pre-hill day conference call march 9, 2010

©SHRM 2010 1

Pre-Hill Day Conference Call March 9, 2010

©SHRM 2010

Schedule For the Hill Day March 18th

• 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.- Breakfast and General Session

• 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.- Concurrent Sessions

• 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.- Luncheon with Speakers from Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill Visits• 1:30 p.m. - Depart hotel for Capitol Hill

• 2:00 p.m. - First Meeting

• 5:30 p.m. - Last Meeting

• 7:00pm - VIP Washington Reception at the Library of Congress

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Capitol Hill

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What to Expect

• A significant amount of walking

• A busy congressional schedule

• To meet with a congressional staff person

• An unfamiliarity with HR issues

• Staff may not be an expert on each issue

• Possibility of meeting alone

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What You Need

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Hill Packets • Available at the Capitol Hill visit desk

• Schedule includes meeting times and locations

• Fact sheets on Health Care and Section 127

• One page “leave behind” issue summary

• SHRM introduction document

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Health Care

Health Care Reform : Key Points

• HR professionals realize that the current system, in which health care costs are rising faster than inflation, is unsustainable. This is why SHRM has supported legislative efforts to control health care costs, including workplace wellness and prevention programs  

• HR professionals are committed to achieving comprehensive health care reform that provides high-quality, affordable health care coverage to all Americans in a manner that strengthens the voluntary employer-based system

• SHRM is working for passage of health care reform that lowers costs, improves access and quality, ensures a national, uniform framework for health care benefits, and promotes wellness and prevention programs.

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Employer-Provided Educational Assistance(Section 127)

Employer-Provided Educational Assistance: Key Points

• Tax provisions that encourage employer-provided education and training are among the most effective tools available for employers to attract the best employees and build a skilled workforce

• SHRM strongly supports the permanent extension of Section 127 for graduate and undergraduate level courses

• During this economic downturn, tax policies should encourage employers to invest in the training and development of their employees. Making Section 127 permanent will demonstrate the U.S. government’s strong support for employers to invest in their employees and to promote continuous development of new skills.

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Educational Sessions

Educational Sessions for Hill Attendees

• How to Lobby Your Member of CongressWednesday, March 171:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

• Advocacy Boot Camp: Policy Issues for Capitol Hill VisitsWednesday, March 172:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

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How To Lobby

• Remember! You are representing SHRM and your organization

• Clearly explain what impact the proposed issues will have on your workplace

• Use workplace experiences that relate to the issue – tell your personal story

• State your position

• Ask official/staff to state their position on the issue

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How To Lobby

• Thank them for their time and offer to be a resource

• Leave supporting documents

• Leave a business card and ask for the staff member’s business card

• Follow up – send a thank you note that reiterates your position

• Maintain the relationship you just created

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Lisa HornManager of Health Carelisa.horn@shrm.org

Michael LaymanManager of Employment and Labor Legislationmichael.layman@shrm.org

Recardo GibsonMember Advocacy Specialistrecardo.gibson@shrm.org