TOOLKIT: 2021 Wisconsin Bankers Association
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Wiscon
ADVOC sin Bank
ers Asso
ciation
TOOLK ACY
I T: 2021
WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Table of Contents
BIGG Award Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Volunteer Today – WBA Advocacy Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
WBA Issue Advocacy Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
2021 Elections Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 9-11
5 Easy Steps to Find Your State Legislator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 13-19
Wisconsin Congressional Offices and Maps (including U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives)
Wisconsin Delegation – District Offices and Maps (including State Assembly and State Senate)
Tips for Writing Effective Comment Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
Sample: Alliance for Bankers Memo from CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
Sample: Wisbankpac Memo from CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25
Sample: Take Your Legislator to Work Packet (TYLTW). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 27-31
including an agenda, talking points, and press release
Grassroots Action Sample: Phone Script & Letter to Congress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 33-34
Best Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 37-39
Have questions? Contact the WBA Advocacy Team.
Rose Oswald Poels Daryll Lund Michael Semmann John Cronin
WBA President and WBA Executive Vice WBA Executive Vice President WBA Assistant Director
Chief Executive Officer President and Chief of Staff and Chief Operations Officer – Government Relations
608-441-1205 608-441-1203 608-441-1206 608-441-1215
ropoels@wisbank.com dlund@wisbank.com msemmann@wisbank.com jcronin@wisbank.com
WBA Outside/Legislative Counsel
Heather MacKinnon Scott Birrenkott
WBA Vice President – Legal WBA Assistant Director – Legal
608-441-1263 608-441-1244
hmackinnon@wisbank.com sbirrenkott@wisbank.com Contract Lobbying Firm
41
42
WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Bankers Involved in Grassroots & Government (BIGG)
Award Checklist
WHAT IS THE BIGG AWARD?
The Bankers Involved in Grassroots & Government (BIGG) award represents the highest achievement for bank involvement in
advocacy for the Wisconsin Bankers Association. The award is typically given out to a small number of banks at the WBA Bank
Executives Conference in front of a group of banking peers.
Examples of the awards given out in the past include flags flown over the United States or Wisconsin Capitol building, a piece of
stone from the Wisconsin Capitol from the 1990s renovation, a pennant signed by Governor Walker or a framed print.
BIGG award winners are printed in the Wisconsin Banker (WBA’s monthly newsletter) and in electronic publications such as the
Executive Letter and The Pundit, and are made known to Wisconsin Legislators. The reach is over 7,000 bankers and opinion leaders
throughout the state of Wisconsin.
The awards are based on meeting five of seven criteria through WBA programs:
Item Date(s) Notes
Accomplished
1 Achieving WBA Gold Triangle Bank status for
political fundraising
2 Hosting a “Take Your Legislator to Work Day”
by bringing in an elected official into the bank
3 Attending the WBA Capitol Day
4 Attending the WBA/ABA/ICBA
Washington Summit
5 Have an Advocacy Officer named
by the bank
6 Contributing to the WBA Issues
Advocacy Fund
7 Other: Testifying before Congress or the
Wisconsin Legislature, hosting a fundraiser,
analyzing legislation for WBA, etc.
CALL TO ACTION:
Email your completed checklist to John Cronin by December 31, 2021.
Questions: Contact WBA’s John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215. 43
44
WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Volunteer Today – WBA Advocacy Officer
The WBA Board set a goal of at least 60% bank participation in this program in 2021!
Contact John Cronin today and let him know who you would like to designate at your institution!
Join the group where influential bankers become leaders in their community.
WHY BECOME AN ADVOCACY OFFICER? IT’S LEADERSHIP IN ACTION!
• Leadership. You will be seen as a leader in your bank because of your increasing awareness regarding banking
related issues.
• Development. You will develop the ability to innovate and make a positive impact on the direction of the banking
industry.
• Opportunity. You’ll be given the opportunity to facilitate statutory or regulatory changes that will benefit your bank
and the banking industry.
• Visibility. Your voice and your opinions will be heard by policymakers.
• Impact. You will be making a real difference in the lives of Wisconsin bankers and the communities you serve.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Sign up with the Wisconsin Bankers Association as the Advocacy Officer for the bank.
• Keep informed on legislative and governmental issues that impact both the bank and the banking industry.
(Policy and/or Political)
• Communicate quarterly (optimally) with the bank’s Board of Directors and Officers on state, local, and national issues
impacting the industry.
• Coordinate at least one “Take Your Legislature to Work” event annually.
• Participate in the annual Capitol Day hosted by the Wisconsin Bankers Association.
• Coordinate annual fundraising activities for the WBA’s ABW political conduit and Wisbankpac for the bank’s
Board of Directors, Officers, and Employees.
• Contact both state and federal legislators on emerging issues and encourage other bank personnel to do the same.
• When possible, attend events hosted by/for state and federal legislators and effectively communicate issues impacting
the banking industry. This may include fundraisers, town hall meetings, meet and greet, etc.
• Provide data and research to state and national trade associations on the impact regulations have on the bank.
• Be the liaison within the bank for communication of WBA advocacy actions and initiatives to bank officers and board.
“ Becoming the Advocacy Officer for my bank better connected me to my
peers and gave me access to timely information you don’t always
see in the news. It is a fantastic collection of individuals and a
great way to advance our industry.
”
– TOM MEWS
Chair, WBA Government Relations Committee
President, First National Community Bank, New Richmond
Questions: Contact John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215. 4546
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
WBA Issue Advocacy Fund
The WBA issue advocacy fund is an opportunity for your bank to contribute corporate dollars that are pooled with those
from other Wisconsin business coalition partners to craft pro-business public policy messages to the general public,
opinion leaders and elected officials.
2020 was a tumultuous year and created a lot of uncertainty. We’ve seen many changes in recent months – some we expected
and some we did not. At WBA, our goal is to not only help the banking industry be ready for 2021, but for the years ahead.
The question for us is, “will we be ready?” Help us help you by contributing to WBA’s Issue Advocacy Fund.
What Does The Fund Do?
Member contributions
The fund is established to help educate the public, local leaders and to issue advocacy funds.
elected officials and to define banking and business issues through
advertising. WBA works with coalition partners to determine the best
course of action. The message is sent at appropriate times during the WBA works to determine
WBA invests in future
the best policy positions
legislative session and throughout the year. and partnerships.
advocacy activities.
Why Should My Bank Give?
To help get out a clear and direct message about banking issues Business coalition Business coalition
Future coalition activities.
partners. partners.
in a way that the public will understand. Issue advocacy
communications always aim to explain (albeit briefly) why
banking issues pertains to people and why they should buy-in.
This includes a connection to a particular fact or statistic to the policy you’re advocating, explaining why it is important and
connecting it to the public’s everyday life. WBA is the only issue advocacy voice for the banking industry in Wisconsin.
Are Contributions Deductible?
Contributions are not deductible as a charitable contribution. 100% is attributable to lobbying as defined by the Internal Revenue
Code and is therefore not deductible as an ordinary business expense. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance.
What’s at Stake?
The banking industry in general continues to be demonized to the detriment of all Wisconsin banks. Some candidates for office
in Wisconsin are running on an issue platform hostile to banks. We need keep those candidate at bay, while helping pro-banking
individuals get elected or retain their seats.
What Can Be Done?
Wisconsin banks need to unite and deliver a strong message to the public using TV, radio and direct mail to educate the public about
public policy differences and the importance of strong pro-banking leadership in the Legislature.
How Can My Bank Help?
Make a generous contribution to the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). Corporate contributions are allowed by law. Join your
peers in making a donation of $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 or whatever you deem appropriate to the WBA issue advocacy fund. Your
bank’s corporate donation will be kept confidential.
Questions: Contact John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215. 4748
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
2021 Elections Summary
“Doesn’t it feel like we are always having elections? In Wisconsin, perception matches reality.”
Wisconsin voters get a bit of a break in 2021, as there is only one statewide race on the ballot
this year – Superintendent of Public Instruction. This is considered a non-partisan office. Following
the February 16th primary, the general election will be held on the regular Spring election day, April 6th.
Spring Election
General: April 6th, 2021
u STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Tony Evers had to vacate his post as State Superintendent upon winning the race for Governor in 2018. He appointed Caroyln
Stanford Taylor to fill the role for the remainder of the elected term. Stanford Taylor opted not to seek election to another term in the
position. Several candidates are running for a four-year term. The State Superintendent of Schools is a constitutional officer within
Wisconsin’s executive branch. They head the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Individual Contribution Limit: $20,000, per candidate.
u STATE LEGISLATURE SPECIAL ELECTIONS
Voters in the 13th Senate District will go to the polls to select a successor to former Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald
(R-Juneau), who was elected to Congress.
In the 89th Assembly District, voters will select a replacement for Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), former Co-chair of the powerful
Joint Finance Committee, who recently accepted a position in the private sector.
Partisan primary elections for these races will take place on February 16th.
Individual Contribution Limit: $2,000 per Senate candidate, $1,000 per Assembly candidate.
u COURT OF APPEALS
Three of the 16 seats on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals are on the ballot this Spring – one in districts 1, 2, and 3. The seats from
districts 2 and 3 are contested and will be determined via nonpartisan primary.
Individual Contribution Limit: $6,000 per candidate in District 1, $5,000 in others, per candidate.
u LOCAL ELECTIONS
There are several locally elected offices are also on the slate throughout the state. School boards and municipal governments can
be powerful bodies whose decisions have wide ranging impacts on communities. Be sure to make it to the bottom of your ballot
and vote in these local races, where applicable.
Individual Contribution Limit: $6,000 per candidate in District 1, $5,000 in others, per candidate.
Visit myvote.wi.gov to find out what’s on your ballot.
u IN 2022
Effective planning is one component of banker and bank advocate success. While there may not be as much on the ballot in 2021 and
the year has only just begun, it is critically important that we begin to look ahead 2022. 2022 will be a red letter year for key races in
Wisconsin and we must start getting prepared. Here is a rundown of the state offices up in November, 2022: Governor, Lt. Governor,
Attorney General, State Treasurer, Secretary of State, all members of the State Assembly, and half of the State Senate.
On the federal side, 2022 will be President Biden’s mid-term election. All eight House seats and Sen. Ron Johnson’s Senate seat
will be up.
Questions: Contact John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215. 49
.410
..WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR BALLOT
OR HOW TO REGISTER?
Visit myvote.wi.gov for the answers!
Questions: Contact John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215.
411412
WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
5 Easy Steps to Find Your State Legislator
1. Go to https://legis.wisconsin.gov.
2.
Enter your
address in the
highlighted
field.
3.
Click “Find
Your Legislator.”
4. Find contact information for
your State Senator and
State Representative.
5. Send them an email or
call their office line!
413WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Wisconsin Delegation - District Offices
HOW TO ADDRESS A U.S. SENATOR
The Honorable XXXXX
United States Senate
709 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator XXXX: Senator Ron Johnson Senator Tammy Baldwin
328 Hart Senate Office Building 709 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5323 Phone: (202) 224-5653
219 Washington Avenue Ste 100 30 West Mifflin Street Suite 700
Oshkosh, WI 54901 Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 920-230-7250 Phone: 608-264-5338
HOW TO ADDRESS A MEMBER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The Honorable XXXXX
U.S. House of Representatives
2252 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman(woman) XXXX
Rep. Bryan Steil Rep. Mark Pocan Rep. Ron Kind Rep. Gwen Moore
(R-District 1) (D-District 2) (D-District 3) (D-District 4)
20 South Main Street Suite 10 10 East Doty Street Suite 405 205 Fifth Avenue S., Suite 400 316 N Milwaukee St., Suite 406
Janesville, WI 53545 Madison, WI 53703 La Crosse, WI 54601 Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 608-752-4050 Phone: 608-258-9800 Phone: 608-782-2558 Phone: 414-297-1140
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald Rep. Glenn Grothman Rep. Tom Tiffany Rep. Mike Gallagher
(R-District 5) (R-District 6) (R-District 7) (R-District 8)
120 Bishops Way, Room 154 24 West Pioneer Road 2620 Stewart Avenue, Suite 312 1915 S. Webster Avenue Suite D
Brookfield, WI 53005-6294 Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Wausau, WI 54401 Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: 262-784-1111 Phone: 920-907-0624 Phone: 715-298-9344 Phone: 920-301-4500
414
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Congressional Districts
STATE OF WISCONSIN
Congressional Districts
2011 Wisconsin Act 44
BAYFIELD
DOUGLAS
IRON
ASHLAND
VILAS
BURNETT
WASHBURN SAWYER
FLORENCE
PRICE
ONEIDA
FOREST
RUSK
7
BARRON
POLK
LINCOLN
LANGLADE MARINETTE
TAYLOR
CHIPPEWA
ST. CROIX
MENOMINEE
DUNN OCONTO
MARATHON
SHAWANO DOOR
EAU CLAIRE CLARK
PIERCE
PEPIN
KEWAUNEE
WOOD
WAUPACA 8
BUFFALO PORTAGE
BROWN
OUTAGAMIE
JACKSON
TREMPEALEAU MANITOWOC
WAUSHARA
CALUMET
ADAMS
WINNEBAGO
LA MONROE MARQUETTE
CROSSE
JUNEAU GREEN
LAKE
6
3 FOND DU LAC SHEBOYGAN
VERNON
OZAUKEE
COLUMBIA
RICHLAND
SAUK
DODGE WASHINGTON
CRAWFORD 5
IOWA
DANE JEFFERSON
WAUKESHA
4
GRANT
2 MILW.
RACINE
LAFAYETTE
ROCK 1
GREEN
WALWORTH
KENOSHA
Legislative Technology Services Bureau 2021 - 2022 Wisconsin Members of the
17 West Main Street, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703-3305 United States House of Representatives
(608) 283-1830
www.legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/gis 1 st District: Bryan Steil 5 th District: Scott Fitzgerald
Source: U.S. Census Bureau's TIGER 2010 data 2 nd District: Mark Pocan 6 th District: Glenn Grothman
Projection: WI Transverse Mercator (WTM 83/91) 3 rd District: Ron Kind 7 th District: Thomas Tiffany
0 30 60 4 th District: Gwen Moore 8 th District: Mike Gallagher
Miles
415WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Assembly Districts
STATE OF WISCONSIN
As s e mb ly Di s t r ic t s
2011 Wisconsin Act 43 with U.S. District Court
for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in
Douglas Baldus et al vs. Brennan et al, April 11, 2012
Bayfield
73 Ashland Iron
Vilas
74
Burnett
Washburn Sawyer
Florence
Oneida 34
87
Price
28 75 Forest
Rusk
Polk
Barron Marinette
35
36
Lincoln Langlade
Taylor
67
Chippewa
Menominee Oconto 89
St. Croix 29 Dunn
30 Door
Marathon
91 85 1
Clark Shawano
Pierce
93 68 86
Eau Claire
Pepin 69 6 Kewaunee
90
Wood Waupaca 5
Portage
4
Buffalo 88
Outagamie Brown
71
92
2021 - 2022 Jackson
70
40
2
Trempealeau 57
WISCONSIN 72
55 3
Waushara 56
Calumet Manitowoc
REPRESENTATIVES Juneau
Adams Winnebago
54 25
53
La Crosse Monroe
(1) Joel Kitchens (41) Alex Dallman 41 Green
95 27
(2) Shae Sortwell (42) Jon Plumer 94 Marquette Lake
(3) Ron Tusler (43) Don Vruwink Fond du Lac
50 52 Sheboygan
(4) David Steffen (44) Sue Conley 59
Vernon 26
(5) Jim Steineke (45) Mark Spreitzer
(6) Gary Tauchen (46) Gary Hebl 42 Ozaukee
(7) Daniel Riemer (47) Jimmy Anderson Sauk 81 Columbia Dodge 39 60
96 Richland
(8) Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (48) Samba Baldeh Washington
(9) Marisabel Cabrera (49) Travis Tranel 37
58
23
24
(10) David Bowen (50) Tony Kurtz Crawford 22
79
Dane 48 12
(11) Dora Drake (51) Todd Novak 38 11
17 10
Jefferson
14 19
(12) LaKeshia Myers (52) Jeremy Thiesfeldt
76 98
78 77 18 16
51 99 13
8
49
33 Waukesha
15
(13) Sara Rodriguez (53) Michael Schraa
7 9
84
47 46 20
(14) Robyn Vining (54) Gordon Hintz Iowa 80 97 83 82 21
Grant Milwaukee
(15) Joe Sanfelippo (55) Rachael Cabral-Guevara Racine 62
43
(16) Kalan Haywood (56) Dave Murphy 63 66
44
(17) Supreme Moore Omokunde (57) Lee Snodgrass Lafayette Green Rock 32 64
61
(18) Evan Goyke (58) Rick Gundrum 45 31
Walworth Kenosha
65
(19) Jonathan Brostoff (59) Timothy Ramthun
(20) Christine Sinicki (60) Robert Brooks
(21) Jessie Rodriguez (61) Samantha Kerkman
(22) Janel Brandtjen (62) Robert Wittke (81) Dave Considine Milwaukee Notes: Three consecutive Assembly Districts
(23) Deb Andraca (63) Robin Vos (82) Ken Skowronski 23 form a single Senate District. For example,
12 24 Inset Map Senate District 1 is comprised of Assembly
(24) Dan Knodl (64) Tip McGuire (83) Chuck Wichgers
(25) Paul Tittl (65) Tod Ohnstad (84) Mike Kuglitsch 22 Districts 1, 2, 3. Senate District 2 is made up
11
(26) Terry Katsma (66) Greta Neubauer (85) Patrick Snyder of Assembly Districts 4, 5, 6, and so on.
(27) Tyler Vorpagel (67) Rob Summerfield (86) John Spiros 17
14 10 Source: U.S. Census Bureau's TIGER 2010
(28) Gae Magnafici (68) Jesse James (87) James Edming 19
(29) Clint Moses (69) Donna Rozar (88) John Macco 16
18
(30) Shannon Zimmerman (70) Nancy VanderMeer (89) Vacant 13 Projection: Wisconsin Transverse Mercator,
(31) Amy Loudenbeck (71) Katrina Shankland (90) Kristina Shelton 8 referenced to NAD 1983/1991 adjustment.
(32) Tyler August (72) Scott Krug (91) Jodi Emerson 15 7
(33) Cody Horlacher (73) Nick Milroy (92) Treig Pronschinske 9 Legislative Technology Services Bureau
(34) Rob Swearingen (74) Beth Meyers (93) Warren Petryk 17 West Main Street, Suite 200
84 20
(35) Calvin Callahan (75) David Armstrong (94) Steve Doyle Madison, WI 53703-3305
(36) Jeff Mursau (76) Francesca Hong (95) Jill Billings (608) 283-1830
(37) John Jagler (77) Shelia Stubbs (96) Loren Oldenburg www.legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/gis
83 82
(38) Barbara Dittrich (78) Lisa Subeck (97) Scott Allen 21
0 25 50
(39) Mark Born (79) Dianne Hesselbein (98) Adam Neylon Miles
(40) Kevin Petersen (80) Sondy Pope (99) Cindi Duchow
62
416WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Wisconsin Assembly Representatives (alpha by last name)
Democrats: 38 l Republicans: 60 l Ratio: 67 men/31 women l 89th District vacant as of 1/4/2021
ALLEN, Scott (R-Waukesha) 97th KATSMA, Terry (R-Oostburg) 26th RODRIGUEZ, Sara (D-Brookfield) 13th
ANDERSON, Jimmy (D-Fitchburg) 47th KERKMAN, Samantha (R-Salem) 61st ROZAR, Donna (R-Marshfield) 69th
ANDRACA, Deb (D-Whitefish Bay) 23rd KITCHENS, Joel (R-Sturgeon Bay) 1st SANFELIPPO, Joe (R-New Berlin) 15th
ARMSTRONG, David (R-Rice Lake) 75th KNODL, Dan (R-Germantown) 24th SCHRAA, Michael (R-Oshkosh) 53rd
AUGUST, Tyler (R-Lake Geneva) 32nd KRUG, Scott (R-Nekoosa) 72nd SHANKLAND, Katrina (D-Stevens Point) 71st
BALDEH, Samba (D-Madison) 48th KUGLITSCH, Mike (R-New Berlin) 84th SHELTON, Kristina (D-Green Bay) 90th
BILLINGS, Jill (D-LaCrosse) 95th KURTZ, Tony (R-Wonewoc) 50th SINICKI, Christine (D-Milwaukee) 20th
BORN, Mark (R-Beaver Dam) 39th LOUDENBECK, Amy (R-Clinton) 31st SKOWRONSKI, Ken (R-Franklin) 82nd
BOWEN, David (D-Milwaukee) 10th MACCO, John (R-De Pere) 88th SNODGRASS, Lee (D-Appleton) 57th
BRANDTJEN, Janel (R-Menomonee Falls) 22nd MAGNAFICI, Gae (R-Dresser) 28th SNYDER, Patrick (R-Schofield) 85th
BROOKS, Robert (R-Saukville) 60th MCGUIRE, Tip (D-Somers) 64th SORTWELL, Shae (R-Two Rivers) 2nd
BROSTOFF, Jonathan (D-Milwaukee) 19th MEYERS, Beth (D-Bayfield) 74th SPIROS, John (R-Marshfield) 86th
CABRAL-GUEVARA, Rachael (R-Appleton) 55th MILROY, Nick (D-South Range) 73rd SPREITZER, Mark (D-Beloit) 45th
CABRERA, Marisabel (D-Milwaukee) 9th MOORE OMOKUNDE, Supreme STEFFEN, David (R-Green Bay) 4th
(D-Milwaukee) 17th
CALLAHAN, Calvin (R-Tomahawk) 35th STEINEKE, Jim (R-Kaukauna) 5th
MOSES, Clint (R-Menomonie) 29th
CONLEY, Sue (D-Janesville) 44th STUBBS, Shelia (D-Madison) 77th
MURPHY, Dave (R-Greenville) 56th
CONSIDINE, Dave (D-Baraboo) 81st SUBECK, Lisa (D-Madison) 78th
MURSAU, Jeffrey (R-Crivitz) 36th
DALLMAN, Alex (R-Green Lake) 41st SUMMERFIELD, Rob (R-Bloomer) 67th
MYERS, LaKeshia (D-Milwaukee) 12th
DITTRICH, Barbara (R-Oconomowoc) 38th SWEARINGEN, Rob (R-Rhinelander) 34th
NEUBAUER, Greta (D-Racine) 66th
DOYLE, Steve (D-Onalaska) 94th TAUCHEN, Gary (R-Bonduel) 6th
NEYLON, Adam (R-Pewaukee) 98th
DRAKE, Dora (D-Milwaukee) 11th THIESFELDT, Jeremy (R-Fond du Lac) 52nd
NOVAK, Todd (R-Dodgeville) 51st
DUCHOW, Cindi (R-Pewaukee) 99th TITTL, Paul (R-Manitowoc) 25th
OHNSTAD, Tod (D-Kenosha) 65th
EDMING, James (R-Glen Flora) 87th TRANEL, Travis (R-Cuba City) 49th
OLDENBURG, Loren (R-Viroqua) 96th
EMERSON, Jodi (D-Eau Claire) 91st TUSLER, Ron (R-Appleton) 3rd
ORTIZ-VELEZ, Sylvia (D-Milwaukee) 8th
GUNDRUM, Rick (R-Slinger) 58th VANDER MEER, Nancy (R-Tomah) 70th
PETERSEN, Kevin (R-Waupaca) 40th
HAYWOOD, Kalan (D-Milwaukee) 16th VINING, Robyn (D-Wauwatosa) 14th
PETRYK, Warren (R-Eleva) 93rd
HEBL, Gary (D-Sun Prairie) 46th VORPAGEL, Tyler (R-Plymouth) 27th
PLUMER, Jon (R-Lodi) 42nd
HESSELBEIN, Dianne (D-Middleton) 79th VOS, Robin (R-Burlington) 63rd
POPE, Sondy (D-Mount Horeb) 80th
HINTZ, Gordon (D-Oshkosh) 54th VRUWINK, Don (D-Milton) 43rd
PRONSCHINSKE, Treig (R-Mondovi) 92nd
HONG, Francesca (D-Madison) 76th WICHGERS, Chuck (R-Muskego) 83rd
RAMTHUN, Timothy (R-Campbellsport) 59th
HORLACHER, Cody (R-Mukwonago) 33rd WITTKE, Robert (R-Racine) 62nd
RIEMER, Daniel (D-Milwaukee) 7th
JAGLER, John (R-Watertown) 37th ZIMMERMAN, Shannon (R-River Falls) 30th
RODRIGUEZ, Jessie (R-Oak Creek) 21st
JAMES, Jesse (R-Altoona) 68th
417
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Senate Districts
STATE OF WISCONSIN
Senate Districts
2011 Wisconsin Act 43
Douglas
Bayfield
25 Ashland Iron
Vilas
Burnett
Washburn Sawyer
Florence
Oneida
12
Price
Forest
Rusk
Polk
Barron 29 Marinette
10
Lincoln Langlade
Taylor
Chippewa
Menominee Oconto
St. Croix Dunn
Door
23 Marathon
30 1
Clark Shawano
Pierce Eau Claire
Pepin 2 Kewaunee
Buffalo Wood Portage Waupaca
Outagamie Brown
31 Jackson 24
Trempealeau 19
Waushara
Winnebago Calumet Manitowoc
Adams
Juneau
9
La Crosse Monroe
Green
2021 - 2022 Marquette Lake
18
Fond du Lac
WISCONSIN SENATORS Vernon
14 Sheboygan
(1st District) André Jacque 32 20 Ozaukee
(2nd District) Columbia Dodge
Robert Cowles Richland
Sauk
Washington
(3rd District) Tim Carpenter
Crawford 13
(4th District) Lena Taylor 8
Dane 4
(5th District) Dale Kooyenga 17 Jefferson 6
27 26 33 5
16 Waukesha
3
(6th District) LaTonya Johnson
Iowa 28 7
(7th District) Grant Milwaukee
Chris Larson
Racine
(8th District) Alberta Darling 15 11 21
Lafayette
(9th District) Devin LeMahieu Green Rock 22
Walworth Kenosha
(10th District) Rob Stafsholt
(11th District) Stephen Nass
(12th District) Mary Felzkowski
Mequon Milwaukee Notes: Senate Districts are formed from
(13th District) Vacant Inset Map three consecutive Assembly Districts.
For example, Senate District 1 is comprised
(14th District) Joan Ballweg (24th District) Patrick Testin of Assembly Districts 1, 2, 3.
(15th District) Janis Ringhand (25th District) Janet Bewley 8 4
Source: U.S. Census Bureau TIGER 2010
(16th District) Melissa Agard (26th District) Kelda Roys Brookfield
6 Projection: Wisc. Transverse Mercator,
(17th District) Howard Marklein (27th District) Jon Erpenbach Wauwatosa
Milwaukee
referenced to NAD 1983/1991 adjustment.
(18th District) Dan Feyen (28th District) Julian Bradley 5 West
Allis Legislative Technology Services Bureau
(19th District) Roger Roth (29th District) Jerry Petrowski New 3 17 West Main Street, Suite 200
Berlin Greenfield Madison, WI 53703-3305
(20th District) Duey Stroebel (30th District) Eric Wimberger (608) 283-1830
(21st District) Van Wanggaard (31st District) Jeff Smith www.legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/gis
28 7 0 25 50
(22nd District) Robert Wirch (32nd District) Brad Pfaff Muskego
Franklin
(23rd District) Kathleen Bernier Oak Creek Miles
(33rd District) Chris Kapenga
418WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Wisconsin
W ISCONSIN State
STATE Senate
SENATE
SENATOR PHONE ROOM STAFF
(D-16) AGARD, Melissa 6-9170 126 South Aaron Collins, Sidney Litke, Megan Wittman
(R-14) BALLWEG, Joan 6-0751 409 South Bethany Rasmussen, Amanda Graham, Benjamin Karbowski,
David Specht-Boardman
(R-23) BERNIER, Kathy 6-7511 319 South Nathan Duerkop, Denise Richter, Zachary Stollfus, Michael Luckey
(D-25) BEWLEY, Janet 6-3510 206 South Joseph Hoey, Samantha Linden, Steven Worley, Collin Mead, Ryan VanLanduyt,
Kyle Sandow, Ryan Lashua
(R-28) BRADLEY, Julian 6-5400 323 South Lucas Fuller, Mattias Gugel, Steven Schwerbel, Kyle Schroeder
(D-3) CARPENTER, Tim 6-8535 109 South Russell DeLong, Ritch Williams, Will Swassing
(R-2) COWLES, Robert 6-0484 118 South Jason Mugnaini, Heather Moore, Evan Miller
(R-8) DARLING, Alberta 6-5830 122 South Jerry Ponio, Robert Delaporte, Rachel Keith, Abby Trawicki
(D-27) ERPENBACH, Jon B. 6-6670 130 South Tryg Knutson, Kelly Becker, Geoff Gaston, Terry Tuschen, Kate Constalie
(R-12) FELZKOWSKI, Mary 6-2509 415 South Elisabeth Portz, Collin Driscoll, Stamena Ivanov, Christopher Seitz
(R-18) FEYEN, Daniel 6-5300 306 South Tim Lakin, Marie Jolly, Matthias Censky, Kennedy Borman, Angela Joyce
(13th DISTRICT) VACANT 6-5660 131 South Tad Ottman, Adam Foltz
(R-1) JACQUE, André 6-3512 7 South Nik Rettinger, Bill Cosh, Hannah Sievert, Nicolas Cravillion
(D-6) JOHNSON, LaTonya 6-2500 106 South Lacy Fox, Christian Ullsvik, Shannon McCoy, Kadijha Marquardt-Davis
(R-33) KAPENGA, Chris 6-9174 220 South Jennifer Esser, Jeff Sherman, Jason Booth, Samuel Krebs, Roy Johnson
(R-5) KOOYENGA, Dale 6-2512 310 South Sandy Lonergan, Rachel Vander Wiele, Chris Rochester, Nick Bentz
(D-7) LARSON, Chris 6-7505 20 South Justin Sargent, Nick Janis, Justin Bielinski
(R-9) LEMAHIEU, Devin 6-2056 211 South Jennifer Malcore, Ashley Czaja, Brian Radday, Erin Karow, Adam Gibbs, Nathan Schwanz
(R-17) MARKLEIN, Howard 6-0703 317 East Katy Prange, Vincent Williams, Peter Hienz, Eileen O’Neill, Ryan Ring, Andrea Brooks
(R-11) NASS, Stephen L. 6-2635 10 South Mike Mikalsen, Adam Field, Michael Murphy
(R-29) PETROWSKI, Jerry 6-2502 123 South Tim Fiocchi, Derek Punches, Lindsey Brabender, Jeff Schoenfeldt
(D-32) PFAFF, Brad 6-5490 22 South Sarah Barry, Mitchell Greenberg, Jacob Andrejat, Sarah Semrad
(D-15) RINGHAND, Janis 6-2253 108 South Patrick Walsh, Jim Smith, Jon Mielke, Jessica Lundquist
(R-19) ROTH, Roger 6-0718 313 South Matt Henkel, Jason Vick, Michael Donatello
(D-26) ROYS, Kelda 6-1627 3 South George Gillis, Taylor Palkowski, Cecely Castillo
(D-31) SMITH, Jeff 6-8546 19 South Beau Stafford, Tony Palese, Alyssa Neuser, Meghan Sovey
(R-10) STAFSHOLT, Rob 6-7745 15 South Andrew Gustafson, Shelby Schmudlach, Sharlene Konkel, Dustin Truax
(R-20) STROEBEL, Duey 6-7513 18 South John Soper, Brian Sikma, Mark Radcliffe, Tyler Livesey
(D-4) TAYLOR, Lena C. 6-5810 5 South Michelle Bryant, Elizabeth Coggs
(R-24) TESTIN, Patrick 6-3123 8 South Jim Emerson, Jeff Schultz, Heather Smith
(R-21) WANGGAARD, Van H. 6-1832 316 South Scott Kelly, Michelle Osdene, Eric Barbour, Chad Taylor
(R-30) WIMBERGER, Eric 6-5670 104 South Bill Kloiber, Ryan Huebsch, Matthew Rossetto, Samantha Dannhauser
(D-22) WIRCH, Robert 7-8979 127 South Paula McGuire, Steven Gillitzer, Matthew Archambo
Senate Chief Clerk’s Office 6-2517 B20 SE Mike Queensland, Chief Clerk Tour Information 6-0382 Capitol Rotunda
Legislative Human Resources 316-9700 Amanda Jorgenson, Director Capitol Police (Emergency) 6-7700 B2 North
33 E. Main, Suite 229 Capitol Police (Non-emergency) 6-8797 B2 North
Legislative Council 6-1304 1 E. Main, 4th FL
Business Manager 6-2517 B20 SE Meggan Foesch Legislative Fiscal Bureau 6-3847 1 E. Main 3rd FL
Records & Journals 6-1803 B20 SE Erin Gillitzer Legislative Audit Bureau 6-2818 22 E. Mifflin, Ste 200
Senate Org, Citation &, Flags 6-2517 B20 SE Jeff Beighley LRB (Bill Drafting) 504-5801 1 E. Main, 2nd FL
Administrative Assistant 6-2517 B20 SE Maggie Krueger LRB (Research and Analysis) 504-5802 1 E. Main, 2nd FL
Senate Printing/Graphics 7-4356 B20 SE Cindy Marecek, Gina Ward, and Capitol Facilities 6-1485 17 W. Main, Rm 119
Edie Devine Risser Justice Center
Web Page Design/GIS 7-4356 B20 SE Mike Marquardt
Senate Supplies 7-4347 B20 SE
Sergeant at Arms Office 6-1801 B35 S Ted Blazel, Sergeant at Arms (RJC) = Risser Justice Center
Scholars & Civics Education 1-0533 B10 SE Tammy Wehrle (EM) = E. Main
Photographer 1-9476 B7 W Greg Anderson (C) = Capitol
Photographer 7-0897 B23 W Joe Koshollek (E) = 1 E.
Senate Mail 6-1006 B35 S Charles Johnson
Hearing Room Schedules 6-2506 B32 S Alex Franke
LTSB Technical Support 7-9528 17 W. Main, RJC - 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Legislative Website: www.legis.wi.gov
DIRECT ALL SENATE CORRESPONDENCE TO: P. O. BOX 7882, MADISON, WI 53707-7882 Effective: 01/05/21
419
.420
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Tips for Writing Effective Comment Letters
WHAT IS A COMMENT LETTER?
A comment can express simple support or opposition for a regulatory action by state or federal agencies such as OCC,
FDIC, etc. A constructive, information-rich comment that clearly communicates and supports its claims is more likely
to have an impact on regulatory decision making.
These tips are meant to help your institution submit comments that have an impact and help influence agency policy
makers in their rulemaking.
TIPS
• Read the proposal in its entirety, including the instructions for submission. Submission requirements may vary
from agency to agency. This will save your compliance staff time in the long-run.
• Include the Docket or RIN number, as noted in the instructions for submission. This number will appear near
the top of the proposal, and is used by the agencies to keep track of comments.
• Describe your institution – e.g., size, location, lines of business. Include any other information that is relevant
to the proposal.
• Identify credentials and experience that may distinguish your comments from others.
• Identify the issues that you are commenting on and note whether you support or oppose the item. Consider
responding to any specific question(s) posed by the agency in the proposal, to the extent applicable to your
institution. You do not have to comment on every issue in a proposal.
• Explain what the proposal will mean for your institution. Agency reviewers look for sound statistics, other
evidence, and reasoning in the comments they receive. When possible, support your comment with substantive
data, facts, and/or expert opinions. For instance, cost estimates are very effective. Will you need to hire more staff
or contract with an outside vendor? Will you need to retrain employees? Will your institution need to reprogram
its computers? Will you likely discontinue certain products or services? Include examples of how the proposed
rule would impact your institution negatively or positively.
• Explain how the proposal will impact consumers, if applicable.
• If you believe the costs exceed the likely benefits of a proposal, explain why.
• If possible, suggest a less burdensome alternative.
• “Form letters” do not constitute a “vote” regarding the issue(s) at hand. A single, well-supported individualized
comment often carries more weight than the receipt of a multitude of identical form letters.
• Thank the agency for the opportunity to comment.
421422
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Sample CEO Memo to Directors,
Officers and Staff
[Date]
Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW)
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Personalized Name]:
Today I am asking you to make an investment in both the success of our bank and Wisconsin’s economy. Your
personal contribution to the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s political conduit account, the Alliance of Bankers for
Wisconsin, does just that. The ABW conduit allows you to direct dollars to the pro-banking candidates of your choice.
The ABW conduit triples the impact of a single contribution by sharing the credit between the individual banker, the
bank he or she represents and the banking industry as a whole.
WBA uses the generous contributions of its member bankers to help elect pro-banking candidates and defeat
anti-banking candidates. I think we’ve seen what it means when anti-banking legislators are in charge: uncertainty,
more regulation, constraints on the work you can do to help our customers. Proposals on the federal and state levels
would change the way we offer products, process electronic payments, raise capital, make new loans and even how we
talk with our customers. The policies of anti-bank government officials hurt the economy, which changes the nature of
how we’re able serve our community.
In 2020, you served your community on the front lines of Wisconsin’s economy. It didn’t matter who was in office at the
federal and state levels of government. This year, we ask that you help opinion leaders and elected officials throughout
the state understand the critical role you play, and the effort your team, your bank, and your directors must put forth.
The banking industry, your industry, needs your help in 2021.
Pro-banking lawmakers support and understand the work you do every day. They support policies that spark economic
growth and job creation. Personal dollars we invest today in getting pro-banking officials in office pays off for our
bank’s bottom line tomorrow!
We must change the debate in Madison and Washington. Wisconsin banks and bankers are the lifeblood of our
communities. We can do a better job of telling our story. One way to do that is through political donations. This sends
a clear message to lawmakers that we are active, involved, promote sound legislation, and educate the public about
the good work we do.
If you have any questions about the ABW conduit or how your contribution would be used, please do not hesitate
to contact WBA’s John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215.
I have included an ABW political conduit fund brochure for additional information. I hope that you will consider my
request. Your personal involvement in protecting our industry will benefit us all. Please make a financial commitment
to the ABW conduit today.
Sincerely,
(Bank CEO)
423424
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Sample CEO Memo to Directors,
Officers and Staff
[Date]
Wisbankpac
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Personalized Name]:
Today I am asking you to make an investment in both the success of our bank and Wisconsin’s economy. Your
personal contribution to the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s political action committee, Wisbankpac, does just
that. Wisbankpac supports pro-banking candidates throughout Wisconsin by pooling individual banker contributions
to maximize our industry’s impact in the political process.
WBA uses the generous contributions of its member bankers to help elect pro-banking candidates and defeat
anti-banking candidates. I think we’ve seen what it means when anti-banking legislators are in charge: uncertainty,
more regulation, constraints on the work you can do to help our customers. Proposals on the federal and state levels
would change the way we offer products, process electronic payments, raise capital, make new loans and even how
we talk with our customers. The policies of anti-bank government officials hurt the economy, which changes the nature
of how we’re able serve our community.
In 2020, you served your community on the front lines of Wisconsin’s economy. It didn’t matter who was in office at the
federal and state levels of government. This year, we ask that you help opinion leaders and elected officials throughout
the state understand the critical role you play, and the effort your team, your bank, and your directors must put forth.
The banking industry, your industry, needs your help in 2021.
Pro-banking lawmakers support and understand the work you do every day. They support policies that spark economic
growth and job creation. Personal dollars we invest today in getting pro-banking officials in office pays off for our
bank’s bottom line tomorrow!
We must change the debate in Madison and Washington. Wisconsin banks and bankers are the lifeblood of our
communities. We can do a better job of telling our story. One way to do that is through political donations. This sends
a clear message to lawmakers that we are active, involved, promote sound legislation, and educate the public about
the good work we do.
If you have any questions about Wisbankpac or how your contribution would be used, please do not hesitate to contact
WBA’s John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215.
I have included Wisbankpac brochures for additional information. I hope that you will consider my request.
Your personal involvement in protecting our industry will benefit us all. Please make a financial commitment to
Wisbankpac today.
Sincerely,
(Bank CEO)
425426
.WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
“Take Your Legislator to Work” Packet: Sample Letter/Email
1) Letter/Email 2) Talking Points 3) Phone Script 4) Press Release
The Honorable [full name]
Address First Line
e
Address Second Line
l
City, State Zip
m p
Dear [Lawmaker’s Title and Name]:
a
On behalf of [name of bank], I would like to invite you to visit us as part of the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s “Take Your Legislator
to Work” initiative. This is great way to learn more about how banks operate and the important role we play in the communities
S
you represent.
We believe that it’s important for us to take you behind the scenes and demonstrate our bank’s stake in the economic growth,
health, and vitality of our community. We help local families and businesses achieve milestone events such as buying a new
car or first home, planning for college or retirement, or expanding a new business. Beyond that, we’re also creating jobs and
participating in the civic life of our community. We’d like to discuss and show you how public policy impacts our bank’s ability to
conduct these activities.
A visit to our bank would allow us to update you on our most recent initiatives here in [name of community].
We will follow up with your scheduler to set up a bank visit at your convenience. In the meantime, if you have questions, please
contact me. I can be reached by e-mail or phone. My contact information is below. We look forward to hosting you in our bank.
Sincerely,
[Name and contact information for President/CEO, Chair of the Board, etc.]
427WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
“Take Your Legislator to Work” Packet: Sample Talking Points
1) Letter/Email 2) Talking Points 3) Phone Script 4) Press Release
WBA Legislative Update: Horicon Bank
State Representative Mark Born
Wisconsin’s 39th Assembly District
Republican
Co-chair, Joint Committee on Finance
Biography:
Mark Born was elected to the State Assembly in 2012 and has been re-elected since 2014.
Prior to entering the Legislature, Born spent 15 years as a corrections supervisor at the Dodge
e
County Sheriff’s Department. He is a former member of the Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission
l
and the Beaver Dam City Council. In the Assembly, Born serves as Co-chair of the powerful Joint
p
Committee on Finance, which oversees the state’s finances and crafts the state budget every two
years. He and his wife reside in Beaver Dam, where they raise their daughter.
a m
I. Current Market Analysis
S
MESSAGE: Provide an overview of your current market and how it has changed over the last 18 months and what that means
for a legislator.
II. State Issues
MESSAGE: Thank Representative Born for his work on swift passage of AB XX (see attached) in the Assembly and encourage
state Senate to take action to get the bill to the Governor’s desk.
Elder Financial Abuse Package – Support
ISSUE: See attached documentation covering the following areas:
• Latest statistics on elder abuse
• New tools for financial institutions
• Tell a personal story from your bank!
• Importance of a liability shield and abuse of powers of attorney
III. Federal Financial Regulatory Reform/Impact on Wisconsin’s Banks
MESSAGE: Please inform Representative Born about the impact of the Federal government’s regulatory actions and the effect of
the totality of them on your bank. Examples could include increased compliance costs which are not easily absorbed by community
banks. It could mean more consolidation within the industry and less competition.
428WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
“Take Your Legislator to Work” Packet: Sample Talking Points
1) Letter/Email 2) Talking Points 3) Phone Script 4) Press Release
l e
IV. Federal Issues
p
PAYMENT SYSTEM PROTECTION
m
The Federal Reserve Banks operate payment services, which serve as a backbone of payment system stability, instill confidence in
a
economic transactions, and facilitate the America’s commerce. Congress has enacted laws to ensure the integrity of the payment
system by providing for the supervision of banks as payment intermediaries and of banks’ affiliates as users of bank payment
S
services that present unique risks.
New payment service providers and organizations offering new types of payment services are attempting to obtain direct access to
the Federal Reserve Banks payment services. With direct access, these organizations would introduce risk to the payments system
because they are not subject to the full federal supervision and regulation that generally applies to insured depository institutions.
Congress should protect consumers, financial institutions, and the payment system itself by clarifying that the Federal Reserve
Banks are only authorized to provide master accounts to insured depository institutions, insured credit unions, and certain other
entities authorized by law.
ENHANCING CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AMERICA (ECORA)
The Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America (ECORA) Act is farmer-friendly legislation designed to lower the cost of
financing farm and ranch real estate. ECORA removes taxation on income derived from farm real estate loans made by FDIC-backed
financial institutions. By eliminating this taxation, it will cost less for lenders to make these loans and then those savings can then
be passed on to farm and ranch customers. Average interest rate reductions are estimated to be between 1.5% and 2%. Net farm
income continues to trend downward; this legislation is a simple solution to increase income for farmers and ranchers.
Please Note: WBA will provide you with custom talking points by request. Contact John Cronin
at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215.
** Please be sure to take a photo of the Representative’s visit to your bank and email it to WBA’s John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com.
The photo will be shared with the Representative as well as used to encourage other bankers to host similar events.
429WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
“Take Your Legislator to Work” Packet: Sample Phone Script
1) Letter/Email 2) Talking Points 3) Phone Script 4) Press Release
e
SAMPLE ‘TAKE YOUR LEGISLATOR TO WORK’ PHONE SCRIPT
p l
Hello, Elected Official’s office.
Hi, this is (Insert Name) and I live in (City). I’d like to speak to the staff person who schedules in-district meetings.
m
Hold on please, while I check if that person is available. (pause)
a
I’m sorry, our scheduler isn’t available right now. Can I take a message?
S
Or
Yes, please wait a moment.
Hello, ELECTED OFFICIAL’S SCHEDULER here.
Yes or Hi, and I’m from _______________ bank. I’m hoping to schedule an in-district meeting with ELECTED OFFICIAL
at our bank within the next few weeks.
Questions the staff person may ask at this point:
• OK, do you have any dates/times in mind?
• How long will the meeting last?
• Do you know who will be there? (How many constituents will attend?)
• Where would like to hold the meeting?
• Do you have an idea of the issues you’d like to discuss?
• Would you like the ELECTED OFFICIAL to prepare anything?
• Anything else we should know?
Be prepared to answer the best you can, but you are not required to have every detail.
• Thanks for your message. The STAFFER will get back to you soon.
• I’ll have to get back to you to confirm, is there a best contact number?
• Hey, this will work. Let’s pencil it in and I’ll confirm in a few days.
• At that point, make sure to get the staffer’s name and contact information.
• Last: Contact WBA and let them know when the meeting will be held. You are awesome.
PRO-TIP: If you forget to ask for contact information, visit: www.legis.wisconsin.gov
then click on either Senate or Assembly. Then click on the individual Senator or
Assembly Representative to get a list of staff names and individual email addresses.
430WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
“Take Your Legislator to Work” Packet: Sample Press Release
1) Letter/Email 2) Talking Points 3) Phone Script 4) Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Month Date, 2021
For more information,
contact NAME, BANK, PHONE
Lawmaker Visits XXX Bank through
“Take Your Legislator to Work”
e
Senator XXXX Tours XXXX
p l
CITY – Elder financial exploitation, data security, liability protections, and economic development were just a few of the many
topics discussed during state Senator XXXX’s recent visit to XXX Bank. XXX participated in the “Take Your Legislator to Work”
m
program that helps lawmakers learn more about the banking industry by visiting a local bank.
a
Sen. XXX, who was reelected to the Senate last November, serves on the XXXX Committee. “I appreciated the time that the
S
employees at XXX gave me. By learning more about their jobs, it makes me better at mine,” XXX said.
During the visit, Sen. XXX learned how day-to-day operations work at XXXX and had a chance to share with bank employees
what has been happening at the State Capitol. XXX explained to the bankers his priorities on economic development and
other legislation his office is currently working on.
Sen. XXX and bank staff also discussed banking issues at the federal level, such as taxes, rural lending, protecting payment
systems, and the role that banks play in maintaining a strong economy.
The legislator concluded the bank visit by meeting with bank employees and taking a turn at the teller window.
PROVIDE PHOTO & CAPTION
431432
WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Grassroots Action: Sample Phone Script
l e
You: Hello. This is [Insert name] and I live in [Insert city]. I’d like to speak to the staffer who works on banking issues.
p
Office: Please hold while I check to see if that person is available.
m
(pause)
S a
Office: I’m sorry, our banking staffer isn’t available right now. Can I take a message?
You: Yes, I am calling to urge [Insert legislator name] to support S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief,
and Consumer Protection Act. This legislation will help my bank better serve our customers, clients,
and communities – your constituents – and in the process, create new economic opportunities in our state.
S. 2155 is a bipartisan step in the right direction of helping banks do even more in their communities.
We urge [Insert legislator name] to co-sponsor this legislation and encourage [Senate/House] leadership
to bring this bill to the floor.
Office: Thank you for your message – I will pass it along. May I have your full name, address, and telephone number?
You: Yes – [Insert name], [Insert address], [Insert phone number]
You: Thank you for your time.
433WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Grassroots Action: Sample Letter
The Honorable XXXXX
United States Senate
709 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
e
Dear Senator XXX,
p l
Although 35 states now permit some form of legal cannabis commerce, the federal government still classifies cannabis
as an illegal substance—and banks are caught in the middle. Today, few of the state-licensed cannabis businesses
m
can legally obtain a bank account or access other conventional financial services. As the legal cannabis industry grows,
the status quo is simply unsustainable. There is a genuine public safety risk each day that a legal $10 billion industry
a
is denied access to banking. For this reason, I ask you to support the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act
S
(SAFE Banking Act).
Beyond just retailers and growers, there are countless ancillary businesses, such as vendors, landlords, lawyers and
local plumbers and electricians who are also at risk of losing their banking services because they have business
relationships with cannabis companies.
Lack of access to traditional banking services forces businesses to operate on cash- only basis. This makes businesses
and their customers more susceptible to theft since both will have significant amounts of cash on them for transactions
and business operations.
To be clear: A vote for the SAFE Banking Act is not a vote for cannabis legalization. The SAFE Banking Act addresses
the most immediate problem caused by the conflict between state and federal law: getting state-sanctioned cannabis
cash off our streets and into regulated financial institutions, where it will be safer and more transparent to state
regulators and law enforcement.
No industry can operate safely, transparently or effectively without access to banks. That is why I ask you to support
the SAFE Banking Act, S. 1200, and reconcile the legal divide between state and federal laws so that banks can
continue to serve the financial needs of their communities.
Sincerely,
Joe Banker
123 Main Street
Smalltown, WI 51234
434
.HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR BALLOT
OR HOW TO REGISTER?
Visit myvote.wi.gov for the answers!
Questions: Contact John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215.
435
.436
WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Best Practices: Political Fundraising
Holding a political fundraiser is easier than you think, here are some best practices for holding a political fundraiser.
1) DECIDE WHAT FUND.
• Wisbankpac: funds are pooled, but public
• ABW Conduit: a personal political account is set up that is controlled by the individual
• WBA Issue Advocacy: funds used to help define banking/business issues with the public
2) HOW SHOULD WE CHOOSE WHAT FUND?
• Wisbankpac: When you want to count the funds toward the WBA Gold Triangle, but don’t want
anyone contacting you after you’ve made the contribution. Set it. Forget it.
• ABW Conduit: When you want to count the funds toward the WBA Gold Triangle, and individuals
(and the bank) want to be acknowledged for the donation to a specific candidate or candidates.
• WBA Issue Advocacy: When you want to help, but don’t want anyone’s name showing up anywhere
or being placed on any list, ever. OR When you want to contribute corporate funds.
3) WHAT NEXT?
Decide how to raise the funds. This is best decided by a small group (3) of bank employees, based on the
culture of the bank. Contact WBA if you want/need materials for any of these events.
IDEAS:
• If bank employees like to cook, have a bake sale or cook off.
• If you like to wear comfortable clothes, sell jeans day stickers.
• Go to the movies as a group during the late afternoon.
• Go bowling.
• Have a bean-bag-toss tournament with traveling trophy (entry fee goes to the fund).
• Auction for lunch (fishing, bowling, skiing, etc.) with the boss – the boss pays.
• Ask the Board to match what the employees give.
• Coin drive.
• Cutest pet contest.
• If you have big ideas, like a golf outing – please call Mike for details.
4) FOLLOW THE RULES (call John Cronin at 608-441-1215 with questions).
The rules are pretty simple. WBA does not support any particular political party. We’re not “D” nor “R”,
we’re “B” for “Banker!”
For Wisbankpac and ABW conduit, only personal funds allowed – for everything. If you want to spend money
to make money, that’s a good idea, but Wisbanpac has to bear the cost of the expenses. All we ask is that
you call us in advance to coordinate. No contribution is deductible on your taxes. Sorry about that – nothing
we can do.
* Federal Elections Commission allows a bank to solicit for only one Federal PAC.
437WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Best Practices: Grassroots
It’s important to contact your elected officials via phone or email. Really. Before you ask anyone (bank employee or
director) to call or send an email (or letter), make sure that bank management is ok contacting elected officials –
it’s not a big deal to contact a civic leader.
3 Options:
1) SEND AN EMAIL.
WBA only asks that members send emails about twice a year. Go to www.wisbank.com. Click on the
“Advocacy” tab. Then click on the yellow “Take Action Now” button on the bottom of the page.
Chances are, WBA will send you an email with a specific link. PRO-TIP: Make sure your IT Department
has given the green light to Cision and Vocus software websites.
2) WRITE A LETTER AND SEND IT SNAIL MAIL.
This works well! Hand write something to really get attention. Addresses are listed earlier in the toolkit..
3) CALL.
They won’t argue. The person on the phone will ask your name and home address (to make sure you’re
a constituent). State your position on a bill (get the bill number in advance), be polite and brief. Numbers
are listed earlier in the toolkit.
Best Practices: Take Your Legislator to Work (TYLTW)
The secret to a “TYLTW” is that it’s just a meeting to talk with an elected official about three things:
1) TO GET TO KNOW YOUR LEGISLATOR.
2) WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR MARKETPLACE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE.
3) HERE ARE STATE/FEDERAL ISSUES THAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE.
You can set up the meeting, or you can ask WBA to set it up. Please contact WBA and ask for the latest agenda/talking
points (feel free to modify as you would like). If you want WBA to attend, let us know!
PRO-TIP: Please take a picture and email it to WBA’s John Cronin at jcronin@wisbank.com.
438WBA ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Best Practices: How to Talk to Your CEO About Advocacy
Gently and infrequently. Unless it’s their hobby.
Being involved in the advocacy area is simply another way to show your civic participation and it has an impact on
the bottom line of your bank. Talk about it as a natural and quick way to know what’s going on as a competitive
advantage – a kind of market intelligence. Your peers are involved as well as your competition.
PRO-TIP: Talk about it in terms of your customers and customer segments. If your bank has a lot of agricultural
business, then talk to WBA about what’s going on with ag legislation, etc.
Best Practices: Communicating with Your Board
Does your board know that the industry (and their investment) faces risk from government/regulatory activity? Of course
they do. Being an advocacy officer helps put this risk into context and provides an outlet for information about what you
are doing to mitigate that risk. Like joining WBA!
To that end, WBA creates custom advocacy officer Dashboards for your Board of Directors. What does a sample
Dashboard contain?
• Key topics and level of intensity
• List of rules/regulations in flux (State and Federal)
• Number of legislative proposals/number being tracked at the state level.
• Peer data: How much does the average bank give to political action funds compared to your bank?
How are other banks involved compared to yours?
Best Practices: Managing Expectations of Bank Staff
The single most common comment WBA hears when discussing advocacy items is “I hate politics. Why do we have
to hear about this stuff?” We get it. Civic participation and engaging in the creation of public policy usually puts people
out of their comfort zone. It’s important to acknowledge that from the beginning.
When asking employees to get involved (send an email, give, be aware of issues, etc.) there are two rules:
1) Everyone wants to be asked.
2) ‘No’ oftentimes mean ‘not now’. Sometimes the timing isn’t right and that’s OK!
Bank employees will react to the messenger. Is the message coming from the CEO? If not, does the CEO endorse
the idea? How your peers react depend on how it’s presented and the credibility it’s given. It’s not the most important
thing to your bank, so for heaven’s sake, don’t treat it that way. But, being involved helps the bank, helps the employee,
and it helps the industry. A little goes a long way.
439You can also read
