AAC F A M I L Y F R I E N D S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
Lobbying 101 Guide to the 89th session
point to know your local legislators. Put together a coffee klatch or something similar. Talk about your offices and emphasize the services you provide for the dollars expend- ed. How many cases, elections, roads, death scenes, assess- ments, reappraisals, revenues, collections, arrests, jail bed days and etc. performed each year in your county. All for a budget of “X” employing “X”number of people.
1 2 3
directly to your legislator before he/she hears testimony or is scheduled to vote on the bill. Track a head count of supporters and opponents on the committee. Devise a strat- egy for getting all of your association members to contact, directly, their members on the committee to ask for their vote. Ten devise a strategy for several members to be pres- ent the day the legislation is slated to run and also identify who will testify before the committee.
4 COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2013
Content before action ... Take the time to not only provide information about your office including your challenges and successes, but also be willing to be inquisitive about your legislators’ perspectives and situations.
Identify similarities ... Public servants on all levels face adversity. It is one of our commonalities. Identify what other similarities you share. Tis is a critical step in building a relationship. Another similarity is the fact that county officials and state senators and repre- sentatives all work for the people of Arkansas.
Running a bill ... Tis process begins with a writ- ten explanation of the bill for the sponsor as well as members of your association. Make sure you speak
So lobbying really begins at home ... When you know the personalities of the Arkansas General Assembly, you are much more effective. Make a
your county. It is courteous to thank the chairperson or persons and the committee members’ for their time and service before and after testimony.
5 the room is not so much.
Expand your comfort zone ... Spend some time observing the committee in action well before you are scheduled to provide testimony. Try to gauge the pulse of the committee before you are seated in front of them. Once there, answer all questions fully and to the best of your ability. Don’t talk the bill to death. Keep it truthful and factual and deliver your message with clarity.
6 7
8 9
Avoid the chance for miscommunication ... Don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated if you didn’t hear it or understand it. Never argue with members or become publicly angry if they toss a few spears your way. Take them in stride and calmly and positively clarify your message.
Use your manners ... When you’re finished be sure to thank the chair and members of the commit- tee for the opportunity to testify.
10
Successful relationships and network building really does begin way before you come to the Capitol ... It begins at home ... Start your work today by mak-
ing connections with your legislators. Strong networks and relationships allow for successful lobbying.
51
Prior planning ... Chance favors the prepared mind so be prepared. Stay away from public policy debates and always be courteous even if the tone of
Can I get a witness? Testifying in commit- tee .. Remember you are the expert. Don’t be afraid. Always start by introducing yourself, your office and
Top 10
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60