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HOW TO LOBBY?

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.

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HOW TO LOBBY?

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  1. HOW TO LOBBY? Dr. Tom Seymour

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. Special (Procedural) Problems(1) • Problems! Problems! Problems! • Unfavorable committee report • Divided committee report • Amendment and re-referral

  8. Special (Procedural) Problems(2) • Engrossment • Motion for reconsideration • Clincher motion • Recalling from committee • Refusal to return a measure

  9. 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

  10. GETTING BILLS PASSED (2) • Communicate the importance of appropriated appearance • Meet with legislators • Always get a commitment for support

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. TECHNIQUES TO KILL BILLS(3) • Plain folks • Mythical solutions • Threaten a Big Mac attack

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. RESOURCES, GOALS, STRATEGY AND TACTICS • Inventory resources • Establish realistic goals • Creating a tactical mix

  20. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM • Powers reserved to the people • Basic steps for petitioning • The election campaign

  21. 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

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

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