Legislative/Advocacy Update

July 15,2014

Agenda

• Federal Budget Review and Outlook• Forecast for FY2015• Overview of Actions Taken by Congress this

Legislative Session• Advocacy Overview – Expectations of Visits,

Key Messages, Follow-up, Logistics

FEDERAL BUDGET REVIEW & OUTLOOK

BUDGET CONTROL ACT OF 2011 Set downward trajectory of spending

•Cap on FY 2012-2021 federal spending and cut overall spending by $1 trillion.•Established a bipartisan Super Committee tasked with identifying another $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction over the next ten years.•When the Super Committee failed, automatic spending cuts (aka sequestration) was triggered, and occurred in March 2013.

FEDERAL BUDGET REVIEW & OUTLOOK

Two-year deal to limit impact of sequestration.•Ryan-Murray partially repealed sequestration – setting a two-year spending freeze ($1.013 trillion).•For the first time in several years, the Republican-majority House and the Democratic-majority Senate are starting from the same place on appropriations bills. •FY2015 Appropriations moving quickly with most programs frozen at the prior year level.

FEDERAL BUDGET REVIEW & OUTLOOK

Sequestration returns in FY2016 & caps remain until FY2021.•Funding grows by 2% each year; inflation 1.9%; medical inflation 2.4%.

Uncertainty returns when the next negotiation to repeal the sequester begins in 2015.

Real Impact: federal spending down.•Non-defense budget 17% less in FY2014 than in FY2010.•Defense budget 18% less in FY2014 than in FY2010.

PLANNING FOR FISCAL AUSTERITY

FY2015 ENDGAME

Continuing Resolution (CR)•October 1 likely needed for all 12 appropriations bills•Flat-funding, no new starts•Last through election, mid-November

Omnibus•Possible combination of December passage•Staff conference•Unless Senate changes majority-party, then slip to January/February

Status of Funding AT Act in FY2015

• Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill funded AT Act at $38 million – a $5 million increase from FY2014

• No LHHS Bill from the House

What is Advocacy?

• Advocacy is organized activism in support of an idea or cause.

• Advocacy consists of individual constituents contacting their elected officials re: issues they know about and are important to them.

• It involves establishing ongoing relationships that are then leveraged to educate and influence policy makers.

Purpose of Hill Visits

• Both the President and Congress are concerned with programs that help people with disabilities

• Opportunity to meet with staff in person and deepen relationship

• Congress likes to connect with successes and experts in their state/district

• Allows Members to know about their State AT program and gives you an opportunity to invite them to visit

What to Expect on Your Visits• Who you may meet with and where

• What to share Introductions Explain AT and the AT Act – why is it important in your state? Unique aspects of your program Be clear about the four services provided and need for flexibility Educate staff about the state of funding for the AT Act

• Educate Members/Staff Use the talking points to guide your discussion

Invite them to visit your program

Leave information behind with the education staffer

Key Message 1:

• Explain how assistive technology serves people with disabilities and the importance of the services provided through the AT Act

• Be clear about the four services provided by the AT Act and discuss the intent of providing each state flexibility

Key Message 2:

• Describe the unique aspects of your State AT program

• Include details of serving veterans, students, those seeking employment

• Use local and state reports and anecdotes to drive your point home

• Use the national documents to show the return on this federal investment (ROI document) and to show a national perspective of the AT Act (annual report)

Key Message 3:

Inform Congressional Offices that the Senate Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee adequately funded the AT Act at $38 million in their FY2015 appropriations

bill•Explain what services you can provide with additional funding but STOP THERE.•THANK the Congressional office for their past support of the AT Act.•Invite staff to visit your program in AUGUST!

Helpful Hints

• Be on time! Allow extra travel time even if taking a cab!

• Dress in business attire

• Stay on message

• Be sure to say “Thank You”

• Most importantly – Enjoy these visits!

Questions?