Voice Lessons: Advocacy Tips
You probably know much more about a particular issue than a legislator does. Legislators vote on hundreds of topics and thousands of bills that are introduced each session, so legislators are probably not familiar with your topic. They are generalists much more than specialists of particular issue areas unless they are chairs of a particular committee and/or have been on that same committee for a long time. When talking to legislators, always assume that they are not experts on your issue, and explain your issue as if you are talking to someone without any knowledge of the area.
Want more tips on talking to your legislators? Download notes from this year's Voice Lessons here!
Simpson Housing Services State Legislative Policy Agenda 2011
The 2011 Federal and State legislative sessions promise to be challenging. Approximately 70% of Simpson Housing Services’ income is from a government source. The Federal and State budgets that are being developed seek to address significant deficits. As a result current funding for Simpson Housing Services’ Programs is at risk. These funds provide resources to pay rents and provide services to families and individuals. We will coordinate our efforts with other providers and with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. The board and staff will be asked to respond to periodic action alerts.
1. Defend Existing Sources of State and Federal Funding for Simpson Housing Services’ Programs.
2. Support budget solutions that include increased revenue and minimize cuts to existing programs for homeless services and rental subsidies. We support the Invest in Minnesota campaign of the MN Council of Nonprofits.
3. Support efforts to allow flexibility of use for City Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funding for support of services. The City currently restricts their ESG funding to capital improvement grants.
