Download the report to learn more about progress that has been made, and potential movement to keep an eye on in 2025 depending on the results of November’s elections. 

The post 2024 118th Congress Report appeared first on Plural Policy.

Here at Plural, we’re always hyperfocused on state legislative work. When most legislatures are in recess, we’re planning how to best present legislative insights to you when their activity starts back up again. This constant focus on looking ahead does make us feel a bit like the people who start counting down the days until Christmas while we’re still in July. But this level of preparation and awareness of what’s to come can help ensure that the policy professionals we serve can hit the ground running in the new year. So, without further ado, download our 2025 legislative sessions schedule today.

Get Started With Plural

Plural helps top public policy teams get and stay ahead in the public policy landscape. With Plural, you’ll:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of time-saving AI tools to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

Create a free account or request a demo today!

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Vote Mama Lobby is dedicated to transforming the political landscape for moms. Its team advocates to break the institutional barriers moms face in running for and serving in office, and gives voice to the solutions that allow everyday families to thrive.  Vote Mama Foundation is a leading non-partisan 501(c)(3) entity that provides research and analysis […]

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Here’s Why Leadership Wants Your GR, Legal & Compliance Teams to Use AI

In an era of accelerating regulation, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising stakeholder expectations, the margin for error in corporate governance has never been thinner. For senior leaders — CEOs, GCs, COOs, and Chief Risk Officers — ensuring that their legal, compliance, and government relations (GR) teams are equipped to respond quickly and strategically is essential. Enter […]

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What I Learned from Working at a Startup Company as a College Student

By Jay Oliveira My time at Plural has been transformative.  As a third-year policy student at Suffolk University in Boston, I had already spent hours pouring over legislative websites for my coursework. I struggled to use legislative sources that would open up dozens of unreadable files, or would make it unclear what chamber the bill […]

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The post 2025 Legislative Sessions appeared first on Plural Policy.

The Importance of Effective Preparation for Congressional Testimony

Effective preparation for congressional testimony is crucial for several reasons:

• Accuracy and Credibility: Well-prepared testimony ensures that the information presented is accurate and reliable. This enhances your credibility as a witness, as well as the organization you represent.
• Influence Policy Decisions: Testimony can influence legislative decisions. Craft clear, compelling arguments that are well-supported by data. These facts can sway policy directions and impact legislative outcomes.
• Public Perception: Congressional hearings are often public and may receive media coverage. Effective preparation helps in managing public perception. It also aids in communicating your organization’s stance on critical issues to a broader audience.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In certain industries, testimony must comply with laws and regulations. Ensuring compliance helps avoid potential legal repercussions.

Who Should Use This Guide to Preparing for Congressional Testimony

• Executives and business leaders who may need to testify on legislation affecting their industries.
• Scientists and researchers who might provide expert testimony on technical subjects. This includes environmental impacts, technological advancements, or healthcare developments.
• Advocates who speak on behalf of communities and causes affected by potential legislation.
• Legal experts who can offer insights on the implications of law and policy.
• Government relations professionals who orchestrate the interaction between private entities and government bodies.

This guide aims to equip potential witnesses with the tools needed to prepare for a congressional hearing. From understanding the procedural aspects to delivering a persuasive oral statement and handling the post-hearing engagements, each step is critical. By following this guide, witnesses can approach their testimonies with confidence, backed by a thorough understanding of both the content and context of their messages.

Experience the Power of Plural

Experience the power of Plural first-hand with a free account or schedule a demo for a live walk through of the platform. Find out how Plural can transform the way you and your team shape policy and prepare for congressional testimony.

More Resources for Public Policy Teams

2024 118th Congress Report

Guide to Preparing for Congressional Testimony

Upcoming Changes to Party Leadership in Congress

The post Guide to Preparing for Congressional Testimony appeared first on Plural Policy.

Designed for government relations professionals, this government affairs strategy guide is invaluable for crafting an informed and proactive approach to policy advocacy. We’ll delve into:

• Effective strategies for relationship-building
• Tactics for leveraging data-driven decision-making
• Approaches to sustaining long-term influence in government circles
• How to manage high-impact engagements
• Strategies for adapting to legislative changes
• Ways to capitalize on opportunities at various levels of government

Use Plural to Enhance Your Government Affairs Strategy

Plural is the legislative tracking, stakeholder engagement, and policy insights tool of choice for effective government relations teams. With Plural, you’ll:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of time-saving AI tools to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting, all in one place

Create a free account or book a demo today!

More Resources for Government Affairs Teams

How Vote Mama Lobby Empowers Moms By Using Plural for Tracking Policy

Vote Mama Lobby is dedicated to transforming the political landscape for moms. Its team advocates to break the institutional barriers moms face in running for and serving in office, and gives voice to the solutions that allow everyday families to thrive.  Vote Mama Foundation is a leading non-partisan 501(c)(3) entity that provides research and analysis […]

READ MORE →

Here’s Why Leadership Wants Your GR, Legal & Compliance Teams to Use AI

In an era of accelerating regulation, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising stakeholder expectations, the margin for error in corporate governance has never been thinner. For senior leaders — CEOs, GCs, COOs, and Chief Risk Officers — ensuring that their legal, compliance, and government relations (GR) teams are equipped to respond quickly and strategically is essential. Enter […]

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What I Learned from Working at a Startup Company as a College Student

By Jay Oliveira My time at Plural has been transformative.  As a third-year policy student at Suffolk University in Boston, I had already spent hours pouring over legislative websites for my coursework. I struggled to use legislative sources that would open up dozens of unreadable files, or would make it unclear what chamber the bill […]

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The post Government Affairs Strategy Guide appeared first on Plural Policy.

Policy briefs are concise, written documents that provide policymakers with a clear understanding of an issue and suggest policy options based on research, analysis, and evidence.

When effective, policy briefs can be used to advance your organization’s goals, influence decision-making, position yourself or your organization as a thought leader, and more!

Need help getting started? Download our fully-customizable policy brief template and start writing your effective policy brief today!

The post Public Policy Brief Template appeared first on Plural Policy.

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• Types of Committees
• Key Senate and House Committees
• The Role of Committee Chairs and Membership
• The Legislative Process within Committees
• How to Monitor Committees

Explore More Resources for Public Policy Teams

2024 118th Congress Report

Guide to Preparing for Congressional Testimony

Upcoming Changes to Party Leadership in Congress

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Congressional Committees appeared first on Plural Policy.

What is the Presidential Primary?

Presidential primaries are a critical phase in the American electoral process. Primaries are distinct from general elections. They are internal party events, where party members select their candidate for the general election. Primary elections focus on the party’s base. As such, they influence the party’s policy direction and success in the general election.

A key difference between primaries and general elections is the voter base. Primaries tend to attract more partisan voters. General elections target a wider electorate including independents and third party members. Depending on the state, primaries vary in their procedure and influence.

State-level decisions in primaries play a crucial role in shaping national politics. Early states like Iowa and New Hampshire can significantly impact a candidate’s momentum. On Super Tuesday, many states hold primaries on the same day. Super Tuesday can dramatically alter the race by consolidating leads for frontrunners or offering underdogs a chance to surge.

The Presidential Primary Process

The primary process is a complex, involving several key steps. This process is not just about voting; it’s a multifaceted campaign strategy.

Steps in the Presidential Primary Process

Declaring Candidacy

The journey begins with an individual declaring their intention to run for president. Declaration is usually a high-profile event, setting the tone for the candidate’s campaign.

Campaigning and Debates

Candidates then embark on extensive campaigning, traveling across the country to garner support. Debates play a critical role. They offer candidates a platform to outline their policies in contrast with their opponents.

Fundraising

Raising funds is crucial for advertising, organizing rallies, and campaign management. Candidates often rely on a mix of small individual donations and larger contributions.

Voter Outreach

Engaging with voters is key. This includes grassroots efforts and digital outreach. Traditional methods, like phone banking, remain an effective strategy as well.

Primary Elections and Caucuses

The actual voting process varies from state to state. While primary elections involve casting ballots, caucuses are more interactive. They might involve local meetings where supporters debate and decide on their candidate.

Winning Delegates

The goal of primaries and caucuses is to win delegates. Delegates support the candidate at the national party conventions. The number of delegates a candidate wins is proportional to their primary performance.

National Conventions

Each party holds a national convention where delegates nominate their presidential candidate. This event also serves to unify the party and rally support for the general election.

Differences Between Political Parties

The Democratic primaries often use a proportional representation system. In this system, delegates are allocated in proportion to the vote each candidate receives. They also have superdelegates, who are free to support any candidate.

The Republican primaries vary from state to state. Some states use a winner-takes-all approach, where the candidate with the most votes gets all delegates. Others use proportional representation.

Campaign strategies and voter outreach are vital throughout this process. Candidates must tailor their strategies to different states and demographics. What resonates in one region might not in another. Data analytics can be used to target voters. A strong online presence is also key.

The Party Conventions

Party conventions are a critical juncture in the American political process. They merge historical significance with contemporary strategy. These conventions have evolved from 19th-century decision-making forums into today’s symbolic events. Today, conventions emphasize party unity and kickstart the general election campaign.

Historical Significance and Modern Transformation

Historically, conventions were pivotal in selecting party nominees. Today, since nominees usually decided during the primaries, conventions play a different role. They focus on party unification and presenting a cohesive vision. In the digital era, conventions have transformed into multimedia events. Live broadcasts and social media engage a broader audience and build momentum.

Role in Unifying the Party

Conventions are essential for reconciling post-primary differences and uniting the party. Party leaders, former rivals, and emerging figures give high-profile speeches. The event also serves to finalize the party platform, outlining policy goals and principles for the election.

Culmination of the Convention

The highlight of the convention is the formal nomination of the presidential candidate. This nomination is often marked by a key address that sets the campaign’s tone. This speech is a crucial moment for the nominee to present their vision and strategy to the nation.

The Caucuses

Caucuses are a unique and traditional aspect of the American presidential nominating process. While primaries are more common, several states, notably Iowa, choose caucuses. This is due to historical, political, and logistical reasons.

Why Some States Prefer Caucuses

Historical Tradition

For some states, caucuses are a long-standing tradition. They have been a part of their political process for decades, if not centuries. Caucuses represent a historical continuity.

Political Strategy

Smaller states may prefer caucuses as they can garner more national attention. The intensive, local nature of caucuses often attracts significant media coverage. This is true especially in early-voting states.

Community Engagement

Caucuses encourage active participation and discussion among party members. They foster a sense of community and deeper political engagement.

Grassroots Nature of Caucuses

Caucuses are fundamentally grassroots. They involve gatherings where party members meet, discuss, and make decisions about their preferred candidate. Unlike primaries, caucuses are open and require public declaration of support. This process allows for direct discussion, debate, and persuasion among party members. As such, caucuses are more interactive and communal than primaries.

Differences from the Primary Voting Process

Voting Method

In primaries, voters cast secret ballots, similar to general elections. In caucuses, however, participants physically group themselves according to their candidate preference. This often leads to visible, public demonstrations of support.

Delegate Allocation

The process of delegate allocation in caucuses can be more complex and interactive. The caucus process goes beyond voting for ones preferred candidate. Caucus delegates also engage in negotiations and realignments. This is especially true in precincts where a candidate doesn’t meet a certain threshold of support.

Time and Involvement

Caucuses require a significant time commitment and active participation. By contrast, primaries are relatively quick and private.

The Primary Votes

Primary votes are crucial in the U.S. presidential nominating process. They impact delegate allocation, determining the party’s nominee.

Tallying Votes and Delegate Allocation

Primary votes are tallied similarly to those in general elections. These votes translate to delegate allocation for the national conventions.

Delegate allocation varies by state and party. Some use a proportional system. Others, especially in the Republican Party, may use a winner-takes-all approach. This process is crucial; the total delegates determine a candidate’s potential for nomination.

Impact of Early Primary States

States like Iowa and New Hampshire, though small, wield significant influence. This is due to their early primary dates. Success in these states can create momentum, affecting media coverage and voter perception. Success in early primaries can be pivotal for a candidate’s national campaign.

Awarding Delegates

The process of awarding delegates is a central aspect of the presidential primaries. Delegates determine which candidate will secure the party’s nomination.

Selection and Duties of Delegates

Delegates are party members chosen for their loyalty and active involvement. Their selection varies by state and party. Delegate selection often involves a series of local and state conventions or meetings.

They’re responsible for representing their state’s choice at the national party convention. Delegates cast votes based on voter preferences reflected in their states’ primary or caucus.

Pledged vs. Unpledged Delegates

Pledged delegates are bound to supporting a specific candidate at the convention. This support must reflecting the results of the primary or caucus in their state. Delegate allocation is usually proportional to the vote each candidate receives.

Unpledged delegates are also known as “superdelegates” in the Democratic Party. These delegates are not bound by primary or caucus results and can support any candidate. They are typically party leaders, elected officials, or other influential party members. The Republican Party has fewer unpledged delegates compared to the Democrats.

Scenarios Where Delegates Are Decisive

Delegates become particularly decisive in close races. In many close races, no candidate has a clear majority of pledged delegates. In such scenarios, the role of unpledged delegates can be crucial.

The national convention becomes contested or brokered if no candidate secures a majority on the first ballot. In this case, pledged delegates may be released from their commitments. At this point, negotiations among candidates, delegates, and party leaders play a critical role in deciding the nominee.

Open vs. Closed Presidential Primaries

The U.S. presidential primary system features two main types of primaries: open and closed. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, affecting voter turnout and candidate strategies.

Open Primaries

In open primaries, voters can participate in either party’s primary regardless of their own party affiliation. Texas is one such state that operates under an open primary system.

The advantages of open primaries include increased participation and broader appeal. Open primaries allow independent voters to participate, potentially increasing voter turnout. Further, candidates may need to appeal to a wider audience, fostering moderate or cross-party appeal. On the other hand, open primaries increase the risk of crossover voting. Members of one party may vote in the other party’s primary to influence the outcome.

Closed Primaries

Closed primaries restrict voting to registered party members. As such, they ensure that only dedicated party members can influence the nomination. New York is an example of a state with a closed primary system.

Closed primaries are beneficial because they prevent crossover voting and strengthen party loyalty. They protect against strategic voting from the opposition party. Further, closed primaries encourage voters to register with a specific party. Because of this, they could potentially strengthen party loyalty.

Disadvantages of closed primaries include lower turnout and the exclusion of independent voters. Because they exclude independents and third party members, closed primaries can lead to lower voter turnout.

2024 Presidential Primary Election Dates

The 2024 presidential primaries begin in early January and continue through June. National party conventions are held in July and August. Click the button below to download a list of key primary dates.

Comparisons to Past Election Cycles

• The 2024 cycle continues the trend of early primaries and caucuses. This timing plays a significant role in candidate momentum.
• Super Tuesday remains a pivotal day in the primary calendar. On March 5, 17 states will hold elections.
• The spread of primary dates from January through June allows for an extended campaign period. This is similar to past cycles.
• Iowa and New Hampshire maintain their roles in shaping the early narrative of the race.

Get Started With Plural

Plural is the tool of choice for policy teams looking to get and stay ahead in the legislative landscape in 2024. Get started with Plural today to:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of AI to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

Key Benefits of AI for Lobbying & Advocacy

Want to be able to explain the benefits of artificial intelligence for lobbying and advocacy? Everyone is talking about AI. And we get it, it’s not simple to understand. But as an AI-powered organization, Plural is here to help you get the most out of advancements in AI to make your job as a policy […]

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State-Specific Resources

2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Calendar

Staying on top of key deadlines is manageable in one state, but if you’re tracking bills across multiple states, or nationwide, it quickly becomes overwhelming. That’s why we created the 2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Calendar. Stay ahead of important dates and download our calendar today. Get started with Plural. Plural helps top public policy teams get […]

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State-Specific Resources

End of Session Report: Florida 2024 Legislative Session

The 2024 Florida legislative session saw significant activity in the realm of insurance and financial services, reflecting key themes of consumer protection, market stability, and regulatory modernization.

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The post Your Comprehensive Guide To Understanding the Presidential Primaries appeared first on Plural Policy.

What Is a Bill?

A bill is a proposal for a new law or an amendment to an existing law. It’s the raw material of law-making; an idea drafted in legal form, subjected to the rigorous legislative process. Bills can originate from either legislative chamber. They can also encompass a wide range of issues, from appropriations to policy reforms across various sectors.

Visualizing How a Bill Becomes a Law

The visual below breaks down the intricate journey a bill undertakes, from inception to becoming a law. Understanding each step is essential for those looking to engage with or influence the legislative process.

Get Started with Plural

Plural offers best-in-class data, advanced searching and tracking, and AI-powered tools to help public policy professionals deepen their legislative insights. Create a free account or book a demo to learn how Plural can amplify your policy impact.

The post Visualizing How a Bill Becomes A Law appeared first on Plural Policy.

If you don’t report it, it didn’t happen, right? And if you can’t find the data you need to document all of your work throughout the session, you can’t report on it. 

Creating a legislative report is key to proving the impact of your role, your team and your organization. It showcases the tangible results of your work to your board, stakeholders and community members.

Need help getting started? Download our end-of-session report template today!

The post End-of-Session Report Template appeared first on Plural Policy.

Want to easily visualize the federal budget process? Download our Federal Budget Process Flowchart today!

The post Federal Budget Process Flowchart appeared first on Plural Policy.