Practical tips for working with budget committee staff

In talking with both houses’ budget committee staff over the past few weeks, there are some practical tips that were shared with me for those working with these staff members. While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many of them bear repeating. The following are some of the suggestions shared with me:

• Timing is important. Make sure you talk with the consultant prior to them finishing their analysis for a budget item.
• Hearing from an advocate just days before a budget item’s scheduled committee hearing does not leave much opportunity for the consultant to address any concerns. Email seems to be the preferred method of communication for fiscal consultants.
• As Assembly and Senate committees (and subcommittees) have different deadlines and rules, be sure to check in with individual committees and subcommittees to know what deadlines apply for letters and amendments.
• Kindness goes a long way when dealing with committee staff, which means BOTH the consultant and the secretary or assistant.
• Return phone calls and emails from committee staff promptly. There are some lobbyists who have a bad habit of either not responding or responding after it is too late to be helpful.
• Provide materials in an easy-to-use format, such as a Word document.
• Don’t forget to share your advocacy letters and support materials, as well as proposed amendments, with the relevant Assembly Republican Caucus consultant and Senate Republican Caucus consultant.
• Always identify the client you are engaging on behalf of with committee staff. And be clear what you are asking for.
• As a general rule, always start the meeting off with what your ask is so staff don’t have to figure it out while you’re talking. Put all the cards on the table and have honest discussions.
• Don’t call or e-mail the committee to ask questions that can be answered by a quick glance at the Daily File or the committee’s website.
• Check the subcommittee agendas (and later the full committees’ agendas) because they set forth the details, staff recommendations, order of hearings, and other critical information.
• Be judicious with your meeting requests, especially during the busiest part of the year.
• Read the Governor’s proposed budget change proposals (BCPs) in the issue areas you care about very soon after their release, and then contact the relevant budget committee staff (including the relevant Republican Caucus staff) in order to weigh in on the BCP early.
• Don’t make staff guess your group’s thoughts on a budget proposal. Submit your position or thoughts to the staff prior to budget pre-hearing meetings with administration staff. These are typically two weeks before a budget subcommittee hearing.  This allows budget committee staff to possibly raise concerns
• Read the draft trailer bill language when it gets posted on the Department of Finance website (generally by February 1) and submit your comments or concerns as soon as possible, just like the other budget proposals.
• Be prepared for when the various pieces of trailer bill language get added to a budget spot or intent measure in order for your organization’s support/oppose/concerns letter can be added to that specific bill’s record in the very brief 72 hours before the bill is voted on during a floor session.
• If your client’s position is important, be available to testify at the budget hearing that may take place at some point within the 72-hour window.
• For a budget request for your organization, it is recommended to secure a sponsor for your budget request so that he or she can “work the proposal” on the inside (like a bill).
• There are multiple players in the executive and legislative branches. They are primarily:

Legislative branch: LAO and Budget Committees, as well as leadership staff

Executive branch: DOF and Governor’s Office

Be sure to include all of them in your discussions and advocacy efforts

• Your best (and sometimes only) chance for public comment is in the budget subcommittee. On occasion, you’ll also be able to speak for a minute before the full Budget Committee. So choose your comments wisely and be sure to show up and wait for your brief public comment on the subcommittee agenda.
• In addition to the initial budget change proposals and the trailer bills on the DOF website, there are additional documents posted shortly after submission of the May Revision.
• Advocates in the state budget space do not just need a legislative “champion,” but alsoa Member who prioritizes a specific budget request as one of their top requests.
• A final piece of advice given to me: Even if you think that you do not have any budget clients, make sure to at least scan the DOF website and budget subcommittee agendas for trailer bill policy items that may be of concern to your clients.

Support for The Micheli Files is provided by The McGeorge School of Law Capital Center for Law & Policy