Lobbying 101

1. Government Relations Inc. Lobbying 101 How To Become Effective Advocates Tom Bulger Government Relations Inc. (202) 775-0079

2. Agenda • Why It Is Important to be involved • How a Bill Becomes a Law • Keys to A Successful Lobby • Authorizer vs. Appropriator • Meeting Requests/Meetings • Effective Correspondence GRI

3. Stay informed, active and engaged WHY??? $2.5 Billion of ITS $$ Depends on it GRI

4. Stay informed, active and engaged • Staying active in policy issues at both the federal level and local level yields opportunity and defends attacks on program funding • Use ITSA to stay informed regarding issues in the State and Federal Government • The Transportation planning process is an open process, utilize it to secure funds for your programs and to shed light on issues that concern your agency/business GRI

5. Stay informed, active and engaged • Keep your local elected officials at all levels aware of your progress and results • Let them know how they can help you • Inundate them with information • Without you telling them, they will never know how they can help you!!!!! GRI

6. How a Bill Becomes Law GRI

7. Transportation Reauthorization in the House The Process & The Players GRI

8. Transportation Reauthorization in the Senate The Process & The Players GRI

9. The Process & The Players • Be mindful of what committee the Congressman you are working with is on • Committee structure is key • Work with the Congressman that represent you district as well as those in your area that sit on committees that effect your issue GRI

10. The Process & The Players • Committee Staff • Committee Staff are responsible for drafting legislation proposed by a committee • 95% of all major legislation is drafted by committee staff • Committee staff are referred to as key holders or gate keepers GRI

11. Authorizer Committee/Legislation that sets policy Generally Programs are authorized every 2-6 years TEA-21 is an authorizing bill Sometimes earmarked Appropriator 10 House Appropriation Committees 12 Senate Appropriation Committees Funds programs set up by authorizing legislation Must be completed every year Almost always earmarked Authorizer vs. Appropriator GRI

12. Appropriation Project Requests • All but one appropriation committees include member projects called ‘earmarks’ • Chairmen of the appropriation committees are known as cardinals • ITS projects are eligible for a number of earmarks GRI

13. Appropriation TimelineSample for FY 2007 Request • Summer of CY 2005—Formulate and prepare request • Fall of CY 2005 introduce concept and project to potential supporters on and off the Hill • Winter of CY 2005 Finalize request & support letters • January CY 2006 Visit Cap. Hill and meet with Staff to request project • Late Feb/early March CY 2006 Visit Cap. Hill and meet with Members of Congress • Spring/Summer CY 2006 Continue to lobbying effort GRI

14. Appropriation TimelineSample for FY 2007 Request • Important Dates • Internal Office Request Deadlines • Generally March 1st • Subcommittee Deadlines • Generally between March 15th—April 15th • Subcommittee Markups • Generally between June-September • Pill passes into law • Anytime September-January GRI

15. Meeting Requests • Fax Requests • Make Sure Congress is in Session • Tuesday-Thursdays are best days to meet • Make sure the meeting requires the Congressman’s attendance • CC: request to staff you are working with GRI

16. Meetings • Be prepared and on time for all meetings • Have handouts readily available for staff and members. • Make sure the information is concise as Congressman receive an abundant amount of information • Offer a brief introduction of who you are, who you represent, and any common connections GRI

17. Meetings • Always have a specific request • Ask how the Congressman wants to follow up/next steps • Be Gracious/Relaxed GRI

18. Effectively communicate your message • The Basics • Always address all written communication to the Member of Congress and put it to the attention of the appropriate staff • Never use Snail Mail/FED-EX/or UPS to send urgent information • Fax/Email/Phone Calls/Personal Meetings are best techniques GRI

19. Effectively communicate your message • Who should I be talking with? • For policy issues you should be in constant contact with the LA or LD that handles transportation • When you need definite action schedule a meeting with the Member of Congress • District office managers should be invited/included in all local events • Keep your member informed at all times, as well as those members in your area sitting on committees involved with reauthorization GRI

20. Effectively communicate your message • What should I communicate? • Send all updates/newsletters/reports to the district staff and LA via email • Make it a point to touch base with your member of Congress in some way once or twice a month via email/phone call/personal meeting GRI

21. Effectively communicate your message • Other tricks of the trade • Present your Member(s) of Congress with an award for dedication* • Find out what issues your member is working on and see if there is a way that you can help him achieve one of his goals • Focus your message to your member’s goals • DO NOT BECOME PARTISAN GRI

22. Never take ‘No’ for an answer • Only those who ask will receive • If you follow these simple rules you and your agency will grow as a political force at both the local and federal level GRI