                        What Makes Politicians Tick

   Politicians have some common characteristics that make the outcome of
   advocacy efforts more predictable. Knowing these characteristics, and
   knowing how to take advantage of them, can improve your chances for
   success.

     Politicians hold public office to help others.

     Politicians like to be asked.

     Politicians are good learners.

     Politicians do not know everything.

     Politicians have many demands on their time.

     Politicians do not have sufficient resources to meet the demands
   made on them.

     Politicians are always running for office.

     Politicians respond to crises.

     Politicians behave differently when they know they're being watched.

     Politicians like to be thanked.

     Politicians love good press!

                        ----------------------------

                        Rules For Effective Advocacy

   Most of what a good advocate does is intuitive and grows out of a few
   basic principles. Following is the core set of principles on which
   most advocates agree. Try to remember these principles when you become
   discouraged, entangled in detail, or simply confused. They may help
   clear your head, renew, and redirect your energies.
   1.) Ask for what you want.
   2.) Be specific in your request.
   3.) Be ready to work hard.
   4.) Find a legislative champion.
   5.) Organize, coordinate, orchestrate.
   6.) Touch all the bases.
   7.) Stay flexible, be opportunistic.
   8.) Keep it simple.
   9.) Assume the perspective of others.
   10.) Build and preserve your credibility.
   11.) Anticipate and deal with your opposition.
   12.) Be prepared to compromise.
   13.) Never burn your bridges.
   14.) Target your efforts.
   15.) Honor the staff.
   16.) Track your progress.
   17.) Be persistent.
   18.) Follow up.

                           What's CEC Newsworthy?

   The CEC Special Education Advocacy Handbook provides general tips on
   how to access and use the media to your best advantage. But how do you
   know what issues the press will really respond to and want to give
   coverage to? And what should your main goals be in your interactions
   with the media? Here are some guidelines:

                           Your Four CEC PR Goals

     To serve the goal of improving educational outcomes for students
   with exceptionalities.

     To heighten the visibility, understanding, and appreciation of
   special educators.

     To increase CEC membership.

     To increase the recruitment of persons into the special education
   profession.

                                Is it News?

   One of these three elements can be found in stories that get press
   coverage:

     Increasing public awareness -- By increasing public awareness of the
   truth, you provide a balanced view of the issues at stake. Stories can
   expose the peril of the alternatives or provide solutions.

     Solutions to a problem -- When your product or service (e.g.,
   membership/conference) provides a solution to a problem or meets the
   needs of an audience, publicity can be generated.

     Responding as an expert -- Press will seek you out when you are
   perceived as being a credible expert in a field.
   Your story ideas can relate to the following as well: current events,
   recognized achievement, area of influence, large interest base, human
   interest, milestones, controversy, personal significance, or
   neighborhood factors.

   "You Are Already An Accomplished Advocate!!"

----------
                  THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF JOINING THE GAME

    I. Thou shalt talk to thy lawmaker -- especially before the session
                                    when
                              plans get made.

    II. Thou shalt have thy lawmaker and legislative aides draft a good
                                  bill and
                     introduce it early in the session.

   III. Thou shalt keep tabs on which committee is debating the bill and
                                   visit
   undecided committee members, write letters, or call them on the phone
                                     to
                            offer thy thoughts.

   IV. Thou shalt volunteer to testify at a hearing -- real-life stories
                                   deeply
      impress lawmakers -- and thou shalt be prepared to outlast long
                                  delays.

    V. Thou shalt not expect thy meagerly paid lawmaker to buy lunch --
                                  try the
           cafeteria for healthy food below capital city prices.

   VI. Thou shalt not believe that public marches around the Capitol sway
                                   votes,
       but do ask sympathizers to write letters and visit lawmakers.

   VII. Thou shalt not bother lawmakers while they are in committee or on
                                    the
    chamber floor and thou shalt be polite -- angry threats and shouting
                            matches never help.

   VIII. When watching legislative action from the public galleries, thou
                                 shalt not
      break rules against taking photographs, eating food, or reading
                                newspapers.

    IX. When thy bill passes and goes to thy governor, thou shalt visit,
                                 write, and
         call him or her with concrete reasons to sign it into law.

       X. Upon success, thou shalt send thank-you cards to lawmakers,
                                 lobbyists,
                           and others who helped.

   CEC thanks CASE Executive Director Jo Thomason for this information.

----------
               BASIC WAYS TO COMMUNICATE WITH POLICY MAKERS

   There are a number of ways to communicate with policy makers--be they
   legislators who enact policy or agency staff who implement policy.
   Regardless of the communication vehicle being used, following are some
   general principles for good communication to keep in mind.

   * Keep jargon at a minimum.
   * Be concise and to the point.
   * Reinforce good decision making.
   * Communicate before decisions are made.
   * Continue communication to meet changing needs.
   * Be dependable and honest.
   * Use the talents of other good communicators.
   * Remember you represent others.
   * Remember what you communicate may be shared.
   * The message is more important than the medium.
   Letter Writing

   Officials and their staffs pay careful attention to their mail since
   it forms the major body of public and voter sentiment on pending
   legislative activity. Many persons find it difficult to know how to
   communicate with their legislator. Often, form letters with identical
   wording and petitions are used. Most legislators, however, place
   little weight on such an approach. The type of letter that is most
   appreciated and helpful is one that is carefully thought out and
   represents an individual's point of view concerning the bill or
   legislative matter that is being considered. It should explain how the
   measure will benefit the writer or the community, or how the measure
   can be improved. This is particularly important in letters from a
   constituent. Since everyone does not have the same base of information
   or experience, letters should have clarity and simplicity, and at the
   same time reflect respect for the intelligence of the legislator and
   his staff. A policy or bill should be specifically referred to by its
   title and number.

   An outline to follow when writing a letter:

   1. Introductory paragraph
   a. The reason for your letter--including the policy or bill title and
   number.
   b. Describe yourself.
   c. What action you are seeking.
   2. The body of the letter
   a. Communicate the reason for the action being sought by using:
   -historical facts
   -data
   -credible opinion
   -impact data
   -viable alternatives

   -personal experience
   -weaknesses of opposing points of view
   -logic
   b. Describe what impact the action will have on the community.

   3. Letter closing
   a. Restate action sought.
   b. Express appreciation for consideration of views.
   c. Indicate willingness to help.
   d. State what response you are seeking.
   Other points to keep in mind when writing letters:
   * Be careful of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
   * Don't threaten or question integrity.
   * Be concise.
   * Be legible.
   * Avoid jargon.
   * Check for clarity.
   * A postcard saying, "I hope you will be able to support S.B. 405" is
   better than no correspondence at all.
   * To avoid antagonizing, give reasons for disagreeing and refrain from
   outright or veiled hints that the position on legislation may cost a
   vote.
   * Officials are accustomed to receiving letters criticizing them for
   action they take. However, one of the greatest rewards legislators can
   receive -- and one that is perhaps most cherished -- is a simple
   letter thanking them for their performance.
   How to Address Letters

   State Senator Dear Senator Doe
   The Honorable John Doe
   State Senate
   State House
   Springfield, Illinois 62706

   State Representative Dear Mr. Doe or
   House of Representatives Dear Representative Doe
   State House
   Springfield, Illinois 62706

   Governor Dear Governor Doe
   The Honorable John Doe
   State House
   Springfield, Illinois 62706
   United States Senator Dear Senator Doe
   The Honorable John Doe
   United States Senate
   U.S. Senate
   Washington, DC 20510

   Member of Congress Dear Representative Doe
   The Honorable John Doe
   Member of Congress
   U.S. House of Representatives
   Washington, DC 20515

   Telephoning

   1. Prepare in advance the major points you want to convey.
   2. Identify yourself, affiliation, and purpose of call.
   3. If the policy maker is not available, talk to staff responsible for
   education issues.
   4. If call is to be returned--give telephone number and when you will
   be available.
   5. Be courteous and succinct.
   6. Be prepared to answer questions or provide related information.

                      --------------------------------
                            Telephone Procedure

   1. Call (202) 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard) and ask for Senator's
   (NAME) office.

   2. Tell whoever answers the telelphone your name and where you are
   from. Ask to speak
   to the Senator about a matter concerning funding for education of
   individuals with
   disabilities.

   3. If the Senator is not available, ask to speak to an aide who
   handles this matter for the
   Senator. Be sure to keep the name of the aide for future calls.

   4. Tell the Senator or aide that Senator (NAME), of (STATE), plans to
   offer an amendment
   in the (NAME OF COMMITTEE) (of which Senator (NAME) is a member) to
   (EXPLAIN WHAT THE AMENDMENT WILL DO). You support the amendments for
   (CITE SOME REASONS). (If you are speaking for others, or represent an
   organization,
   be sure to mention that at this point.) Ask if the Senator will
   support the amendment.
   Yes, no, or undecided? If yes, ask if the Senator will be there to
   vote? If no, will he
   give his proxy to Senator (NAME OF PERSON OFFERING AMENDMENT)? If the
   Senator is opposed to the amendment, ask why. Give your arguments to
   the contrary,
   then get others to call. If the answer is undecided, ask when a
   decision will be made.
   Let them know you will call back at that time. In the meantime, get
   others to call.

   5. Thank the person you spoke with. Be courteous; you will probably
   need to talk to them
   again.
   Visiting

   A personal visit with a member of Congress is an effective way to
   emphasize your interest in an issue or bill. A visit with your U.S.
   Congressman can occur either in Washington, D.C., or at his or her
   State offices.

   Some tips for planning a meeting with an elected official:

   1. Make an appointment. Explain the reason for the meeting, the time
   needed (usually no
   more than 30 minutes), and identify any other individuals who will be
   in attendance.

   2. If others are going, decide who will present the information and
   how it will be
   presented. One possible format is to present the issue, the impact of
   the issue, and then
   possible solutions.

   3. Prepare and/or collect any supporting materials to accompany your
   presentation. (It is
   helpful to have materials that you can leave with the legislator.)

   4. Learn the facts regarding your issue, both legislative and any
   others related to your position.
   5. Practice your presentation.
   6. Learn about the legislator. Try to find out positions taken on
   similar issues.
   7. Get to know the staff...they are key people to develop a rapport
   with.
   Some tips for conducting a meeting with a policy maker:

   1. Be on time. Don't be disturbed if you have to wait since there may
   have been
   unavoidable delays or changes in the schedule.

   2. When you arrive, introduce yourself to the secretary. If you have a
   calling or business card, give one to the secretary.
   3. When you meet the legislator (or staff person), introduce yourself
   and identify the group you are representing. If you are a constituent,
   share that as well.
   4. State the reason for your visit concisely and accurately. Limit the
   number of issues you discuss and refer to bills by name and number.
   5. Give the legislator essential information, review the critical
   points, describe the impact of the legislation and share your
   recommendation.
   6. If your legislator has already publicly supported your position,
   express your thanks and tell him or her how much his or her efforts
   are appreciated.
   If your legislator has not yet committed to your position, clearly
   state reasons for
   supporting your position, and let him or her know you would appreciate
   his or her
   support.

   If your legislator is not supportive of your position, give him or her
   the information and politely ask him or her to reconsider the issue.
   7. Be prepared to answer questions.
   8. If possible, leave fact sheets or supporting materials with the
   legislator. (It may be helpful to include a contact name and number
   with the materials in case other questions arise.)
   9. Have a picture taken with the official if possible. Use the picture
   in local newspapers to
   provide publicity for the official and your organization.

   10. Thank the legislator for his or her time and leave promptly.

   Some suggestions for following up on a meeting with a policy maker:

   1. Immediately after the meeting, record what occurred--who you met
   with, issues
   discussed, responses received, and any follow-up needed.

   2. Write a thank-you letter to the official. Summarize points made and
   include any follow-up information requested.
   Wiring

   Western Union provides two special services for persons wishing to
   register their positions with elected representatives:

   1. Personal Opinion Telegram--allows a person to send a message of 20
   words to
   elected Representatives, Senators, or even the President, for $9.95
   (just text).

   2. Mailgram Message--for longer messages, up to 50 words (including
   sender's and
   receiver's name and address, salutation, and close) for $17.95.

   For more information on these and other services write to The Western
   Union Telegraph Company, 1 Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458,
   or call your local Western Union office. Toll-free numbers are listed
   in local telephone directories.
   Testifying

   Legislative committees often hold hearings to gather information on a
   particular issue or piece of legislation. Being selected to testify
   before a legislative committee provides you with a valuable
   opportunity for advocating for improved educational opportunities for
   individuals with disabilities or for individuals who are gifted.

   Some suggestions to keep in mind if you are invited to testify:
   1. Do your homework. Gather as much information as possible about the
   issue. Talk to
   key people in your organization and the field.

   2. Learn what "the opposition" says and prepare responses to their
   concerns in case a committee member asks questions.
   3. Determine the best person to serve as the witness who presents
   testimony. The
   testimony should be delivered by a knowledgeable, articulate person
   who is familiar
   (or has been thoroughly briefed) on the issue(s).

   4. Prepare a draft of the testimony and get feedback from several
   persons in the field and in the federation or division.
   5. The beginning of the testimony should include:
   * the name and occupation of the witness.
   * the name of the group on whose behalf the testimony is being given.
   * a brief statement on why you support or oppose the bill.

   6. Include in your testimony evidence to support your position,
   real-life examples of the impact of the legislation, and alternatives
   for those areas of the legislation that you oppose. Remember that
   examples of your own personal or professional experience provide the
   best supporting evidence when intertwined with other factual
   information.
   Related Activities for Building Rapport with Policy Makers

   In addition to the basic forms of communication previously presented,
   several activities also may be used to build a strong rapport with
   policy makers.

   Some activities to consider:

   1. Invite the policy makers to learn more about the education of
   individuals with disabilities or those who are gifted.
   * Arrange for your official to visit special education classrooms or
   facilities in his or her district or state. * Sponsor a special day to
   conduct a tour of several special education programs.
   * Host a luncheon or dinner for the official to meet key special
   education leaders and/or professionals.
   2. Prepare an annual report to legislators explaining the status of
   services to children with exceptionalities in their districts. Such
   reports should include statistics of the number of children served and
   not served, a description of programs offered, size of the community
   involved, and additional services needed. Legislators are always
   interested in receiving such reports and will often publish them in
   the records of the legislature.
   3. Invite the legislator to speak or attend an organizational meeting
   or banquet.
   4. Recognize legislators who have acted in the best interests of
   children with exceptionalities by presenting legislative statesmanship
   awards to them or by dedicating educational facilities in their names.
   When attempting to involve a policy maker in local activities,
   consider the following:

   1. A legislator's time is at a premium. Make arrangements through his
   or her local business office well in advance. Follow through on a
   regular basis to confirm attendance. Leave the schedule flexible
   enough to accommodate minor changes.
   2. Government officials greatly depend on publicity. The best payment
   is to provide
   extensive press coverage. Assistance is usually available from their
   offices.

   3. Cooperate with legislators' staffs well enough in advance so they
   are prepared for
   their audience.

   4. Be sure that any information presented to the legislator is
   accurate.
   5. Legislators will be more interested in participating in local
   improvement of services to children with exceptionalities if they can
   identify community interest. Therefore, involve as many community
   groups as possible.
   Determining the Proper Timing and Amount of Energy to Expend on
   Communication

   For effective political action, it is essential for you to know when
   to use the techniques of communication, who the appropriate targets of
   communication are, and how much communication to direct at selected
   targets to accomplish an objective, yet not exhaust future resources.
   Keep in mind the following tips:

   1. Many bills arouse very little public comment. Eight to ten letters
   to a legislator from scattered parts of the state are ordinarily
   something the legislator will notice.
   2. Usually only a small amount of effort is needed to attract
   legislators' attention. But where there is opposition, a stronger
   effort is needed. All-out support is essential at critical points on
   major issues.
   3. Determine which level of effort is needed on an issue: (1) some
   response may require a few letters or telegrams to be sent; (2) a
   strong response may require at least one letter or telegram to be sent
   from each local chapter; and (3) an all-out effort may require
   numerous responses to be sent from each local chapter.
   4. Assuming that most members of your network will help sometimes, but
   very few can always be relied upon, fit the amount of effort to the
   target. The more important the target, the greater the effort should
   be.
   5. Some effort, or even a strong effort, needs to be made from time to
   time to check the responsiveness of the communication network and to
   be sure members understand their role.
   6. Chart the progress of bills and be ready to act quickly.
   7. Ask someone in the legislator's office to notify you about times
   and places for hearings early enough to allow you time to communicate
   with legislators.
   8. Evaluate your efforts in terms of progress made over a period of
   time. Remember that some legislators' proposals are reintroduced and
   lost repeatedly until enough policy makers are convinced of their
   constructive value.

----------
            DO'S AND DON'TS WHEN DEALING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS

     Make an appointment. Arrive unexpected with the idea of seeing the
                                 official.
                            By letter or phone.
                          Confirm the appointment.
    Appointments with legislative aides are also available. (Ask for the
          aide responsible for the issue(s) you wish to discuss.)

              Be on time for the visit. Be late for the visit.

               Be positive and friendly. Be confrontational.
                  (Don't threaten or berate the official.)

     State the reason for your visit. Try to discuss several different
                                  issues.

                          Be concise and specific.
      Introduce yourself and identify the group you are representing.
                       Briefly describe the issue(s).
      Refer to bills by name and number (e.g., budget reform, "Budget
                      Process Reform Act," H.R. 3732).
                Limit the number of issues to be discussed.
          State your position and recommendation on the issue(s).

           Provide reliable data/facts to support your position.

                        Give incorrect information.

                         Personalize the issue(s).

   Tell how the bill or action will affect you, your relatives, friends,
                               or neighbors.

                 Leave a written summary of your position.

              Leave issue papers or other lobbying documents.

   Fact sheets on issues can be left. Also leave your name, address, and
                               phone number.

   Have a picture taken with official, if possible. Make a funny face or
   obscene gesture while your picture is being taken with your Member of
                                 Congress.

      Use the picture in local newspapers to provide publicity for the
   official, your organization, and the issues discussed. (If picture is
    not taken and meeting is a good one, ask for a photo of the official
                       and some background material.)

       Write a thank-you letter. Forget to write a thank-you letter.

                     Thank the official for the visit.
                            Summarize the visit.
        Identify follow-up steps committed by the official and you.
                     Ask for the official's commitment.
                              Request a reply.
    Send a photo print (if taken) identifying persons in photo and date.
   (Enlargements have a better chance of appearing on office wall/desk.)

    Arrange for your official to visit students with exceptionalities in
              various classrooms in his/her state or district.

                Ignore the member for the rest of the year.

                         Have others write letters.

                        Write about one issue only.
          If writing about a bill, refer to the title and number.
                 Be brief. (One or two pages, if possible.)
    Be specific. (Tell your position on the issue and why you hold that
                                 position.)
                        Share personal experiences.
                     Ask for the official's commitment.
                              Request a reply.


                              copyright _ 1996
                    The Council for Exceptional Children
                       Last updated: August 16, 1996
                        URL: http://www.cec.sped.org


----------
                Making the Most of Meeting with Legislators

   1. Remember to get aide's and secretary's names before you call. Use
   their names and make
   notes for later contact.

   2. Call for an appointment. Do this from your home district for your
   local delegation even if you
   will be meeting in your State Capitol. Let the legislator know you
   will be in the Capitol even if
   you are not sure when you can meet with him/her. Ask when might be a
   good time to stop by.

   3. Have a fact sheet for each topic you need to discuss.

   4. If you are to discuss a bill, know the names of all sponsors and
   co-sponsors.

   5. Before the meeting, custom highlight your fact sheet and staple one
   of your cards or a note
   with your name and address to the corner of the sheet. Leave this with
   the legislator.

   6. If possible, add a note to the fact or attach information
   illustrating direct benefit to that
   legislator's district.

   7. Rehearse a one-sentence description of your mission.

   8. Be prepared to relate at least one quick real life example of the
   need for the action you are
   advocating. If time permits, this is a very effective strategy.

   9. Consult a booklet listing your state legislator along with relevant
   background information
   (including which other counties he/she may represent, political party,
   committee assignments,
   personal history, awards, special notes about contacts or
   connections).

   10. Call the number in your state capitol providing updates on bills,
   to find out exactly where the
   bill is in process. This is important because the legislator may ask
   "where the bill is" and
   whether it is "moving."

   11. Have your notebook and calendar handy in case the legislator asks
   for a follow-up meeting or
   for additional information.

   12. Be aware of the legislator's busy schedule and do not stay longer
   than 5 minutes unless s/he
   asks you to stay.

   13. If the legislator cannot meet with you for some reason, meet with
   staff and leave personal note
   summarizing your mission.

   14. Write a follow-up letter thanking the legislator and/or staff for
   time spent on your issue and
   include a brief summary of action to be taken.

   15. Keep the legislator informed of progress or problems concerning
   your interest.

   CEC's Department of Public Policy

----------
                 Understanding How the U.S. Congress Works

   I. How a Bill Becomes Law: Steps in the U.S. Federal Legislative
   Process

   1. Most bills can be introduced in either house. The procedure by
   which a bill becomes a law is much the same regardless of where the
   bill originates. In this example, the bill is first introduced in the
   Senate, given a number, and referred to the proper committee. If a
   bill overlaps the jurisdictions of two or more committees, it may be
   referred simultaneously or sequentially to them so that each may deal
   with the sections of the bill appropriate to its jurisdiction, or it
   may be referred to one committee for purposes of legislative strategy.
   2. The Senate committee refers the bill to an appropriate subcommittee
   where the members will explore various sides of a subject through oral
   and written testimony given during public hearings on the bill. Since
   the entire legislative body does not attend, all legislators who
   eventually vote on the bill lean heavily on the written, publicly
   available proceedings and the recommendations of the committee or
   subcommittee. Congressional committees are increasingly exerting
   "legislative oversight" to monitor the implementation and evaluate the
   effectiveness of enactments through the use of hearings and written
   testimony.
   3. The full committee meets in executive session (i.e., only members
   attend), sometimes closed, to consider the facts. It may "kill" the
   bill, approve it with or without amendments, or draft a new bill. Such
   sessions are known as "executive markups."
   4. If the committee recommends the bill for passage, it is then listed
   on the calendar (i.e., an agenda or list of pending business). When
   the committee recommends placing a bill on the calendar, it is said
   that "the committee has reported favorably."
   5. The committee prepares a report which includes the purposes and
   scope of the bill, an explanation of committee amendments, proposed
   changes in existing law (along with existing law as is), a
   section-by-section analysis of the bill expressing views of department
   and agency heads whose views are solicited, minority views, and long
   range cost estimates.
   6. The bill comes up for debate (in the Senate). Depending on the
   degree of controversy, debate may last from a few hours to several
   weeks. Amendments may be added. The bill is then voted on.
   7. If the bill passes, it goes to the other body, in this case the
   House of Representatives, and is referred to the proper committee.
   However, similar bills on the same subject may move through both house
   chambers concurrently.
   8. Hearings may be held by the committee(s) to which the bill was
   referred.
   9. The committee may reject the bill, prepare a new one, or accept the
   bill with or without amendments.
   10. If the committee recommends the bill for passage, it is listed on
   the calendar and is sent on to the Rules Committee. (Note: Only the
   House of Representatives has a Rules Committee.)
   11. The Rules Committee is one of the most powerful committees in the
   House of Representatives. After a bill has been recommended for
   passage by the committee to which it was referred, the Rules Committee
   can block it or clear it for debate before the entire House. (If a
   bill is blocked, a discharge petition, signed by 218 members of the
   House, can clear the bill for House consideration. The procedure of
   obtaining a discharge petition seldom succeeds.)
   12. The bill goes before the entire body, is debated, and is voted on.
   13. If the bill is passed by the second body but contains major
   differences from the first body's version, either house may request a
   conference committee. Representing both parties, the conferees meet
   and try to reconcile the differences between the two bills.
   14. Generally, they reach an agreement and report back to their
   respective houses where the agreement is either accepted or rejected.
   The compromise version is generally referred to in common parlance as
   the "conference report."
   15. If the report is accepted by both houses, the bill is signed by
   the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and is sent
   to the President of the United States.
   16. The President may sign or veto the bill within 10 days. If he does
   not sign within 10 days and Congress is still in session, the bill
   automatically becomes law. If Congress has adjourned before the 10
   days have elapsed and the President has not signed the bill, it does
   not become law. This is known as a "pocket veto." If the President
   returns the bill with a veto message, it may still become law if
   passed by a two-thirds majority in each house. This is called an
   "override." Failure to override is referred to as "sustaining a
   Presidential veto." If one house sustains, the other house need not
   vote at all.
   Note: Any bill that is not acted upon before a Congressional session
   terminates must be reintroduced in one of the houses when the new
   session begins.
   II. Authorizing Legislation and Appropriating Funds

   In the Congress of the United States, it is most important to be aware
   of two quite distinct legislative processes, appropriations and
   authorizations. These processes involve separate committees as well as
   separate legislative bills. Authorizing committees create programs,
   set general directions, and alter existing federal programs. In fact,
   they do everything but actually provide the dollars. There are
   numerous authorizing committees in both houses of the Congress. The
   primary one in the Senate that is concerned with programs for children
   with exceptionalities is the Labor and Human Resources Committee. The
   primary one in the House that is concerned with programs for children
   with exceptionalities is the Education and Labor Committee.

   It is the function of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees
   to determine how many dollars shall be allocated. There is only one
   Appropriations Committee in each of the houses. All appropriations
   bills must initiate in the House.

   Budget Committees exist in both houses with a charge to set overall
   budget priorities for each fiscal year, which begins on October 1.

   It is vital that the dual system of the U.S. Congress be kept in mind.
   A battle may be won with the authorizing committees by creating or
   changing a program, but if that program is to have meaningful
   financial support, energies must be shifted to the appropriations
   committees. When a fiscal year begins and Congress has not yet enacted
   all the regular appropriations bills for that year, Congress passes a
   joint resolution, "continuing appropriations" for government agencies
   at rates generally based on their previous year's appropriations.


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