Sacramento 101
How A Bill Becomes
Law
AT THE MEETING (CONTINUED)
Introduce yourself to the legislator or their staff members:
tell them who you are and where you live. Warm them up:
Try to start by complimenting something the legislator has
done recently; their vote on an issue, a bill they sponsored,
etc.
After a minute or two of such “small talk,” state your
standpoint on the issue(s) you came to discuss. No matter
how passionately you feel about the issue, do not “rantand-rave.”
Nothing diminishes your credibility more than an
“in your face” demeanor. Tip: They know you pay their
salary.
Be ready to answer questions and discuss your points in
detail. Come with three main points for and against the
bill. If you can, bring someone with you personally affected
by the bill to give them a personal story.
Come with a list of other community leaders or experts that
agree with your position. Leave the legislator or the staff
with a one-page summary of your points and the contact
information of those who came with you.
If the legislator disagrees with you, stand up for yourself,
debate the issues, but do not become over-argumentative.
Keep trying to emphasize the positives of your standpoint.
Always try to end the conversation on a positive note.