How to be a successful ADVOCATE Advocacy 101

How to be a successful ADVOCATE

Advocacy 101 Advocacy vs. Lobbying CMHA Lobby Efforts Advocacy Works

What is Advocacy? Advocacy = Education Telling a legislator how a policy affects constituents. Meeting with a government official to explain how a particular problem/issue is affecting a particular group or organization (the environment, mental health, schools, etc. ) Using social media to get the word out about a cause/issue. Examples of advocacy – promote early childhood education, eliminate stigma related to mental health and addictions treatment. 3

What is lobbying & can we do it? Lobbying is defined as any direct communication with a lobbyable state level public official to influence the official’s legislative or administrative actions. The communication may be face to face, by telephone, letter, electronic media or any other means. (defined in Michigan lobby registration act, PA 472 of 1978) Asking your legislator to vote for or against, or amend, introduced legislation. Lobbying does not include the providing of technical information when appearing before an officially convened legislative committee or executive department hearing panel. As used in this subsection, “technical information” means empirically verifiable data provided by a person recognized as an expert in the subject area to which the information provided is related. Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 4. 415. Michigan has NO laws prohibiting governmental/public entities from lobbying state officials. Lobbyist or lobbyist agent does not include: (a) A publisher, owner, or working member of the press, radio, or television while disseminating news or editorial comment to the general public in the ordinary course of business. (b) All elected or appointed public officials of state or local government who are acting in the course or scope of the office for no compensation, other than that provided by law for the office. (section 4. 415 Michigan lobby registration act) Michigan has NO laws prohibiting the use of public funds for lobbying IRS concerns - In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of taxexempt status.

Areas to avoid Do not direct staff / board / persons served to vote for or against a specific candidate. Can NOT imply services will be cut for clients (if they don’t do something) You can educate staff, board, persons served – where, what, when, who Can not punish or mandate staff or board to contribute to a specific candidate. The Hatch Act of 1939, is a United States federal law whose main provision prohibits employees in the executive branch of the federal government, except the president, vice president, and certain designated high-level officials, from engaging in some forms of political activity. It was most recently amended in 2012. GUIDELINES FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY: A. Every employee has the right to freely express his or her views as a citizen and to cast a vote as he or she may wish. Coercion for political purposes is strictly prohibited. B. Employees covered by the Hatch Act, 5 U. S. C. §§ 1501 et seq. , as amended by the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012, are subject to the following restrictions— These employees may not: 1. Use their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the results of an election or nomination for office; 2. Directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command, or advise a State or local officer or employee to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to a party, committee, organization, agency, or person for political purposes, or;

Areas to avoid GUIDELINES FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY, cont: 3. Be a candidate for elective office in a partisan election. The good news is that the Modernization Act does lessen the restrictions on running for partisan office. Prior to this the Modernization Act, state and local government employees were prohibited from running for partisan office if they worked in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants. With the change, the Hatch Act no longer prohibits state and local government employees from running for partisan office unless the employee’s salary is paid for completely by federal loans or grants. However, all the other restriction’s continue to apply if the employee is merely connected with an activity which is financed in whole or part by loans or grants made by the United States or a Federal agency No employee shall engage in any partisan political activity or campaigning for a nonpartisan elective office during scheduled working hours or while on duty or while off duty wearing a uniform or other identifying insignia of _____ office or employment. C. D. Solicitation of signatures or contributions or nominating petitions is prohibited during working hours. E. ____ employees shall not engage in political activity on ______ time. Employees must use unpaid time off, vacation time or compensatory time when participating in all political/charitable fundraisers, i. e. golf outings, luncheons. F. No employee shall be required to engage in a campaign for election of any candidate.

CMHA Advocacy / Lobby Efforts Muchmore Harrington Smalley CMHA Contract Lobbyists RWC Advocacy Betsy Weihl Jon Smalley CMHA Staff Assoc. Director / Legislative Lead Alan Bolter CMHA Members CMH/PIHP/ Provider staff Association CEO Bob Sheehan Board members Persons served/ family member

Lobby Information Flow CMHA Contract lobbyists: Provide general thoughts on specific issues. Typically will have most direct contact with all policy makers (constantly engaging them on several different issues). Ability to obtain inside information. CMHA Staff: Provide statewide perspective on specific issues. Maintains contact with key policy makers (those that sit on committees or interest and key decision makers, including department staff). Constant contact with contract lobbyists on issues Communicates with membership on issues CMHA Members: Provide on the ground perspective on specific issues. (CMH/PIHP/Provider staff) Provide person first specifics on various issues. (persons served/family members) May have relationships with legislators. Communicates with local stakeholders on issues (including persons served).

CMHA Multi-pronged approach Vision and principles for system design and operations: Rather than waiting for others to do so, the Association has defined the vision and principles that will guide Michigan’s public mental health system. Establish a Legislative & Policy Platform (2019 -2020) Legislative & Policy Committee (to guide decisions) Partnership with major advocacy groups: The Association builds resilient relationships with the state’s major advocacy groups, based on a recognition of both common and divergent interests and roles. In addition we work closely with the Michigan Association of Counites, Michigan Sheriffs Association, Michigan Catholic Conference, NASW, Michigan Federation Government relations team: The continual dialogue with elected officials and policy makers by the Association’s team of government relations professionals: the association’s Associate Director (the Association’s government relations lead), the Association’s CEO, and the staff of the two multiclient lobbying firms on contract with the Association. Focused finance-based advocacy: Development of an Education and Advocacy Fund to parallel the Association’s PAC to fuel the finance-driven side of the Association’s advocacy. While modest in size, their focused use has built considerable support among the state’s elected officials.

CMHA Multi-pronged approach Activation of grassroots advocacy: The Association’s success in activating of grassroots advocacy, through the continual provision of information on key issues to CMHA members and allies and the prudent use of electronic action alerts that bring the voices of thousands of allies to bear on key issues. Voter. Voice program – 27, 000 emails sent since 2017 (over 12, 000 on section 298 alone) – at a cost of around $3000/yearly Strong and continual media relations: The collaborative work of the Association with its public relations firm, the Association’s Public Relations workgroup, the Association’s members and allies with local and statewide media, raises the public visibility of key issues and their impact on persons served. Foster and highlight system innovation and advancement: The Association works with its members to foster and highlight system advancement in a number of key areas: healthcare integration, promising and evidence-based practices, value basing payment, and community collaborations. Policy, fiscal, and legal analysis: The Association carries out focused policy, fiscal, and legal analysis, through its Center for Healthcare Integration and Innovation (CHI 2) and though its Fiscal Analysts, consultants, and legal counsel on contract with CMHA. These analyses have been critical to the advocacy work of the Association, its members, and partners.

CMHA Multi-pronged approach Contract negotiations: The Association’s Contract Negotiation Team, made up of CMHA members and a negotiation consultant on contract with CMHA, by negotiating the CMH contract with MDHHS, on behalf of all the CMHs, ensures a sound contract, benefiting the CMHs, their provider network, and those served Regular and active involvement in a number of executive branch venues: The Association, its members, and allies are involved in dozens of venues, sponsored by MDHHS, MDE, MDOC, and other state departments, that develop policy, procedures, and financing approaches for Michigan’s public mental health system. National association involvement: Linking to national advocacy efforts and acquiring cross-system advocacy expertise through the active membership in two national associations: the National Council for Behavioral Health and the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors. National Council Hill Day NCBHDD Legislative and Policy Conference

Advocacy Works! Over 27, 000 total emails were sent via Voter. Voice since 2017, more than 12, 000 of them were specific to section 298. More than 1500 emails went to the Governor asking for a total 298 veto in the FY 20 budget. Don’t depend on someone else speaking up for you.

Advocacy Works! Compare the difference—over the past 8 years, campaign contributions given to current lawmakers: ·Michigan Assoc of Health Plans & for-profit health plan executives have given OVER $1 million dollars. ·CMH PAC has given around $40, 000.

Advocacy Works! Still, he said, the priority was given to local constituents. “If you came from back home and sat in my lobby, I talked to you without exception, regardless of the financial contributions, ” Mulvaney said in his address to the American Bankers Association.

As former Senate Majority Leader Everett Dirksen (R-IL) said… “When I feel the heat, I see the light. ”

Most impactful advocacy Face to face meetings Personal stories / specific local examples Who is making the contact (credible source? ) Quantity vs quality Large volumes on specific topics do get attention Custom vs form email/letter Media attention LPC issue 298

Advocacy 201 & Gov’t 101 Michigan Legislature Review of Legislative & Budget Process Importance of Committee Process

Review of the Michigan Legislature State Legislators House - 110 state representatives Limited to three, 2 -year terms Senate - 38 state senators Limited to two, 4 -year terms Michigan is one of 4 states that has a full-time legislature. A full-time state legislature is defined as a legislature that meets throughout the year. California, New York, Pennsylvania Members of the Michigan legislature have a base salary of $71, 685 and a travel expense allowance of $10, 000. In 2009 -2010 the annual compensation of state legislators went from $79, 650 with a $12, 000 annual expense allowance to the current base salary and expense allowance. 18

MI Legislature – Who are these people? Of the 110 state representatives 53 are under 45 years of age (48%). Of the 38 state senators 12 are under 45 years of age (31%). Previous Experience Legislators previous work experience is very broad – very few have knowledge of the CMH system. Previous employment ranges from business owners, attorneys, farmers, realtors, teachers, homebuilders, some healthcare providers, former staff. Served in local government 39 of the 110 state representatives (35%). 13 of the 38 state senators served (34%). 7 Senators have not served the Michigan House. 19

Review of the Legislative Process How a bill becomes a law Introduction, committee work, final floor vote (in each chamber) Governor’s signature Appropriation Process Conference committees Fact: More than 4, 000 bills are introduced each two-year session, but around 10% make it to the governor’s desk, and fewer than that actually become a Public Act. Legislative Session A two-year term began January 1, 2019 Bills introduced remain eligible for passage until Dec. 31, 2020. 20

Review of the Budget Process Advocate Here

Review of the Committee Process When a bill or resolution is first introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate, it is sent to a committee that deals with its particular issue. At committee meetings, elected members delegated by the House or Senate consider and make recommendations considering dispositions of bills, resolutions, and other matters referred to them. Committees are appointed by the Speaker of the House or the Senate Majority Leader and are organized according to subject matter. Policy “standing” committees Both the House and the Senate have 23 standing committees – these committees work on specific policy issues related to the committee. Appropriations Committees The Appropriations Committees are subdivided in subcommittees where bills with monetary implications are assigned for discussion, analysis and revision before being presented to the full committee for action. Both the House and the Senate have 16 Appropriations Subcommittees. 22

Why the Committee Process is Important Committees are the heart of the legislative process. Committees are the gatekeepers and shapers of proposed legislation. It is where the bulk of the legislative work takes place. Committees can and should do the fact-finding groundwork. It is important to know what committee your legislator(s) sit on. Because so much work is done at the committee level, legislators tend to focus their attention on those issues related to their committee assignments. Most legislators have 3 -5 committees they sit on (usually all policy or approps) CMHA key committees – Appropriations (DHHS & LARA approps), Health Policy, Insurance, Judiciary, Families & Human Services Medicaid Expansion went through the Michigan Competitiveness Committee in the House and the Government Operations Committee in the Senate. 23

Senate Key Legislative Committees Health Policy and Human Services -- Sen. Vander. Wall (Chair), Sen. Bizon (Vice Chair), Sen. Johnson, Sen. La. Sata, Sen. Mac. Donald, Sen. Theis, Sen. Brinks (Minority Vice Chair), Sen. Hertel, Sen. Santana, Sen. Wojno Appropriations -- Sen. Stamas (Chair), Sen. Bumstead (Vice Chair), Sen. Barrett, Sen. Bizon, Sen. La. Sata, Sen. Mac. Donald, Sen. Mac. Gregor, Sen. Nesbitt, Sen. Outman, Sen. Runestad, Sen. Schmidt, Sen. Victory, Sen. Hertel (Minority Vice Chair), Sen. Bayer, Sen. Hollier, Sen. Irwin, Sen. Mc. Cann, Sen. Santana Appropriations Subcommittees Community Health/Human Services -- Sen. Mac. Gregor (Chair), Sen. Bizon (Vice Chair), Sen. Schmidt, Sen. La. Sata, Sen. Mac. Donald, Sen. Barrett, Sen. Hertel (Minority Vice Chair), Sen. Irwin, Sen. Santana Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) -- Sen. Nesbitt (Chair), Sen. Mac. Donald (Vice Chair), Sen. Santana 24

House Key Legislative Committees Health Policy -- Vaupel (C), Frederick (VC), Alexander, Calley, Hornberger, Lower, Whiteford, Afendoulis, Filler, Mueller, Wozniak, Liberati (MVC), Garrett, Clemente, Ellison, Koleszar, Pohutsky, Stone, Witwer. Ways & Means -- Iden (C), Lilly (VC), Leutheuser, Griffin, Hauck, Kahle, Wentworth, Warren (MVC), Byrd, Neeley, Hertel. Appropriations -- Hernandez (C), Miller (VC), Inman, Albert, Allor, Brann, Van. Singel, Whiteford, Yaroch, Bollin, Glenn, Green, Huizenga, Lightner, Maddock, Slagh, Van. Woerkom, Hoadley (MVC), Love, Pagan, Hammoud, Peterson, Sabo, Anthony, Brixie, Cherry, Hood, Kennedy, Tate. Appropriations Subcommittees Health & Human Services -- Whiteford (C), Green (MVC), Inman, Allor, Yaroch, Glenn, Huizenga, Van. Woerkom, Hammoud (MVC), Hoadley, Love, Brixie, Cherry. Licensing & Regulatory Affairs/Insurance & Financial Services -- Yaroch (C), Glenn (MVC), Van. Singel, Lightner, Peterson (MVC), Hammoud, Anthony. 25

Who we target, when & why? POLICY ISSUE Focus most of our attention on the Health Policy committees, sometimes Insurance, Children and Families and Judiciary. When we are looking at amending/changing a bill it is ALWAYS easier dealing with the fewest number of people possible. Always start with bill sponsor and committee chair – their response will dictate how much work is needed at committee level or on the floor. Focus efforts at committee level – talk to members of the committee. Changes on the floor – focus on committee chair, sponsor, and leadership, if no commitment then widespread coverage of entire chamber. If not successful, then repeat process in second chamber.

Who we target, when & why? BUDGET PROCESS Focus most of our attention on the DHHS & LARA Appropriations Subcommittees. Typically best time to talk to legislators about budget priorities mid-February – early April. (Budget Process) Second round would be after House and Senate pass their budgets, but before they send them to the Governor for approval (late April/early May - ? ? ) Start with Budget chairs first (House and Senate) Meet with subcommittee members (House and Senate) Sometimes meet with all appropriation members Meet with Full Appropriations Chairs (House and Senate) House and Senate Leadership – depending on budget issue (298? ? )

Advanced Advocacy 401 Interacting with Administration and legislative offices Term limits Useful information to stay informed Voter. Voice

Interacting with the Administration Governor Gretchen Whitmer Governor’s Health Policy Staff State Budget Office Chris Kolb Robert Gordon DHHS Director SBO Staff Budget Director Elizabeth Hertel Chief Deputy Director for Opportunity Chief Deputy Director for Administration • • • External Relations and Communications Finance and Administration Legislative Services Dr. Joneigh Khaldun Erin Frisch • • Children’s Services Agency Field Operations Administration Chief Medical Executive Chief Deputy for Health • • Population Health Behavioral Health Medical Services (Medicaid) Aging Services 29

Interacting with legislative offices Interacting with staff Put something in writing Most offices prefer e-mail vs. snail mail Easier to reply and track (send to state departments) Most of the written correspondences to offices is email (95/5) Know what outcome you are looking for Having facts straight Legislative process is complicated and can be confusing (where is an item in the process) Keep it simple Be polite Staff is usually the gatekeeper for the member and can be a powerful advocate on your behalf.

Interacting with legislative offices Interacting with legislators Stay on Message Keep it simple and to the point (5 th grade level) Don’t assume they know what you are talking about (YOU know far more than they will ever WANT to know) 4000 – 5000 bills introduced Committee process Respect the Legislator’s time Give reasons for your position Explain how an issue would affect you, your family, your business, profession or local community they represent. Keep the Tone Positive and Constructive Know your audience (Republican / Democrat) Leave Fact Sheets (pictures / graphs) Share your knowledge If you have specialized knowledge on an issue- share it! A concrete argument can be used by your legislator in determining the final outcome of a bill. Thank you

Interacting with legislative offices Understanding a Legislators Schedules Legislators are in Lansing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are in-district days Many legislators have in-district office/coffee hours (each week or month) In-district meetings are the best time to interact with your legislator(s) the days activities are usually not as busy (in Lansing they usually have meeting after meeting – it’s a more distracting environment) Legislator are usually more casual Legislative Session House session: Normally Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1: 30 p. m. and Thursdays at 12: 00 noon. Senate sessions: 10: 00 a. m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Legislators also have committee meetings at various times of the day.

Alternative Ways to Interact with legislative offices Most legislators use social media as a way to communicate with the public Facebook & Twitter Many legislators post their votes and up coming community events on Facebook Easy way to track what they are doing in Lansing Other Newsletters If your agency does a monthly/quarterly newsletter ask your legislator to write a guest column. Be willing to put legislative newsletters or publications in your lobby. Events Make sure you invite your legislator(s) to your community events Agency Open House or annual meeting Walk-a-Mile In My Shoes Rally Quarterly breakfast meetings

Productive local legislative events First – DO NOT overlook your county officials (state efforts are critical, but county relationships are necessary) Monday or Friday morning or afternoon meeting is the best Always good idea to invite community partners (show support etc) Provide HIGH LEVEL information Always best to encourage back and forth dialog What do you want them to take away? General info on the agency or specific item(s) Identify 4 -5 key items – give them a to do list. Items must be realistic and within their ability. (FY 19 CMHAM Budget Priorities. doc) Give them an opportunity to tell you what they are working on – communication is a 2 -way street. Goal is to get their HELP and have them come back to future meetings/stay engaged.

Impact of Term Limits Term limits cause turnover in Lansing every few years, requiring constituents like you to keep educating your lawmakers on issues impacting the mental health community. No institutional memory – same conversations over & over again… 2018 election – 30 of 38 Senators replaced, 46 of 110 House members replaced VERY little knowledge regarding MH & SUD services Legislators are getting younger – 46 House / 11 Senate Legislators are in Lansing to represent their constituents. If you don’t communicate your message, they can’t convey it to the entire legislative body. Put a face on the issue Keep it local – its best to incorporate local examples and local impact Don’t assume they know the importance of the issue Medicaid expansion – many legislators said they only heard from constituents opposed to expansion. If an issue is important to you or your agency let them know. Communication is a two-way street. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEADERSHIP / COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Decision Making Process with Term Limits Term limits has given tremendous power to caucus leaders (specifically those in the majority). Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (R – Levering) Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R – Clark Lake) Leadership elections are like an episode of Survivor – legislators put a ton of time in trying to secure caucus support for leadership. Elections usually take place a week or so after the November General election. A lot of times fundraising is a key factor – handing out big checks to help caucus members win elections. Leaders decide: Office budgets (number of staff/benefit packages) Committee Assignments (Committee on Committees) Set policy direction for caucus – refer bills to committees & direct what bills come to the floor Lead negotiators on big items for the caucus (budget & major policy items – road funding etc)… “In the room where it happens” Leaders ultimately responsible for 56 -20 -1 Rule

Useful Information to stay informed Michigan Votes – plain language descriptions of every bill, amendment, and vote that takes place in the Michigan legislature. Michigan Legislature – copies of the bills, find the status, summaries, etc. www. michiganvotes. org www. legislature. mi. gov Michigan House of Representatives & Michigan Senate – find legislative contact information, committee and session calendars, and you can watch committees and session live. www. house. michigan. gov www. senate. michigan. gov

Voter. Voice Program

Voter. Voice Program

Voter. Voice Program

Contact Information Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Alan Bolter Associate Director abolter@cmham. org (517) 374 -6848