Social Work Advocacy Video: The State Budget

Social Work Advocacy: The State Budget

Contents

Introduction
Structure of the script
Notes

INTRODUCTION

Greetings! INFLUENCING STATE POLICY (ISP) is pleased to provide you with its fifth video in its Policy Affects Practice Video Series. We hope that you will use it with students, colleagues and other professionals to help them better understand how a state budget is developed and how, as social workers, we can effectively advocate for our clients’ agendas.
Purpose of video #5: To instruct social work students/practitioners on how to advocate effectively and influence the state budget. Using this guideline, you will be prepared to follow the basic script of the video. After viewing the video, you will be able to refer to the video’s contents below and discuss important principles and potential future action steps.

STRUCTURE OF THE SCRIPT

Introduction: Money, money, money!! Social workers, who overcome their fears, can directly influence their state’s budget. The state budget directly affects how much money they and their clients will be allocated for the coming year. The NASW’s code of ethics requires that all social workers to “be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet human needs and promote social justice” (604a). Therefore, it is vital that social workers understand how to participate in the state budgetary process.
What is a State Budget:
A budget is a “plan of action.” It is a plan detailing how resources will be distributed to agencies and programs, what priorities are agreed upon, and how many dollars are needed. Accordingly, the state budget embodies the fiscal choices, priorities, and preferences of the governor, legislature, and citizens. The state budget reflects state policy, identifying important ideas, solutions and programs, and how much money each will receive. Finally, a state budget is a tool for agencies to use in monitoring funding throughout the year.
Four Main Stages in Development of Budget:

Budget Preparation by Agencies: In the 1st stage, state agencies analyze their programs to determine future financial needs. Each agency submits a request for funding to the Governor’s office for inclusion in the state budget. Advocates can suggest items here.

Governor Establishes a Budget: The Governor has a department dedicated to analyzing funding requests. The Governor evaluates all funding requests in accordance with his priorities. Finally, after months of review, the Governor’s office submits a statewide budget proposal to the state legislature in the form of a bill.

Legislative Action on the Budget after the Governor’s budget proposal is submitted by both a House and Senator Member, it is treated like any other bill the budget bill is sent to committees and subcommittees so members can debate and amend its provisions. Once the budget bill is amended and approved by committee, it is reviewed and amended by each the House and Senate. Next, once each body has approved a budget, they send their proposals to the other body for approval and the whole process is repeated. If the budgets differ, then it is conferred upon and resolved before returning it to the governor.

Governor's Review / Implementation: The budget bill is sent to the Governor for signing into law. However, if it is not to his/her liking then all or part can be vetoed or sent back with amendments for the legislative body to consider.

How Can Social Workers Advocate and Influence the State Budget? Six Key Skills to Become an Effective Advocate:

Get the facts and know your figures - It is important to understand your issue. Policy makers rely on advocates for information. It is vital that your numbers are reliable so you can demonstrate the impact funding for your issue will have on both individuals and the state.

Know the processes / stages - Talk to agency directors while they are developing their budgets. Suggest additional funding to current programs or propose funding for new programs and services. Be prepared to give testimony and provide analysis.

Form or join a Coalition - There is strength in numbers. Coalitions can be very influential and the workload is shared.

Identify Key Political Players - The budget process always involves secrecy and deal making. Cultivate relationships with members of the "money" committees.

Communicate Effectively - Be able to present your ideas as clearly and concisely as possible. It is important to build relationships with policy makers. Understand their position on your issue so that you can show how your position will benefit his or her constituents.

Be Persistent - Start the process early, keep at it, and be patient.

Discussion Questions:

Why is it important to be advocate in the state budget process?

How can you overcome your fear of the long lists of budget figures?

At which stage can an advocate have the most influence on the budget?

How can the budget be a legislative bill and a budget simultaneously?

Which skill is most important in advocating for the budget?

NOTES

ISP urges all students to enter the annual national INFLUENCING STATE POLICY contest. It is a great way to participate in the purpose of this video. Rules are on the website.
If you have any questions or comments about the video, please send them to: Dr. Robert Schneider, POB 842027, VCU School of Social Work, Richmond, VA 23284. Or email: rschneid@vcu.edu. Or phone: 804.828.0452
WHO DEVELOPS THE STATE BUDGET? Your state budget is developed through the joint effort of your governor, members of the legislature, citizens, activists and most importantly, SOCIAL WORKERS.