Speak Up!
by Gem P. Daus, Director of Policy
April 29, 2005
What's the use? They aren't listening. They don't really care what I have to say. And they just go off and do their own thing! What do you expect? That's who they are. Of course they aren't going to do what I want them to. So why waste my time?
When you're fighting an uphill battle, and the people at the top keep rolling boulders downhill, it's easy to get discouraged. It makes you wonder if the effort is worth it. Policy is like that: There are so many actors and scenes, you can't isolate how much impact your particular role has. You just have to have faith that it does. Thankfully, my faith gets renewed every so often.
At a meeting on the hill recently, an elected official went on and on about why there wasn't more of an outcry against a particular bill. Where's the opposition? Where's the rage? Why are you making it easy for them to take your rights away? Your members have to speak up!
At first, my thoughts were defensive. We're doing all we can. We just don't have the resources. Yada yada yada.
But then he went on. "It makes us look stupid to oppose this bill when it seems like no one on the outside is against it. Suddenly our motives are questioned. We're called obstructionist or opportunist. And I would do the same if I were on the other side. Give me some ammunition to say, ' I'm speaking for the American people. I represent.' "
Then I remembered. This isn't the first time I've heard this. As advocates we often go to the hill to ask for a member's support for a particular issue. More often than not, they look to us to provide the power, the fuel for their subsequent actions. They'll say things like, "I need your members to write letters. I need you to contact Representative so and so. I'm your friend, I need you to meet with the other side. I need you to tell them to talk to us."
Amazing! We go there asking for their help and they turn around and ask us to help them help us. This is not a cop-out. This is participatory democracy. They really do need to hear from "the people." This is especially true in an ultra-partisan Congress. The party in power can do almost anything it wants without even consulting the minority party and get away with it. So the minority party does need our visits, letters, faxes and phone calls. Both parties need us to do more than vote. Our voices fuel their actions. It's a team effort.
Our voices also provide them with "cover" when they want to do something that's a little on the edge--like go against the party line. Think about all the Republicans who are publicly questioning the President's Social Security ideas. Those representatives feel safe because of the voices they hear. Think about the budget resolution that passed in the Senate in March. Thousands of people lobbied against cutting Medicaid. We only had to convince a few Republicans to spare Medicaid, and spare it they did.
Of course, that was just the first volley. This past week, despite a strong public outcry, the House and Senate agreed on a compromise budget resolution that cuts 10 billion from Medicaid over 10 years. Alot, but not as much as the President wanted (small consolation). But, as they say, it ain't over 'til it's over. Now that the budget resolution has passed (the first time in three years), it's time to make your case to the appropriators. The Labor-HHS-Education subcommittee is ready to get to work on a more detailed spending plan for the budget. If you are interested in saving or increasing a particular program, it's time to let them know.
And yes, in the end there will be cuts. But doing nothing means they think it's no big deal to cut holes in the safety net that millions of uninsured people rely on. They'll think they can just keep taking away the right to health care. But if they hear or feel opposition, they at least know they have to tread carefully. Squeaky wheels do get the grease. Maybe not right away. Maybe they can tolerate it or ignore it for awhile. But no matter what party they belong to, representatives eventually have to pay attention, especially during election time.
And another thing: you may ask me for help to push a certain issue. Ask! But just like a Congressman, I'm going to ask you to help me help you. My credibility to elected officials depends on being able to say truthfully that I represent. If you aren't speaking up, then they'll think i'm just making things up. Really. Your voice does make a difference.
Resources
- For a quick review of the budget and appropriations process, read the March 24 column
- FamiliesUSA is a good source to learn about Medicaid. Their website contains current information about the budget, tips for writing letters, and real life stories. Go to www.familiesusa.org. They also hold national conference calls to coordinate action.
For comments, suggestions, feedback, email Gem P. Daus at gdaus@apiahf.org
