talking points for visiting your congressional office live your dream. score can help
TRANSCRIPT
Talking Points for Visiting Your Congressional Office
Live Your Dream. SCORE Can Help.
Background on SCORE
Share National and Local Info
– More than 13,000 SCORE mentors donate their time & expertise to serve America’s entrepreneurs
– Since its founding in 1964, SCORE has helped more than 9 million businesses from start-up to success
– According to a Gallup economic impact survey, SCORE clients created 30,603 new jobs in 2009
– Today’s SCORE mentors include 26 percent women & minority volunteers
– You can share your local service numbers, news clips, success stories & other important data
Congress Provides Funding for SCORE
SCORE in the Budget
– SCORE, as a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is listed as a line item in the SBA’s budget
– SCORE’s appropriation is $7 million
– In the last five years, SCORE’s services have increased by more than 30 percent
SCORE Seeks Up to $11.5 Million in FY12
Higher Funding Would Help SCORE Better Serve Clients
– Open more chapters & branches in previously underserved but growing areas, including inner-city & rural markets
– Provide additional financial support to local SCORE offices
– Expand chapter recruiting plans to add new volunteers who represent a diverse range of communities & professional skills
– Use new technology & the Internet to increase the efficiency & effectiveness of SCORE services
Background on Congress
Authorizations vs. Appropriations
– Generally, Congress first passes authorization laws that establish programs & recommend funding them at certain levels, often for several years
– Congress then enacts appropriation laws annually that allow federal agencies to spend money
– Authorizations set what Congress can spend on a program, while appropriations set what Congress will spend on a program
How You Can Help SCORE
Congressional Contacts Key to Support
– Visit your local Congressional offices & drop off a media kit & copy of the annual report
– Ask that the Senator or Representative support $11.5 million in funding for SCORE
– Senators and Representatives can send a letter of support to the Appropriations Committees and the Subcommittees on Financial Services
– SCORE welcomes the assistance of any Congressional office in reaching out to colleagues and letting them know about the value of SCORE
Questions?
Contact SCORE
SCORE Association Office
– SCORE CEO Ken Yancey: [email protected]
– Get contact info & tips with the Congressional Outreach Toolkit at www.volunteercenter.score.org/congress.html