Policy, Politics, and Grassroot Efforts

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Policy, Politics, and Grassroot Efforts

• Jennifer Moore
• Doctoral Student, University of Michigan
• Health Administration and Health Policy

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The Policy Process

• Bill is Introduced
• Referred to a Committee
• Referred to a Subcommittee
• Hearings are held
• Reported by the Full Committee
• Rules Committee Action
• Floor Action
• Debate, Vote on Passage
• Process begins in the other chamber or
  concurrently.
• Conference Action
• Governors Signature or Veto

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Federal vs. State Legislation

• FEDERAL
• HR (House of Representatives)
• S. (Senate)
• Monetary Contributions
• Congressional Delegation
• U.S. legislator
• The Hill

• STATE
• HB (House Bill)
• SB (Senate Bill)
• Term Limits
• Monetary Contributions
• State Legislator
• Less staff
• Simply the Capitol

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Political Ideologies

• REPUBLICAN
• Market Driven
• Community should provide assistance not the
  government.
• Healthcare is a privilege not a right.
• Big Issues Tax cuts, business protections,
  military and defense spending, education.

• DEMOCRAT
• Expand role of government
• Government has a moral obligation to provide to
  the community.
• Healthcare is a rightEducation is a right, not a
  privilege.
• Big Issues Healthcare, labor, education.

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Political Frameworks

• Beaufort Longest
• John Kingdon

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Politics

• Power
• Money
• Influence
• Voting ability
• Give and Take

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Is it Policy or is it Politics?

• Policy
• The Policy Process
• Policy Frameworks
• Actual Legislative Bills and Amendments
• Politics
• Lobbying
• Power and Money
• Also referred to as The Game

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Think about it

• What are you passionate about?
• Have you ever wanted to change this issue?
• How can you advance your issue?

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Influencing the Policy Process

• Register to Vote (MINIMAL)
• Vote in an Election
• Write a Legislator
• Participate in an MNA Action Alert
• Attend a Political Fundraiser
• Testify before a Committee
• Run for a Political Office (MAXIMUM)

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Can I really influence policy?

• It is all about YOU!
• YOU are the nursing expert.
• YOU are the healthcare expert.
• YOU are a nurse.
• YOU are a healthcare provider.
• YOU are a leader.
• YOU are a constituent.
• YOU are a voter.

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Become an RN activist

• Request to be placed on your legislators mailing
  or email list.
• Attend district meetings.
• Attend fundraisers.
• Volunteer for your legislators campaign.
• Write and meet with your legislator.
• Develop a Grassroots Effort.

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H.R. 4591

• A bill to amend the Public Health Code to require
  a physician to be physically in the room while
  the CRNA practices within his or her scope of
  practice.
• What do you think about this?
• How can you influence the passage or death of
  this bill?

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Building a Grassroot Effort The Basics
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Objectives of Grassroot Efforts

• To bring together nurses and healthcare
  stakeholders to alter or maintain a healthcare
  issue.
• To develop and maintain relationships with
  legislators and community leaders.
• To serve as experts in the policy process and to
  prevent those who are not experts from talking
  for us.

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Importance of Efforts

• Brings visibility to nursing and healthcare
  issues.
• Creates a united and strong voice.
• Provides opportunities to develop professionally.
• Allows nurses to speak for and about nurses.
• If you wont do it, who will? Necessity for
  nurses to be vocal and active.

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Break-Out Session

• Take an issue that is important to you and create
  a plan.

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STEP ONE

• Identify the problem.
• Is legislation necessary?
• Possible solutions.

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STEP TWO

• Who are the supporters? Reasons.
• Who are the opponents? Reasons.
• What is the supporters and opponents level of
  power and influence?

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STEP THREE

• Who are the stakeholders?
• Is there a relationship between the supporters
  and the opponents?
• What are the connections of each member of the
  coalition?
• How can these connections be of value?

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STEP FOUR

• Who will you include in the coalition?
• What is the role of each person in the coalition?
• How will you capitalize on power, influence, and
  resources available to you?

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STEP FIVE

• What is the goal?
• What is the plan of action to achieve the goal?
• What is the timeframe?
• Who is responsible for each activity?
• How will you coordinate your efforts with other
  groups?

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Think GLOBALAct LOCAL
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Jennifer Moore

• Moore_JenniferE_at_yahoo.com
• 517-768-0421