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Legislative Protocol: A Primer

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  • Respect the institution – the government, the legislature, the governor’s office, the political/legislative process. It may not be perfect; but belittling it, rather than working to change it, will not make it more effective.

  • Respect the position if not the person. Voters elected legislators. They may not all meet one’s personal standards for being a legislator, nor will they necessarily hold the "right" view on the vital issues; but treat each legislator with respect.

  • Know and use legislators’ proper titles – senator, representative, governor – and address written correspondence appropriately. When speaking to a legislator, let the situation dictate the form of address. While one may be on a first name basis in an informal setting, in public a legislator should be addressed with his or her formal title.

  • When calling on government officials, dress appropriately. Formal meetings call for professional (business) attire, as do appearances before committees.

  • Know the issues, the pros and the cons. Legislators are busy people, and few have time for long-winded explanations. Be able to explain the matter at issue concisely and clearly.

  • When dealing with the sponsor of a bill of interest, be clear in expressing concerns. Know the sponsor’s positions in order to respond directly to them. Know the points on which compromise will be acceptable.

  • When testifying, always thank the committee chair and the committee for the opportunity to present your position, even if they disagree with your position.

  • Attack the issue, never the person.


government_liaison@asdk12.org


 

Ten Commandments for Successful Living with your Legislator

courtesy of Robert M. Levy & Associates, Inc.

T graphic hou shalt not lie to thy legislator. Thy sins will find thee out and thou shalt nevermore by believed by them

T graphic hou shalt not forget to thank thy legislator for their help. Ingratitude turneth away a legislator as surely as a soft word turneth away wrath.

T graphic hou shalt not ignore thy legislator between sessions. Seekest thou them only in thy hour of need and thou may find them deaf to thy pleas.

T graphic hou shalt not be hypercritical of thy legislator's voting on any bill. Alienate them not as thou shalt surely need them on another occasion.

T graphic hou shalt not hesitate to praise thy legislator for their good works. They runneth for office and all kind words are as manna from heaven.

T graphic hou shalt not insist thy legislator desert their party on important party policy. Verily, an excommunicated legislator serveth no one well.

T graphic hou shalt not fail to recognize the importance of thy legislator's office. One who maketh another feel important maketh a lasting friend.

T graphic hou shalt not forget thy legislator too hath problems and sometimes needeth help. Bread cast upon the waters returneth hundredfold

T graphic hou shalt not become completely partisan. Thou must be prepared to live with either party, and sometimes thou must liveth with both at once.

T graphic hou shalt not nit pick. Heckle not thy legislator with insignificant matters and they will heareth better thy counsel on important ones.

 


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