Talk to the policy makers and their aides. At the state level the attention is as much on the executive branch as the legislative because of the way rules are made. Become a person they know and can call when they need help. Invite them to see what you are proud of, and do it with P-12 faculty and students if at all possible. Real examples of programs that work, especially in the eyes of practitioners, are the most powerful bits of persuasion.
Nothing is more important than personal contact.
And we have to realize how much policymakers at all levels rely on their staff. Staff members are as important as the policy maker and worthy of our attention. When you get that first unsolicited phone call asking your advice or your view on a policy issue, you know you've made progress. Keeping current on policy issues is important but time consuming. You can also see how it has played out in other states.