Module Four: Policy Making and Advocacy

Overview

• Focus on the 'how' of policies and advocacy.
• Process of planning and executing a policy advocacy strategy.
• Understanding levels of policy: Organizational, Municipal, State, and Federal.
• Policies impact social work practices and clients' lives.

Levels of Policy

• Organizational Level: Non-profit programs, social service agencies, educational institutions.
• Municipal Level: Town, city, county policies (land use, schools, building codes).
• State Level: More complex, involves State legislature.
• Federal Level: Involves a more intricate process similar to the state level.

State Policy Making Process

• Most states have similar processes, with state and federal governments having two legislative chambers: House and Senate.
• Example: Using Maine’s process, which is similar to Connecticut and federal processes.
• Process is designed to prevent hasty or uninformed decisions.

Legislative Process Overview

1. Idea Formation: Begins with an idea, often suggested by organizations, advocacy groups, or constituents.
   • Legislator sponsors and finds co-sponsors.
   • Co-sponsors increase bill’s chances of passage.
2. Bill Drafting: Legislative staff drafts the bill using proper format and language.
3. Bill Submission: Presented to Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate.
   • Bill assigned a number and referred to a legislative committee.
4. Committee Assignment: Committees (e.g., education, labor) review the bill.
5. Public Hearing: Public invited for testimonies, scheduled notices given to advocacy groups.
6. Work Session: Committee discusses the bill, may make amendments.
7. Committee Vote: Decide if the bill ought to pass.
8. First Reading: Bill read on the house or senate floor, vote occurs.
9. Second Reading: Similar to the first, allows further inquiries/amendments.
10. Governor’s Decision: Bill can be signed into law, vetoed, or left unsigned (may still become law).

Key Points

• Understanding the legislative process helps in planning advocacy efforts.
• Social workers should track legislation to effectively target their advocacy.
• Policy making process ensures thorough consideration to avoid unintended legal consequences.
• Basic understanding sufficient; detailed knowledge not required for all involved.

Conclusion

• Complexity of the process is intentional to encourage careful decision making.
• Importance of knowing the bill's stage in the process for effective advocacy.