It was a typical legislative update—you know, the good, the bad and the ugly—until Weinfeld got the mic . . . After 25 years working on state and federal issues, I guess he finally snapped. The man jumped up on a table, his larger-than-life shadow on the wall behind him, and started flailing his arms and raising his voice in “frustration.” The entire exercise was totally out of character and over-the-top, I absolutely loved it! Arnold’s point, and the message from the entire panel of League staff, rang loud and clear: Stand up, stand way, way up where they can see you, and get loud and passionate about the changes we need to see from our legislators. And then, they turned it over to the audience. I watched as local officials new and experienced took out their phones, dialed their lawmakers and said: Please fight to preserve revenue sharing and oppose SB 245 if it makes drastic cuts to public safety. How will you vote, with us or against us? Now it’s your turn. Remember these tips: Be specific; insist on being patched through to your legislator on the floor (you are a local leader for crying out loud, you should not have to wait when they CAN connect you directly) and; get a YES or NO right then and there – don’t let ‘em off the hook so easy. When this budget is all said and done, personally and publicly thank your lawmakers who listen. Personally and publicly reveal the damaging actions and empty promises of those who don’t.  

Here’s what today’s Lobbying 101 panel said about influencing lawmakers through effective communication . . . Whether it’s the first line in your email or the first words out of your mouth, be direct in your request  - “I’m asking you to oppose X bill, which cuts funding by X amount in my community. Dumb it down a notch and localize - “if this proposal passes it will literally cost us 10 police officers / 15 firefighters / 30 furlough days” (you get the drift). It’s too easy for legislators to say “I’m with you” only to vote the opposite - get a “yes” or “no” and get it in writing.  It’s accountability, it’s not personal - “look senator, I respectfully disagree and it’s my responsibility to let the people and media in our district know you voted against us.” Add “PR big mouth” to your job description. If they voted with you, say “thank you” IN PUBLIC. If they voted against you, say “you screwed us” IN PUBLIC (share thank you and disappointment letters with local media outlets so residents know what’s happening in Lansing – your position as a local leader makes it newsworthy). Don’t let inside jargon and regurgitated partisanship positions rain on your parade/take you off guard. You know local government. You are the BEST person to explain to legislators an issue and its impact on your community. Everyone I work with is a big nerd (dear conscience, just because my boss said it and I agree, should I blog it?) and so they are actually excited to help you understand the political process. Ask the lobbying staff anytime if you need a primer or just want to know where a bill stands before contacting your legislator – trust me, they’d love to help out. Drop a post to add your positive lobbying tips/experiences/things you learned today!