The Legislative Process:

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The Legislative Process

• Outcomes of the Election and the Future of Early
  Childhood Policy
• Matt Gillard gillard106_at_gmail.com

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OUTLINE

• Political overview
• Where are we now?
• Legislative process
• What do these people do?
• Your involvement
• What can you do?

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Political Overview Where are we now?

• It all starts with the constitutions
• Michigan Constitution
• U. S. Constitution
• Political landscape in 2000
• Engler
• Republican legislature

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House Maps 2003-2004

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House Maps 2005-2006

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House Maps 2007-2008

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House Maps 2009-2010

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Where are we now?

• Current legislature
• 67-43 (Speaker Dillon)
• 22-16 (Majority Leader Bishop)
• Congressional delegation (8-7)
• U. S. Senators

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LEGISLATIVE PROCESS What do these people do?

• Majority rules
• Committees
• Policy
• Appropriations
• Schedule
• Tuesday - Thursday
• Friday - Monday

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Policy Development

• Bills introduced
• Committee process
• Floor action
• Start over
• Two examples
• Smoking ban
• K-12 budget

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YOUR INVOLVEMENT What can you do?

• These people work for you!
• Everyone loves young children!

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HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE?

• HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE?
• Fear
• Be specific and direct
• 4-H example
• Number of contacts
• Follow through
• Don't let them off of the hook

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HOW TO GET STARTED?

• Two things to do to get started
• 1. Contact your Congressperson and
  Senators about stimulus bill
• 2. Contact your legislators
• A. Citizen's Guide to State
  Government
• B. Schedule a meeting

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Questions?

• Matt Gillard gillard106_at_gmail.com