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

2. 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)

3. 2013 will be a Budget Year
The session started in January and will go until May.

4. 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

5. 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”)

6. 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, Legislature charged with determining details)

7. 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

8. 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 at this level.
Stay connected with national advocacy groups to help you wade through the bureaucracy!

9. Contact Your Representatives
Call during the day
Call at night
Write a letter
Write an
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

10. 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