The Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut held legislative advocacy training on Jan. 15. What are some of the major issues facing the human resource profession in the upcoming legislative session that starts in February?
As we look at issues facing the human resource profession, they come from two sources; the national and state levels. The biggest national issues are healthcare reform, EFCA (Employee Free Choice Act), ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act), and the Healthy Families Act. On the state level, you have similar bills such as paid sick leave as well as the potential impact to the unemployment tax structure. How much more will business have to pay to fund and sustain unemployment benefits? All these bills will have both a financial and human resource impact on our business in Connecticut.
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According to your group, national and state legislation will “have a profound impact on how businesses manage their most important resource – their people.” What is going to be the most profound impact?
As we enter 2010, we are beginning to see a slow down in the reduction of the workforce, but we do not anticipate any near-term job growth. We believe companies will maintain current staffing levels until there are clear signs of economic growth. With that said the legislation will most likely focus on job growth and economic development. We are hopeful legislation will have a positive impact on job growth and economic development, but we are unsure how these bills will ultimately affect our businesses. There are large price tags and administrative components that need to be figured out. Will it help or hurt; we don’t know. We will be focused on President Obama’s upcoming State of the Union address to see where he will place the biggest emphasis.
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Your group also wants its members to have an impact beyond legislation affecting human resources and deal with that affecting the communities where employers are located and where employees live. Is this an attempt to make companies become overall corporate citizens of their communities?
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Not only is this an attempt to make businesses better corporate citizens; it’s an attempt to show how businesses can use legislative advocacy to engage its workforce. We are also creating an awareness of how easily you and I can impact legislation. We are all a part of the process, so why not learn how to make a difference.
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Legislative advocacy seems to be most effective when left to the professionals (i.e. the high paid lobbyists) or so one would think. What makes your group think the casual legislative advocate can be effective?
I agree lobbyists play an important role and have an impact on legislative advocacy. You need someone at the table watching and stewarding legislation through the process. However, it’s much more than that; it’s personal. Most bills start with an idea generated from a personal experience, whether it’s one individual or a group. We tend to place our legislators and politicians in a separate class, but forget they often share the same personal experiences. The process is fundamentally grassroots. That is why it’s important to get to know your local politician. If you don’t agree with their policies, you have the most powerful tool – your vote!
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Are there any restrictions on HR professionals becoming advocates? Is there a threshold they have to avoid so they aren’t considered lobbyists in terms of time spent?
Anyone or any group can be advocates. If you or your organization believes in something, make your voice heard. There are thresholds to being considered a lobbyist. Currently if you expend or agree to expend $2000 or more in a calendar year, you must register as a lobbyist. Please visit www.ct.gov for more details.
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What are some of the skills that a business person can learn to be an effective legislative advocate? Do they go beyond letters, phone calls and e-mails?
Most people think legislative advocacy is only sending letters and emails, or making phone calls. It goes beyond those things. You can testify in committee on a proposed bill, meet with a legislator at their office or invite them to your business, serve on a local or state board/commission, or simply vote. Again, if you believe in something, volunteer to participate and your voice will make a difference.
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As Thomas Jefferson once said, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”