Lobby Day 2013 An Overview

1. Lobby Day 2013 An Overview www.bread.org/lobbyday #breadrising

2. www.bread.org Matt Newell-Ching Deputy Director of OrganizingWestern Region

3. “The reality is that in order to break free from the bondage [of poverty] in this country and the world, we need elected officials to make good on their words and put love thy neighbor at the center of our legislative agenda.” -Derick Dailey #breadrising

4. Lobby Day Basics Issues The Farm Bill Sequestration Resources What Comes Next? Today’s Agenda #breadrising

5. Lobby Day Basics

6. Source: Congressional Management Foundation, 2011

7. U.S. Capitol #breadrising • Lobby Day • 8 am – 12:30 pmMead Center • Breakfast/Registration • Worship • Issues Briefing • State Caucusing (Lunch) • Depart for Senate Mead Center

8. Senate Buildings Shuttle Dropoff U.S. Capitol #breadrising • Lobby Day • 1 pm – 5 pmLobby Visits • 1 – 3 pm (Senate) • 3 – 5 pm (House) House Buildings Transportation alternatives will be provided for people with limited mobility Mead Center

9. #breadrising • Lobby Day • 5:30 – 8 pmCanon House Office Building • Reception • Closing Worship House Buildings

10. #breadrising

11. Issue 1: Protect SNAP and Reform Food Aid in the Farm Bill

12. www.bread.org Christine Meléndez Ashley Policy Analyst

13. The Farm Bill #breadrising

14. The Farm Bill Reality • Governs farm and food policy – including SNAP & international food aid • Considered every 5 – 6 years #breadrising • Must be passed by both the House and Senate • Unique budget climate means…

15. 2013 Farm Bill Reality #breadrising

16. Where are we now? The Senate • On the Senate floor • $4 billion cut to SNAP • Reforms plus increases funding for Local and Regional Procurement program #breadrising

17. Where are we now? #breadrising The House • Will be on the floor in June • $20 billion cut to SNAP • $2.5 billion cut to food aid & 78% cut to food aid quality programs

18. Our Asks • Protect & strengthen SNAP • Protect & improve food aid #breadrising

19. ISSUE 2:Replace “Sequestration”

20. www.bread.org Amelia Kegan Senior Policy Analyst

21. “Sequestration” #breadrising • Automatic cuts: half defense, half non-defense • Tool to force a budget deal • Purposefully painful • Cuts began March 1 and last 9 years www.bread.org

22. Now is not the problem. • Tomorrowis the problem. #breadrising www.bread.org

23. #breadrising • Replace with a balanced budget plan • Revenues • Entitlements www.bread.org

24. Fuel the fire #breadrising • Build the pressure www.bread.org

25. #breadrising • Stories!!! www.bread.org

26. What Comes Next

27. Additional Resources:www.bread.org/lobbyday #breadrising

29. I am prepared to take the long, hard road, knowing it may not happen today or tomorrow, but ultimately, eventually, it will happen. That’s what faith is all about. That’s the definition of commitment – patience and persistence.  People who are like fireworks, popping off right and left with lots of sound and sizzle, can capture a crowd, capture a lot of attention for a time, but I always have to ask, where will they be in the end? Some battles are long and hard, and you have to have staying power. Firecrackers go off in a flash, then leave nothing but ashes. I prefer a pilot light – the flame is nothing flashy, but once it is lit, it doesn’t go out. It burns steadily, and it burns forever. -Rep. John Lewis Walking With the Wind

30. Contact House hill staff during Farm Bill debate Organize a lobby visit in a local office Brainstorm with your regional organizer Possible Next Steps

31. www.bread.org/contact #breadrising

32. www.bread.org/lobbyday #breadrising