How to Lobby State Government

State government has the greatest impact on Americans. The state establishes policies on transportation, education, health and human services, the environment and criminal justice. When issues are important to a citizen of the state, the citizen has the right to lobby state boards, commissions and the legislature or assembly. To lobby state government, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Do the homework. When an issue is of importance, learn the way the system works in order to change the policy. Find out which board or commission makes the decision and who is on the board. If it is an issue before the legislature, find out what committee will hear pending legislation on the issue and who the members of the committee are. Understand how a bill becomes law and how policy rules are changed.

2. Develop a message. Be specific but brief. Be able to articulate the message in four sentences or fewer. Research the issue to be able to answer questions.

3. Check the ethics rules. Each state has different requirements for registering as a lobbyist. These rules cover those who are paid to lobby and restrictions on how a person can lobby. Locate the state department that oversees lobbying and review the rules. Follow the rules closely.

4. Contact the decision makers. Write letters, make phone calls and send emails regarding the issue. Be clear and keep it short. Do not let emotion come into the debate; highly emotional pleas can be counter-productive. Instead, use a measured, rational approach.

5. Go in person. Attend meetings of the board, commission or committee. If testimony is allowed, give brief, concise testimony about the issue. Make appointments with the decision makers or their staff to discuss in person the issue. Leave behind additional information about the issue to be read at a later time.

6. Be a constituent. Each citizen has elected representatives in the state legislature or assembly. Contact them with the message and information about the issue. Be certain to detail how the issue affects the elected official's district.

7. Track developments. Monitor any new information, research or legislation as it appears. Revise the message as needed to keep it current and appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• Duplicate letters are never worthwhile. Do not start a letter-writing campaign that uses the same letter. Petitions are better for merely gathering signatures. For effective letter writing campaigns, have each letter be personal and different.

• Join with others who share the same concern on the issue. Share the work load and double the impact.

• Always follow state laws regarding lobbying and giving gifts to state officials.