Suggestions for business involvement in Public Policy

1. Public Policy: an Investment in your Business Cecelia McCloy Public Policy Director, NAWBO-SV

2. I am only one voice, why would anyone listen to me? It seems so complicated… How do you find out and track (business) issues? I really don’t have the time right now…. Myths About Public Policy

3. They were elected to represent constituents You represent two voices: your own issues and the small business community You are viewed as a constituent by your home address and business address They need and want information about issues Local District staff will meet with you to discuss issues, if legislator is unavailable Developing a relationship means that you can be the “go to person” for that issue You can potentially turn it into a PR event and become a noted expert Legislators Want to Meet You

4. How do I find my representatives? http://www.legislature.ca.gov/ http://www.assembly.ca.gov/ http://www.congress.org/ http://www.congress.com/ http://www.house.gov/ http://www.senate.gov/ Legislators have interests too – they serve on committees that hold hearings to investigate a need or problem and write legislation It is so Complicated – Where do I Begin?

5. Stay Informed - Join the NAWBO-SV Public Policy Committee Send your email to Ceil McCloy cmccloy@issi-net.com Attend a public policy workshop or conference from your industry trade group Attend the NAWBO-CA Public Policy Days May 2010; 2011? Procurement Faire Panels: Tax; Healthcare; Economic Recovery; Access to Capital; Workers Compensation Legislative Visits It is so Complicated – Where do I Begin?

6. Think about your business – What keeps you up at night? Taxes? Healthcare? Education? Financing? Procurement? Regulatory Burden? Insurance? Staff??? What are you passionate about? Marry the two interests – don’t overextend! Pick one or two issues that are important to you Now you can do your investigative Homework What are the Small Business Issues?

7. Read your trade publications; NAWBO’s Public Policy information at the nationwide level Check out some Industry Groups Women Impacting Public Policy www.wipp.org Silicon Valley Leadership Group www.svlg.org California Small Business Association www.csba.com California Chamber of Commerce www.calchamber.com See Who is worried about your issues What are the Small Business Issues?

8. Find out what legislation is being formulated about the issues http://www.legislature.ca.gov/ http://www.assembly.ca.gov/ http://www.congress.com/ http://www.house.gov/ http://www.senate.gov/ Find the committees that match your interest Look up your legislator and see what committees they attend What are the Small Business Issues?

9. Help formulate NAWBO-SV’s public policy issues Develop an annual Public Policy Issue Brief Education; Water Bond; Housing; Taxes Reviewed and approved by the NAWBO-SV Board Take a stand-on a business issue 3% employee withholding (1099 employee) Visit a Silicon Valley Legislator in a District Office Bring the NAWBO-SV Issue Brief Educate the member about NAWBO-SV Talk to the member about your business What are the Small Business Issues?

10. If Not Now; When? California Small Businesses are under attack due to tremendous pressure from the CA budget situation The Legislature is looking at you to balance the budget – either through new taxes or fees We need to make sure our voices are heard!! Legislators need to know we will hold them accountable and their actions impact our livelihood I really don’t have the time right now….

11. Become aware – If you don’t focus on public policy, then legislators will be running your business Stay informed – Pick your top two or three issues and find out what is happening Tell yourself that this year, you will attend one public briefing about something that interests you Go on a legislative visit, go with someone from the NAWBO-SV Public Policy committee Conclusions