Legislators watch what the media reports on issues and most use a clip service, which brings to their attention stories in their local media market and statewide on specific issues. It is important to communicate with lawmakers on the opposition's side of the issue and why it is dead wrong, misguided, or just a poor approach to public policy. So if you want your initiative to pass, you must be persistent from start to finish during the legislative year. Your persistence must be shared by your fellow commissioners and professionals across the state as well as by the bill's sponsor. It is critical that you quickly respond to requests for contacts with your legislator.
Timing is essential and legislative action bulletins require an immediate response to be effective.
Legislators consider literally hundreds of bills, so your contacts must be timed to precede a floor vote, but not so far in advance to be lost in the shuffle. In all contacts with legislators be sure to ask that they state their position. If it agrees with yours, ask what you can do to strengthen their support. If it differs from yours, ask what information is necessary to change that position. Be sure to request that you want to be contacted after the vote takes place regarding your legislator's vote.