Legislative Advocacy

1. Legislative Advocacy Ellen Andrews CT Health Policy Project September 17, 2003

2. Legislative Advocacy • This is often what people first think of as “advocacy” or lobbying • Legislative process is far more open and responsive to the public than other branches • Public input is a formal part of the process

3. Legislative Advocacy • Patience – rare that a bill passes in its first year • Perspective – understand that your issues have to get in the queue • Understand and respect the system – experience has value, seek it out • Create relationships – most important of all • Offer solutions – don’t just complain • Recruit a champion, then TRUST them

4. Picking Your Fights • Does the issue/position fit with your mission? • Is there are unique role for your organization? • Can you offer a solution? • Avoid choosing only self-serving issues • Timing • Controversy • Don’t join forces with others just for company • Allies/opponents list • Relationship with the lobbying target • National vs. state vs. local • Politics and other baggage • “Under the radar” test and “gimmes” – go for the easy stuff first • Review your issues regularly

5. How a bill becomes a law • Sponsors • Committees • Chairs, screening, JF days • Hearings, Meetings, Changes • Referrals • Calendars, both houses, screening • Amendments, Christmas trees and vehicles • Governor signs (or not)

6. How a bill becomes a law -- really • Choosing a champion/shepherd • Backrooms, good intelligence/gossip • Fiscal notes, is it in the budget? • Agency support/resistance • Attentiveness -- 1000s of ways to kill a bill, millions of ways for a bill to just putter out • Politics, old scores and other baggage

7. The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Champion • Choose carefully • Look for a record of success, commitment to your issue, willingness to work with you • TRUST unconditionally • Thank them later in meaningful ways, regardless of the outcome • Next year?

8. Legislators – Who are they? • Part time, only theoretically • Work for their voters, not you • Not wonks – they need your input • Diverse group – as diverse as CT is • Do not make assumptions about their views – based on demographics or party, ask them • Rely on staff heavily • The importance of leadership

9. The Importance of Legislative Staff • Usually longer tenure than most legislators • They run the process – cross them and you will pay • Overworked, many are open to your help/input • Partisan vs. non-partisan • OFA, OLR, LCO, committee staff, caucus staff, aides • Can be incredibly effective champions • Often the only route to backrooms

10. How to work with a lobbyist • Also longer tenure • They are not miracle workers, be reasonable • Listen, trust – you are paying good money for their advice, take it • Be open, frank – they don’t read minds • Communicate – do not let them get sandbagged • Do not ask for personal favors • Be available

11. Politics • Ignore politics at your peril • Support those who support your issues • VOTE • Talk with candidates about your issues • Spread your message – teachable moments • Campaigns – get involved

12. Rules and Customs for Navigating the Capitol & LOB • Act professionally • Wear comfortable, conservative clothing • Bring fact sheets, copies of testimony • Registered lobbyists wear badges • Velvet ropes and notes into the chamber • No cell phones in hearing rooms or galleries • Connecting with a legislator • Hearings, Committee meetings • JF day, End of session drama

13. For more help and regularly updated information go to The Health Advocacy Toolboxwww.cthealthpolicy.org/toolbox