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Maryland Society of Professional Engineers

Maryland Society of Professional Engineers. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & G RASSROOTS LOBBYING Presented by. Christopher B. Costello PSCG. FOUR QUESTIONS:. WHAT ARE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & GRASSROOTS? WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? HOW DO THEY OPERATE? 4. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?.

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Maryland Society of Professional Engineers

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  1. Maryland Society of Professional Engineers GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & GRASSROOTS LOBBYING Presented by Christopher B. Costello PSCG

  2. FOUR QUESTIONS: WHAT ARE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & GRASSROOTS? WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? HOW DO THEY OPERATE? 4. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

  3. www.mlis.state.md.us

  4. What is grassroots lobbying? Grassroots lobbying occurs when citizens communicate with government officials and elected representatives in an effort to influence government decisions.

  5. Why is grassroots involvement so important? 1. Citizen involvement in government affairs is a constitutionally protected, essential element of democracy. 2. It enables individuals and interest group to participate in the government to positively influence specific legislation or government actions that benefit your interests. 3. Constituent involvement is essential to respond to a proposed legislative or government action that threaten your interests.

  6. Grassroots activities include: Communication with Government officials 1. Call, write, e-mail, fax 2. Meetings 3. Attending events 4. Testimony at hearings

  7. GRASSROOOTS GUIDLINES 1. Planning 2. Communication 3. Focus 4. Follow-up

  8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION MdSPEWeb Site Maryland General Assembly Web Site

  9. IMPORTANT ISSUES 1. Transportation Funding 2. Transit Related Laws and Regulations 3. Fuel Costs 4. Insurance Costs & Regulations 5. Labor Laws, etc.

  10. RETURN ON INVESTMENT A few hours a year may return millions of dollars in value to the engineering community. Ancillary benefits (efficiency and productivity) alone more than justify the effort required to support grassroots activities. Successful business leaders who take the time to become effective grassroots advocates believe the time, expense and effort are worthwhile.

  11. What can you do to help ACEC/MD succeed? 1. Know your elected representatives 2. Incorporate grassroots into management plans 3. Invite elected officials to visit or schedule meetings with representatives 4. Attend legislative hearing in support of the MdSPElegislative agenda 5. Support elected officials who support your interests

  12. THANK YOU

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