2. Lobbying and advocacy lessons from outside higher education
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

3. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Rick Russell, Esq., senior advisor, StateStreet Advisors, LLC
Jason W. Wagner, director of policy and government relations, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

4. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
What motivates policymakers?
Single most important job for an elected official
“Inner circles” control district perception
Electoral freedom to deviate
Sustainability of grassroots
Cadence of communication with policymakers
Following up
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

5. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
The Environment (PA)
Strongly Partisan Legislature
Both Gov and Legislature claim “mandate”
Effects of Redistricting
Moving Caucuses to Ideological Extremes
Shifting of Ideological Tags
Western PA Dem can look a lot like a Rep in other States
City versus Rural Dynamic
Leadership Driven
National Influences
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

6. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
The Environment (Nationally)
Partisan Legislatures
Even within controlled states
Effects of Redistricting
Moving Caucuses to Ideological Extremes
Immigration
Parties attempt to make inroads
City versus Rural Dynamic
Initiative and Referendum States
National Influences
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

7. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Advocacy today
Common themes
Jobs and Economic Development
Sustainable/Linear Policy
Link to communities
Ability to unite disparate groups
Ability to provide cover in the District
Consistency of messaging
Finding the right advocate
Don’t get picked off
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

8. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Case Study – SSF/NOL Tax
Complex sounding tax policy that languished for years in legislature
Jobs and Economic Development
Creation of “Compete PA”
Sustainable/Linear Policy
The Home Team Advantage
Link to communities
Brick and Mortar connectivity
Ability to unite disparate groups
Labor and Management
Ability to provide cover in the District
Data ties to districts
Consistency of messaging
Priority for Organization. Don’t give reason to move away from issue
Finding the right advocate
Not always the Constituent legislator
Don’t get picked off
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

9. International Advocacy
Western assumptions about motivations have limited value
“Politics” are local, even in countries with strong central gov’t
Economic arguments resonate
Western companies/institutions held to higher standards
Customary advocacy for citizen might be FCPA violation for ex-pat
Absolute need for domestic hires on GR team
Western expectations on turnaround, deadlines, process will disappoint
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

10. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Rick Russell, Esq., senior advisor, StateStreet Advisors, LLC
Jason W. Wagner, director of policy and government relations, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

11. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Keys to Success
Assessing your organization’s internals
Getting industry buy-in
Identifying and developing leaders and champions
Developing a strategy
Don’t “go at it alone”
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

12. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Assessing your organization’s internals
Leadership
Staffing
Funding
Public Affairs
Communications
Technology
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

13. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Three Year Strategy
Developed a Vision
Researched public response and massaged to it
Managed the “effort”
Developed “the Ask” -- $$$ needed
Focused on “the Ask”
Created a broad support network
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

14. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Building a Coalition
Absolutely a CRITICAL key to our success
Creation of the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition (KTFC)
Diverse representation: “Non-traditional Supporters”
Show that funding is much larger issue than just our industry
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

15. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

16. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Keep other groups integrated and on message
Monthly coalition meetings
Frequent meetings of key leaders to ensure messaging continues
“rally the troops”
Give members an active part in participating in process. Don’t just sit back and let the lobbyists and paid staff do it all
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

17. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Learn to step back
Allow others to get in the limelight
Ensure that other member organizations of your team are also a focal point of your effort.
Keep everyone update and engaged to combat member fatique
3-year efforts….lots of false starts along the way
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

18. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Lessons Learned
State your ask clearly and stick to it
Don’t settle for less….even if you know that’s what you’ll get
Prove issue is bigger than your industry
Hire and effective outreach coordinator
Build the biggest tent you can. Think differently about working with “non-traditionals”
Ensure engaged coalition members and leaders
Communicate and manage expectation CAREFULLY
Support your friends: win or LOSE
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA

19. PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA
Thank you/Questions
Jason W. Wagner
Director of Policy and Government Relations
Associated Pennsylvania Constructors
x.111
PHELAP 2016 • Harrisburg | University Park, PA