Tag Archives: Federal Budget

The First Thing I Teach Advocates: What REALLY Drives American Politics? (VLOG)

So, what really controls the agenda in American politics? What really causes things to happen – or not happen – in our federal government? If I said “money” you probably wouldn’t feel your socks being knocked off. Of course, money. Right? It’s those damn campaign contributions! Well, wait a minute. Not THAT money. That kindContinue reading “The First Thing I Teach Advocates: What REALLY Drives American Politics? (VLOG)”

Beware the “Easy Wins”

The next 6 months of American politics are somewhat…well…predictable. It’s silly season after all. Midterm elections have already shaped the conversations in local communities across the country. State and federal legislators are back in their home districts, engaging in party primaries. With that comes the typical us versus them posturing as both run toward theirContinue reading “Beware the “Easy Wins””

Should You Call Your Congressman?

For almost 10 years I had a front row seat to watch just how much an elected official can do to help their constituents. I met with, and personally helped hundreds of veterans receive millions of dollars in disability benefits they were owed for disability claims previously denied. I walked countless constituents through headaches withContinue reading “Should You Call Your Congressman?”

Advocacy In The New “New Normal”

Despite the zoom fatigue that set in quickly, I’ll wager we won’t see the end of those types of meetings. Once new ways of doing business are adopted, it’s a long path to reverse those changes.

3 Tips for Writing Your Congressman

So, there’s a lot happening in Washington right now. If you’ve been following, you’re probably suffering a bit of whiplash from the negotiations of an infrastructure plan, a massive $3.5 trillion appropriations bill and the looming debt ceiling. Honestly you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re a bit confused by it all – even the pros’Continue reading “3 Tips for Writing Your Congressman”

5 Things You Should Know About Government Shutdowns

In the past 10 years, our federal government has endured a government shutdown on three separate occasions (disclaimer: I worked for members of Congress through all three). As we rapidly approach September 30th, we face the very real prospect of another shutdown in 2021 – and that’s not me trying to be hyperbolic. Through theContinue reading “5 Things You Should Know About Government Shutdowns”

3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now

There seems to be a whole lot of activity happening in the normally quiet, restful period known as August “recess”. I use quiet and restful loosely here, because it’s just a matter of perspective. From the view point of district staff for members of congress it’s a time to dread the frenetic activity that ensuesContinue reading “3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now”

Burning Capital

My prediction from a week and a half ago is progressing nicely. If you recall the post from last Tuesday (So, What’s Next?), I laid out four expectations I had for the next several months in American politics. One is being ramped up as I write this piece. Right now, the Biden administration is runningContinue reading “Burning Capital”

The Indispensable Senator from Ohio

The seeds of history making statesmanship are planted in late January. At least that’s my latest theory. On January 25th, 2021 US Senator Rob Portman announced he would retire at the end of his current term. While the political class jumped straight to discussions of potential successors, they missed Portman’s transition from Senator to Statesman.Continue reading “The Indispensable Senator from Ohio”