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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
