HR
Professionals meet state lawmakers during HR Voice in Albany Day
Eighty-eight HR Professionals from around New York State traveled to our
state capital on April 3 rd and 4 th to participate in the annual New York
State SHRM and The Business Council of New York State joint “2006 HR
Voice in Albany Day” event.
“HR Voice in Albany Day” is the annual state lobbying day for
HR Professionals here in New York State. It has grown in importance over the
years as more levels of government propose legislation affecting our businesses,
employees and profession. Too many times, Legislators do not get balanced information
on the effects of a legislative proposal, resulting in A unintended consequences.
“ HR Voice in Albany Day” provides HR Professionals an opportunity to
meet with their state Legislators and staffs and provide that balance of information
needed before a Legislator votes on a piece of legislation.
An additional component was added this year consisting of a Networking Reception
held in the Capitol on Monday evening, April 3 rd. Fifty-three HR Professionals
attended and were treated to the historical surroundings of the War Room on
the second floor while they networked with colleagues and Legislators. As most
attendees were first-time visitors to our state Capitol, several short tours
around the Capitol were conducted by the very knowledgeable professional guide
staff.
The main event was held on Tuesday, April 4th at The Business Council offices
only a block from the Capitol. The group convened mid-morning and reviewed
two legislative proposals in preparation for their afternoon Legislator meetings.
Workers' Compensation reform and paid family medical leave were the two subjects
discussed. Since the group had received briefing material several weeks prior
to the event and were already armed with facts and figures on their organizations,
the discussion focused on talking points that the group members thought would
be particularly effective during the meetings. The morning activities were
topped off with a role play of a visit with a Legislator. The role play included
appropriate introductions to get the meetings off on a positive note, talking
points on the two topics as well as techniques to leave channels open for future
contact with the Legislators and staff.
After a lunch sponsored by the Albany SHRM chapter, the Capital Region HR
Association, the group walked to the Capitol and Legislative Office Building
for their planned appointments. Some participants returned to The Business
Council offices after their appointments and shared their meeting experiences
with other attendees. Overall, the experience was a very positive one as reflected
in the feedback received from the group.
“HR Voice in Albany Day” serves as the beginning of what is hoped to be
a long and necessary involvement in legislative activity by HR Professionals
here in New York State.
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us on Tuesday, April 17, 2007
for our next “ HR Voice in Albany Day.” You'll be glad you did!
