Helpful Advocacy Tips
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How to Read Legislative Bills
All federal bills can be searched and downloaded from the Library of Congress THOMAS website. You can also request copies of bills from your representative. Pennsylvania bills are available at the www.legis.pa.us
[Light] faced brackets are used only in bills amending an existing law. They indicate that anything enclosed thereby appears in the existing law, but that it is proposed to omit it from the law as amended. The brackets and anything enclosed by them are carried along into the pamphlet law version of the bill, if the bill is finally enacted; thus, the reader of the pamphlet law can tell the exact date that the bracketed material was removed from Pennsylvania law.
Underscoring (_) is used only in bills amending an existing law. It indicates that the underscored matter does not appear in the existing law, but that it is proposed to insert it in the law as amended. The underscored matter will be carried into the law if the bill is finally enacted.
Ellipses (* * *) are used only in bills amending an existing law. They indicate omitted law which is not proposed to be changed in the bill.
[Dark] face brackets are used only in bills that have been amended, either in committee or on the floor of either House. They indicate brackets inserted by such amendment and have the same effect as light face brackets.
Strike out type is used only in bills that have been amended either in committee or on the floor of either House. They indicate that anything so printed appeared in a previous print of the bill but is to be deleted, and will not appear in the text of the law if the bill is finally enacted.
CAPITAL LETTERS are used only in bills that have been amended, either in committee or on the floor of either House. They indicate that the matter in capital letters did not appear in the original print of the bill, but was inserted into the bill by amendment in either House. The matter in capital letters will be carried into the law, if the bill is finally enacted in ordinary print, unless it is also underscored, in which case it will be printed in italics.
Strike out type and CAPITAL LETTERS indicate only the amendments made to the bill at the last previous state of passage. All prior strike out amendments are dropped entirely from the new print and all insert amendments previously shown in CAPITAL LETTERS are reset in lower case type. The one exception to this rule is a House bill amended more than once in the Senate or a Senate bill amended more than once in the House will, on the second and subsequent printings cumulate all amendments made in the latter House, so that all amendments in which concurrence by the House of origin is required will stand out.
The line immediately preceding the title of the bill shows the stage of passage at which the amendments appearing on that print were made. All preceding printer's numbers of each bill are shown in consecutive order in a line at the top of the first page of each bill.
How NAMI Families Can Help Effect Change at the Public Policy Level
Families have a much valued perspective. Families may know their loved one living with a mental illness-their strengths and challenges, better than any treatment professional could ever determine. We also know of the difficulties in navigating a sometimes complex mental health treatment and support system.
Personal experience with mental illness allows families to know what the important issues are. This puts family members in a unique position to act as advocates. NAMI families can educate elected officials charged with development of public policy and funding priorities.
This fact sheet offers tips for effective strategies for NAMI families to get involved in state or federal advocacy efforts.
Write or e-mail a letter to your elected representative.
Representatives rely on communication from their constituents to keep them informed and to know where constituents stand on critical or controversial issues. A personal letter or e-mail is an effective method to get your message across.
Write legibly, type or e-mail your message and try to keep your communication to one brief page.
Make your message to the point. Example: “I’m writing in support of/or opposition to ….” (Refer to the bill name or number, if you do not know the number contact the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania office for assistance or search for the bill number via www.legis.pa.us and clicking onto Session.)
Give a reason for your position (support or opposition). A personal experience is powerful in establishing your case.
Let them know what you expect. Example: “I hope I can count on your support for this bill. Please write back and let me know your position on this important issue.”
Include your name and address on both the letter and the envelope or within your e-mail message.
Target and time your letter. Representatives will give the most weight to letters from their own constituents. However, if a bill is to be heard in a particular committee or subcommittee, you may need to communicate with the committee leadership (e.g., Chairperson of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee). In this case, explain that while you are not from the legislator’s own district, you hope that the needs of all citizens will be considered in reaching a decision on the bill. Naturally, timing the letter before a vote is taken is critical.
Follow up by thanking your representative when his/her actions support your position.
When time is of the essence, a phone call can be a practical way to convey your concern to an elected representative. The most effective calls are to the Capitol offices, particularly when a vote is imminent.
Introduce yourself and give your NAMI affiliation. Be sure to mention if you are a constituent.
Don’t expect to speak to your representative directly. Most likely, you will speak to a receptionist or legislative staff. These individuals are responsible for keeping the legislator informed.
Explain why you are calling. Example: “I’m calling to register my opposition to the proposed budget cuts for mental health funding. Please be sure that the Senator/Representative is informed of my concern as a constituent and a family member.”
You may need to communicate your position to a committee which is hearing a bill or budget item. If you are not sure of the committee name or hearing schedule, you can ask staff at your own representative’s office.
Where to Phone: Capitol Switchboard Washington DC, (202) 244-3121. The operator will refer you to any U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative (Congressman/woman). In Pennsylvania, the Chief Clerk can help you reach any member of the state house. The Senate Secretary will provide phone numbers for any Pennsylvania State Senator.
Faxing is also an effective way of sending your letter as all state legislators and members of Congress have Fax machines. Fax numbers can be obtained from the same sources as legislative and Congressional telephone numbers.
Visit Your Elected Representative
Meeting face-to-face with a legislator or designated staff is an excellent way to establish a relationship and convey your point of view.
State legislators often go home to their district offices on Thursday or Friday. Meetings at the State Capitol are best set for Tuesday or Wednesday.
Congressional Representatives in Washington, DC are more likely to come home on the weekend or on extended holidays or periods of Congressional recess. Contact the Capitol office to determine the best time to make an appointment.
Plan ahead. Legislators’ schedules fill up weeks in advance. Plan your first visit before there’s a “crisis” to establish a friendly rapport.
Do not set your hopes on meeting with your representative in person. Legislators are busy and schedules often change at the last minute. An effective meeting can be held with a legislative staff aide (often the very people who craft legislation or brief their bosses on important issues).
When you call, ask to speak to the scheduler. Introduce yourself, explain the nature of the visit, give the names and number of other people who will come along on the visit (try to limit that to four or five people), how long you will need (15 to 30 minutes), and when you would like to come. You may be asked to send a request in writing.
After an appointment has been scheduled, it is wise to confirm the information by mail, e-mail or phone (correspondence should be addressed to the legislator him/herself, even if the meeting is scheduled with staff).
If scheduling more than one meeting at the Capitol in one day, leave 30 minutes between appointments to get from one room to another.
Do your homework by learning something about the person you will visit. Rehearse what you will say, keeping in mind the legislator’s background and interests. You may wish to begin by sharing your own personal story. Show your knowledge by mentioning any action taken or bills authored/supported by the legislator in a similar area, if appropriate.
Be clear about the purpose of the meeting. Example: “I am here today to familiarize you with the needs of individuals living with a mental illness and their families,” or "I would like to know if I can count on your support for improving the quality and access to evidence based treatment.”
Add your voice to others who share similar concerns by joining a larger group or organization going to visit the Capitol. This way you can coordinate with existing efforts and increase your clout.
Understand that current fiscal constraints make it difficult to advocate for increased funding for programs and services. Do not apologize for this fact. Instead, be clear about the importance of a program or service to you and your family. Example: “I know funding is tight and not everything can be considered a priority, but I am here to tell you what a critical issue this is for me and others like me.”
Bring a few brief written materials, if available, to leave in the office which relate to the purpose of your visit.
Bring a camera. Even if a legislator cannot meet with you in person, he/she may be pulled out of a meeting momentarily for a photo opportunity.
Remember to thank the legislator or staff for your meeting. It is also a good idea to send a thank you letter addressed to the legislator.
Stay informed: Sign up for NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania “Call to Action” e-mail alerts.
Contribute your ideas and energy: Participate in a NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania committee, local county Community Support Program (CSP), county MH Advisory Board or a cross disabilities campaign. Such groups may work on a single issue or a variety of issues. Tasks might include organizing a public event or drafting policy recommendations. Even if you don’t attend committee meetings you can still lend your support to a letter writing campaign.
Write a letter to the editor or opinion editorial “op-ed” piece stating your views in your local news-paper: This is an excellent vehicle to help educate the public about the prevalence of mental illnesses, the reality of recovery-when people can access effective treatment and supports, and an effective anti-stigma tool.
Testify at a hearing: Both State Legislative and Congressional committees often hold hearings to gather support and expert opinions while drafting legislation. NAMI family members can provide compelling stories of their and their loved one’s daily challenges in securing effective treatment and supports. Be sure to contact the committee the day of the hearing; last minute schedule changes occur frequently.
This page was last modified on: June 11, 2010 11:10:12am
