HOW TO LOBBY?

Dr. Tom Seymour

ANYONE CAN LOBBY 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

WRITING BILLS 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

GETTING A SPONSOR 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

FOLLOWING THE BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE(1)

The importance of understanding parliamentary procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Step 2: Referral to Committee

Step 3: Scheduling Committee hearings

Step 4: Committee hearings

FOLLOWING THE BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE(2)

Step 5: Committee action

Step 6: Committee reports

Step 7: Second reading and final passage

The battle isn’t over yet.

SPECIAL (PROCEDURAL) PROBLEMS(1)

Problems! Problems! Problems!

Unfavorable committee report

Divided committee report

Amendment and re-referral

SPECIAL (PROCEDURAL) PROBLEMS(2)

Engrossment

Motion for reconsideration

Clincher motion

Recalling from committee

Refusal to return a measure

GETTING BILLS PASSED (1)

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

GETTING BILLS PASSED (2)

Communicate the importance of appropriated appearance

Meet with legislators

Always get a commitment for support

TESTIFY BEFORE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES 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

TECHNIQUES TO KILL BILLS (1)

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

TECHNIQUES TO KILL BILLS (2)

Killing with kindness Adding an appropriations clause Bring in the big fiscal note Packing the stands Fuss and bluster Glittering generalities Transfer Testimonial

TECHNIQUES TO KILL BILLS(3)

Plain folks

Mythical solutions

Threaten a Big Mac attack

REGISTERING AS A LOBBYIST

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

A FEW NOTES ON THE CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR LOBBYIST

Is it 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

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE HOME FOLKS

Communicate with the members

Newsletters

Telephone networks

Acquiring and using a data base

Directing letter-writing and telephone campaigns

DEALING WITH THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION

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

RESOURCES, GOALS, STRATEGY AND TACTICS

Inventory resources

Establish realistic goals

Creating a tactical mix

INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM

Powers reserved to the people

Basic steps for petitioning

The election campaign

CITIZENSHIP AND LOBBYING

Be a good citizen

Vote early and vote often

Know your legislators

Communicate with your legislators

Do’s and don’ts about writing or calling a legislator

CITIZENSHIP AND LOBBYING

Be informed

Express gratitude when it is due

Treat everyone with dignity and respect

Get involved

Ethics

Conclusion