How To Lobby Your Legislative Body

1. Dr. Tom Seymour

2.  Definition
 Judicial and Administrative lawmaking not
discussed
 Lobbying techniques, methods and strategies
 The first step: Organize a plan
 When to lobby
 A lobbying effort doesn’t have to be
expensive, but it does take lots of time

3.  Obtain a bill drafting manual
 Research the subject
 Prepare a rough draft for discussion
 Get a professional opinion
 Talk to local legislators
 Approval for form and style

4.  Don’t just get a sponsor – get the right one(s)
 Do some investigation to identify likely
sponsors
 How to get information
 How to use this information
 Intangible considerations
 Number of Sponsors
 Ask the legislator personally

5. The importance of understanding
parliamentary procedures
 Step 1: Introduction
 Step 2: Referral to Committee
 Step 3: Scheduling Committee hearings
 Step 4: Committee hearings

6.  Step 5: Committee action
 Step 6: Committee reports
 Step 7: Second reading and final passage
 The battle isn’t over yet.

7.  Problems! Problems! Problems!
 Unfavorable committee report
 Divided committee report
 Amendment and re-referral

8.  Engrossment
 Motion for reconsideration
 Clincher motion
 Recalling from committee
 Refusal to return a measure

9.  Don’t rely on testimony alone
 The KISS formula
 Keep the sponsor informed
 Don’t get involved in mudslinging
 Avoid controversy
 Stick to the facts
 Form coalitions
 Conduct briefing sessions

10.  Communicate the importance of
appropriated appearance
 Meet with legislators
 Always get a commitment for support

11.  Informal hearings
 Order of testimony
 Organize the presentation
 Introduce yourself immediately
 Always address the chairman
 Summarize testimony in writing
 Make testimony interesting
 Things no to do

12.  Using the facts
 Poisoning the well
 Feigning friendship
 Flyspecking
 Asking loaded questions
 Waving the red flag
 Predicting the end of the world as we know it

13.  Killingwith kindness
 Adding an appropriations clause
 Bring in the big fiscal note
 Packing the stands
 Fuss and bluster
 Glittering generalities
 Transfer
 Testimonial

14.  Plain folks
 Mythical solutions
 Threaten a Big Mac attack

15.  Who must register
 Registration with secretary of state
 Information and fee required
 Written authorization
 Annual reports
 Regulation by secretary of State
 Invitations and gifts to legislators
 Unlawful means to influence legislators

16.  Isit necessary to hire a lobbyist?
 What is a lobbyist?
 What does a lobbyist do?
 What are different kinds of lobbyists?
 Hiring a Lobbyist?
 Why can lobbying be so expensive?
 What makes a lobbyist effective?
 What are the intangibles?
 The lobbying team

17.  Communicate with the members
 Newsletters
 Telephone networks
 Acquiring and using a data base
 Directing
letter-writing and telephone
campaigns

18.  Everything gets 15 minutes in the spotlight
 Develop a media plan
 Appoint a media spokesperson
 Write good news releases
 Newsworthiness vs. free publicity
 News events
 Letters to the editor
 Call-in shows

19.  Inventory resources
 Establish realistic goals
 Creating a tactical mix

20.  Powers reserved to the people
 Basic steps for petitioning
 The election campaign

21.  Be a good citizen
 Vote early and vote often
 Know your legislators
 Communicate with your legislators
 Do’sand don’ts about writing or calling a
legislator

22.  Be informed
 Express gratitude when it is due
 Treat everyone with dignity and respect
 Get involved
 Ethics
 Conclusion