Public Policy Resources

"Public policy" can be defined as the system of laws, regulatory measures, funding priorities, and other rules established by governmental entities and representatives.

Legislative advocacy is one of the tools we can use to affect that public policy. The goal of MCBW's legislative advocacy is to influence and shape the policies that affect the well-being of the public and to ensure that Minnesota's public policy enhances the safety of battered women and their children and supports their pursuit of a better life.

The 2008 Legislative Session:

The 2008 Legislative session is underway. MCBW has worked hard with member programs throughout the fall to establish a direction for policy changes and legislative organizing. MCBW’s Annual Meeting set clear priorities:

  1. Maintain funding increases received last session.
  2. Provide increased safety for victims of domestic violence by protecting communications between domestic violence victims and advocates through statutory privilege, making such communications confidential.
  3. Oppose any proposed changes to the family law statutes that would have an adverse impact on battered women.

Latest MCBW Public Policy and Legislative Update

MCBW’s 2008 Legislative Fact Sheets and Priorities Documents

  • Strengthening Orders for Protection Fact Sheet
  • Advocate Privileged Communication Fact Sheet
  • Family Court and Domestic Violence Fact Sheets

Tools and Links for Public Policy or Legislative Advocacy

MCBW’s Advocate’s Guide to Legislative Action

Minnesota Council of Non Profits Public Policy Page

Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest

Minnesota State Government:

Governor Tim Pawlenty

Minnesota House of Representatives

Minnesota Senate

Minnesota Attorney General

Minnesota Secretary of State

Track Your Own Bills:

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legis.asp

Links to the Federal Government:

United States House of Representatives

United States Senate

National Public Policy Resources on Domestic Violence:

Praxis International

Battered Women’s Justice Project

National Network to End Domestic Violence

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence