HOW TO LOBBY? Dr. Tom Seymour
Feb 23, 2016
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