions for Annual Conference and send to National Office for printing – Distribute resolutions and comments to State and Area Resolutions Chairs prior to or at Annual Conference

At the Annual Conference Resolutions Committee Meeting – Review resolutions submitted by State Associations – Consider any resolutions brought up at Annual Conference – Approve/disapprove resolutions – Make report to delegates in session

At the Annual Conference Once resolutions are approved by delegates: – Transmit resolutions to National Legislative Committee – National Legislative Committee prioritizes resolutions by category – National Legislative Committee reports to delegates

After the Annual Conference National Office (Legislative Director): – Works resolutions in priority order – Gives periodic report on status of resolutions to Executive Council and membership

What is “The Call” The “Call” is an "action alert" from EANGUS to let us know when our voice is needed for a “grassroots” push on a important matter or new issues such as: – Bills that need a push – Bills with imminent action – Bills that are in danger

How do I answer the “Call” – Letters Personalize – – EANGUS web site -CAPWIZCAPWIZ – Phone Calls Speak with Military Legislative Assistant

What can my little ‘ole voice do?  Brings attention to new issues  Introduces legislation  Pushes or co-signs legislation  Changes his/her mind

Really??? REALLY!!!!!! The squeaky wheel get the Legislation passed! The results:  Targeted Pay Raises  Study of Guard and Reserve Compensation  Increase in time to use MGIB education benefits

Bottom Line Get involved! You make the difference!

 Questions?