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Guide to Effective Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Trends and Tips in Current
Advocacy
1/21/2015
Topics we will cover
What is Lobbying
Background on congressional offices
How to prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill
Formula for an effective and efficient meeting
Lobbying – Ignoring the Stigma
Lobbying has not always been portrayed well over the past few years –particularly what is classified as professional lobbying.
Inside the beltway (Capitol Hill, Agencies, The White House), there is a much different view – Lobbying is an integral cog in the wheel of Washington.
The actions of Congress affect people, businesses and industries differently and in ways that Congress did not necessarily intend or realize. They understand this and appreciate the expert and tailored input from those that their work effects.
Outside perspectives are welcome and often encouraged
Willingness for staffers to meet with industry
Direct solicitations for public input
Congress recognizes the need for industry support to pass legislation but, more importantly, has a genuine desire to pass bills that will help people and industries.
The 114th Congress – Who Are These
People?
For the first time in over six years, the GOP controls both houses of
Congress. The GOP majority in the House is the largest since the Truman Administration; however, it is not large enough to overcome a
Presidential Veto.
The GOP majority in the Senate is 54 – 46, also not large enough to
overcome a Presidential Veto.
The 114th Congress is the most
diverse in our nation’s history.
There is a record number of female lawmakers – 104
There will be 33 Hispanic Members and 12 Asian American Members of
Congress.
There will be two Native American Members of Congress (both from
Oklahoma and both Republican).
GOP and Democratic Caucuses
more diverse
The GOP caucus will have it’s first Black Female Member as well as the
largest number of African Americans in their ranks - three.
The Democratic Caucus will have the only Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu
Members of Congress in their Caucus.
Veterans
The last World War II veterans left the Congress at the end of the last
session.
But they have been replaced by younger veterans from the Iraq and
Afghanistan wars.
But the total number of Members of Congress with military service or
experience is believed to be among the lowest in our nation’s history.
Other Lives…
There are a total of 13 lawmakers from agricultural backgrounds.
Twenty-seven have a healthcare background.
10 have been governors, 32 were mayors, and 251 served in state
legislatures.
Average Age…
The average age of the new House – 57 (Same as last Congress)
The average age of the new Senate – 61 (Down from 62 last Congress)
The Oldest Member of Congress – John Conyers (D-Michigan) 81
The Youngest Member of Congress Elise Stefanik (R-New York) 30
Presidential Vetoes:
Barack Obama
11
PresidentRegular
Vetoes
Vetoes
Total
Vetoes
Vetoes
Overridden
Percentage
Vetoes
Overridden
Percentage
Regular
Vetoes
Overridden
Barack
Obama2 0 2 0 0% 0%
How does that compare to
other recent presidents?
12
Presidential Vetoes
PresidentRegular
vetoes
vetoes
Total
vetoes
Vetoes
overridden
Percentage
vetoes
overridden
Percentage
regular
vetoes
overridden
Jimmy
Carter13 18 31 2 6% 15%
Ronald
Reagan39 39 78 9 12% 23%
George
H. W.
Bush
29 15 44 1 2% 2%
Bill
Clinton36 1 37 2 5% 6%
George
W. Bush11 1 12 4 33% 36%
13
Investment Advice
14
Buy stock in Mont Blanc as the President will be using his VETO pen more in 2015 than he has in the previous 6 years.
Know Your Position
On the policies and issues at hand
As an Educator
As an Advocate for your patients and members
As a Resource to the office
Know Your Position
Summarize the state of Rural Health in your state and the intersection of the
policy topic at hand and your role as the State Office of Rural Health.
Stick to talking points to keep your position concise. But be prepared to offer
anecdotes or real-life stories that help paint the picture about those talking
points.
Know your Position
Discuss how you can you help the Congressional office you are
meeting with. Leave the meeting with a follow up plan.
Additional materials to email the staffer.
Additional anecdotes to pass along.
Rural Health insights and news that compliments the topics discussed in
the meeting.
Does your SORH have a newsletter you’d like the Congressional office to
receive? Are you on twitter or facebook? If so, ask them to sign-up.
Does the Representative/Senator have a twitter or facebook account
where you can follow them?
Make Clear Your “Ask”
Understand Congress’ unique position to effectuate, or prevent
change. Make clear what the “Ask” is and what response you got?
Will the Member support the funding increase we are asking for? If
the Member (or staff) is non-committal, what information can you
provide to the office to help them make a favorable decision?
If the Member supports an increase in SORH funding, will he/she
write a letter to the House/Senate Appropriations Committee
supporting that increase?
What Are we Asking?
FY 2012 Enacted
FY 2013 NRHA Request
FY 2013 President Obama's Request
FY 2013 Enacted
FY 2014 NRHA Request
FY 2014 President Obama's Request
FY 2014Omnibus
FY 2015 NRHA Request
FY 2015 President Obama's Request
FY 2015 SenateRequest
FY 2016 NRHARequest
Rural Outreach & Network Grants
56 59.8 56 52 59.8 55.5 57 62.7 57 57 70
Rural Health Research/Policy 10.76 10 10 9 10 9.9 9.4 10.3 9 9 11.3
State Offices of Rural Health 10 10 10 9 10 10 9.5 11.1 10 10 15 NOSORH recommendation
Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants 41 43.46 26 38 43.5 26.2 40.6 44.7 26 40.5 49.2
Rural & Community Access to Emergency Devices
1.1 3.49 0 2 3.5 0 3.4 3.7 0 5.4 4.1
Telehealth 11.5 12.3 12 11 12.3 11.5 13.9 15.3 14 14 16.8
National Health Service Corps Mandatory ACA1
295 N/A 300 286 N/A 305 305 335.5 310 N/A 369.1
National Health Service Corps Discretionary
0 N/A 0 0 N/A 0 0 156.2 100 N/A 171.8
Title VII and VIII Programs of Particular Interest to Fund
Rural Physician Training Grants 0 4 4 N/A 4 N/A N/A 4.4 4 0 4.8
Area Health Education Centers 27.2 75 0 28 75 0 30.3 75 0 30.3 82.5
Geriatric Programs 30.1 35.6 N/A 30 35.6 32.4 33.3 36.7 34.2 40.4
Be Prepared…
If this money were to be approved – How would you spend it?
Is money the ONLY reason you are not undertaking the initiatives you
would undertake if the federal grant were increased?
Why won’t your state fund these initiatives?
NOSORH
1. Keep it short.
2. Know the arguments on both sides.
3. Document your position. Prepare a summary and supporting
papers you can leave behind.
NOSORH
4. Promise (and keep your promise) to supply answers and documents requested.
5. Never threaten.
6. If you see a member alone, make sure you follow-up with a staffer.
7. Tell them who your allies are, if you have any.
8. Tell them why the elected official might be interested in your position, from a local or issue-related point of view (more jobs, better jobs, safer jobs, did I mention jobs).
9. If they agree, leave soon.
NOSORH
10. Always say please and always say thank you. The basic rules of
courtesy apply.
QUESTIONS
Bill Finerfrock
President
Capitol Associates, Inc.
202-544-1880
