Approximately 50 people attended Monday’s fall meeting of the Human Services Advocacy Network (HSAN). The meeting featured special guests State Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) and State Representative Phil Robinson (D-Solon), to discuss their experiences as freshman legislators who just went through their first state biennium budget. The discussion, moderated by Tara Britton, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at The Center for Community Solutions, also included such topics as Medicaid, education and transportation.
Brent and Robinson both spoke passionately about the importance of community engagement and communication between the public and legislators.
Brent and Robinson both spoke passionately about the importance of community engagement and communication between the public and legislators. Brent talked about how important it is for advocates to have their information organized and to present it in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, when advocating for specific programs or initiatives, she underscored how effective it can be for an advocate to find best practices in other states that could be replicated in Ohio. One of the things that she mentioned frequently was ensuring that advocates mention how new ideas and projects could benefit the constituents in her district. She also encouraged community organizations and advocates to have a specific ask when engaging with legislators. Brent added, “You have a lot of people coming in asking for millions of dollars, and we have some advocates who come in, and don’t even have an ask.”
You have a lot of people coming in asking for millions of dollars, and we have some advocates who come in, and don’t even have an ask.
Robinson also underscored how important it is for advocates to be in touch with their state representatives on a regular basis. The budget process is constantly evolving and a version of the budget can be altered, even after the conference committee process concludes. Therefore, he said, it is important to stay informed and involved throughout the process. “It’s not done until it’s finished,” he said.
It’s not done until it’s finished.
Both legislators described how frustrating it can be to elected officials when constituents provide testimony at committee meetings and fail to inform state representatives ahead of time that they are coming. It is both a professional courtesy, as well as helpful to give legislators a heads up, as the legislators could possibly assist in ensuring a smooth testimony process. “Let us help you!” added Brent.[bctt tweet="What tips did Representatives @Juanita_Brent and @RepPhilRobinson share about FIRST state budget process experience with advocates? Find out here" username="CommunitySols"]
Both Brent and Robinson described how they are in regular communication with one another, especially because their districts geographically adjoin each other. During the state budget process, there were numerous instances where they had to make sure that they were informed of things that were going on, and wanted to make sure that the other legislator was informed as well.
In future budgets, it will be extremely important for advocates to be regularly engaged with their legislators.
Looking ahead, both legislators talked about how important it is for advocates to have accurate data in addition to powerful stories. They also described how in future budgets, including the upcoming state capital budget, it will be extremely important for advocates to be regularly engaged with their legislators.
The Center for Community Solutions thanks State Representatives Robinson and Brent for sharing their inspiring experiences and perspectives.
The Center for Community Solutions thanks State Representatives Robinson and Brent for sharing their inspiring experiences and perspectives. We look forward to remaining in contact with them in the near future. More details will be announced soon about the next HSAN, so stay tuned!
