Sacramento 101
California
THE LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULE IN CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
If you can’t get the legislator to come, get one of their staff
members to come in their place. You can also ask about public
appearances the legislator already has on his/her schedule.
To make an appointment with a legislator or with staff, just call
a district office, explain who you represent, make sure they
know you live in their legislative district, and what you wanted
to talk about.
If you can’t get an appointment with the legislator themselves,
ask for the District Director.
LOBBYING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Normally, visiting your Members of Congress, state legislators,
or their staff, face-to-face is the most effective way to
influence them. Of course, as we face continued ‘social
distancing’ mandates due to COVID-19, in person meetings are
not possible.
This is where phone calls, letters, emails, and social media
become the most important form of contact. In a normal
session, however, individuals and groups can arrange personal
meetings with Senators and Representatives either in their
Washington offices, or in their local offices at various times
during the year.