Join POPVOX Foundation and the Modernization Staff Association for a panel discussion on the ins and outs of the complex appropriations process, with a focus on providing actionable knowledge for early-career staffers new to this portfolio. This session will equip entry-level Congressional staff with practical knowledge to hit the ground running on appropriations policy formulation.
The panel will walk through each step of the appropriations cycle, including budget development, agency justifications, committee hearings and markups, floor consideration, and conference committees. We’ll cover best practices for advancing member priorities through the process, with examples drawn from appropriations for major program areas like education, healthcare, and transportation.
In addition to a comprehensive overview, the discussion will feature tips and tactics specifically for junior staff navigating appropriations policymaking. You’ll learn how to track accounts, write effective grant and funding requests, coordinate with agencies, harness member influence at key pressure points, and more. Whether you’re a staff assistant, legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, legislative director or press secretary, you’ll gain invaluable insights from the experts.
The event is hosted by POPVOX Foundation in collaboration with the Modernization Staff Association.
Panelists
Taylor J. Swift is the Deputy Director of Governance & Innovation for POPVOX Foundation. Taylor's passion for better working conditions and pay for Congressional staffers, stronger federal workforce pipelines, and greater public access to legislative information has led him to become Deputy Director of Governance and Innovation at POPVOX Foundation. Prior to joining POPVOX Foundation, Taylor was a senior policy advisor at Demand Progress, focusing on Congressional transparency, efficiency, capacity, and modernization. Taylor also worked at the House of Representatives Democratic Caucus where he focused on budget, appropriations, education, labor, environmental, and tax policy. During his tenure at the Caucus, Taylor worked closely with the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to elevate the importance of increasing Congressional staff pay, retention, and diversity. Taylor graduated with his master’s degree from The University of Akron, working as a teaching assistant for the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. When Taylor isn't working, he enjoys hosting movie parties at the DC Alamo Drafthouse and biking around the nation's capital.
Terra Sabag is the Director of Senior Legislative Leadership, Learning and Development at the House of Representatives Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Terra started on Capitol Hill in 2001 with Rep. Vic Snyder (AR-02) and most recently served as Chief of Staff for Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02). She brings more than 22 years of Hill experience, and during that time, Terra helped create the Middle Eastern and North African Staff Association. Terra specializes in promoting diversity, managing and mentoring legislative staff, developing legislative ideas, working across the aisle, and creating good office relationships. Terra is an attorney and received her JD in 2001.
Zack Brown is the former Communications Director for Rep. Don Young. Zack is a five-year veteran of Capitol Hill who served as the final communications director for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK). During his time in the House of Representatives, he developed and oversaw several important initiatives for the Congressman, including a constituent communications program to directly engage Alaskans on their priorities during the annual appropriations process and on landmark legislation such as the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He earned a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Diego State University. He lives and works in Washington, D.C., providing public policy communications in the commercial space industry
Additional Resources
Stay up to date with the First Branch Forecast, a weekly newsletter focused on transparency and governance issues being considered by Congress, and the Capitol Hill Intern Update, a free weekly newsletter, specifically for interns, focused on understanding Congress, staying up-to-date on Congressional events, and sharing resources for career opportunities after an internship.
For additional resources for Congressional staff related to congressionally-directed spending, visit popvox.org/earmarks.
