Lobby Day 2015

Why do Virginia dental hygienists need to be involved in the legislative process?

Heather Herrera, RDH, BSDH

Why Participate in the Process?

• By necessity, because in the past we had a lack of input in the legislative and regulatory processes.

• By being proactive, we now have more of a say in what happens to our profession and what we can do as hygienists.

• We are also consumer advocates.

What Is Lobbying?

• The ability to present our ideas, thoughts and opinions, and points of view to policymakers, legislators, state agency directors, and dental board members

• An attempt to influence the decision-making process

Lobbying• A legitimate way to provide PR for our profession and our issues

• An attempt to educate others and draw them to our position (who better knows dental hygiene than we do)

• It is up to US to get the message of who we are, what we do, and our education

Lobbying

• The building of personal relationships (knowing them on a first-name basis) between VDHA and the legislators and policymakers

• Making our point of view interesting, understandable, and relevant by selecting an argument, perspective, strategy or an activity so your legislator will sit up and listen

Lobbying

• Helps legislators and policymakers make more educated decisions because they have heard from the people whom the legislation will affect.

• Legislators cannot be experts on every issue so we become their “experts.”

Forms of Lobbying

• Work from behind the scenes• Push of defeat a bill• Gain funding for a needed program• Set the stage for something we want in the

future (being proactive)• Keep connected with our legislators when we

lobby routinely and for the long-haul

Forms of Lobbying

• Sometimes requires a gimmick to gain attention (example: toothbrush distribution)

• Some lobbying takes place in a legislator’s office, your dental chair, in a social situation, or in a campaign

• Each opportunity should be used when appropriate.

Net Result of Lobbying

• Pulls together all sides of the issue and slants it our way

• Those who participate in the process are the ones who get what they want

• Those who are apathetic are the ones who let everyone else take away what they want or have

What Influences the Scene?

• Election year-term limits/primaries• Governor’s priorities/campaign promises• Political agendas of each party• State budget• How similar legislation has fared• How your bills fit into this environment• Controversy

2015 Legislative Session Priorities• Support Dental

Benefits for Pregnant Women• Save money and

improve health: 45,000 pregnant women eligible for Medicaid and FAMIS MOM

Who’s In Control?

• The 2015 House of Representatives continues to be controlled by the Republicans – (67-R) – (33-D)

• The Senate is also controlled by the Republicans– (21-R) – (19-D)

• Governor McAuliffe is a Democrat

Key Visits

• Visiting ALL legislators is important, but if you are in districts of key legislators, your visits are even more influential.

• Some have key leadership roles that shape the legislative agenda.

• Others serve on key committee that vote whether a bill moves forward or dies.

How to Lobby in the Virginia Legislature

• Have a general idea how the legislative process works– http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislat

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• Look up your Virginia State Legislators– http://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov

Lobbying Tips

• Know their room numbers at the Capitol before your visit.

• Make an appointment ahead of time to see them on Lobby Day, if possible, between 9-11 AM.

• Review facts about Virginia dental hygienists. (via our fact card)

How to Lobby

• Be there on time at the Capitol (8:00 AM) for Lobby Day preparation to learn about our unified messaging.

• Meet your legislator with a short prepared message or be ready to leave a message in his/her office if you cannot make personal contact.

Talking to Virginia Legislators

• In Virginia, it is not acceptable to call the legislators out of session when the House of Delegates or the Senate are meeting.

• Greet the secretary or legislative aide and state whether you have an appointment.

• Try to talk to your legislator personally rather than leave a message.

• Sign their guest book.

Meeting with Legislators

• Smile, be courteous and friendly.• Dress appropriately and professionally. (Wear

comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking)• Let them know that you are a dental hygienist

or student from their district, if that is the case.

• Try to get to the point because they are often in a hurry.

Meeting with Legislators

• Do not bad mouth or attack anyone who opposes our legislation, point of view or does not accept our oral health kits.

• Instead, clarify our position with accurate points to back it up.

• Listen to what they legislator’s response is and record it on paper, if possible, and return it to Heather Herrera.

• Key into the legislator’s attitude.

Meeting with Legislators• Exchange ideas and correct misconceptions.

• Ask for clear answers, but do not be too pushy.

• Leave your business card if you have one.

• If you do not know the answer to a question, tell the legislator that an VDHA representative will get the answer.

• Write it down and return to Heather Herrera.

• Thank the legislator.

General Messages to Legislators

• Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who are prevention specialists.

• We are part of the access to care solution and should be utilized to the full extent of our education in all settings to all populations in more flexible ways with dentist through new options:– Collaborative practice– Expansion of public health settings

• Dental diseases are infectious, transmissible and preventable.

• Oral health is part of total health and linked with other systemic diseases.

Prevention Message

• Tooth decay and gum disease are preventable.• Prevention is:– Cost effective– Keeps people pain-free– Helps people stay healthy– It works!

• Dental hygienists are best educated in health promotion and disease prevention and should be able to work to the full extent of their education.

Meeting Follow-Up

• You might want to send your legislators a thank-you note for taking the time to speak with you.

• VDHA will have CE forms available after the meetings.

• There will be a group photo for all to put in the media.

Proactive Steps

• Continue involvement with ADHA/ VDHA and be a part of the only group to support your dental hygiene interests.

• We need your financial support (through VHyPAC) and your endorsement of dental hygiene.