Do: Convey that you are a constituent and/or you operate within their district. Share need-to-know information regarding your property, community, or business. Provide your legislator or staff with resources (photos, links to website, etc.) for them to get a better idea of who you are and what you do.
Don’t: Discuss campaign contributions with your Legislator or members of their staff. Limit conversation to policy related issues and their impact on your residents or business.
Do: Provide brief explanation of the issue and the desired outcome (introducing or cosponsoring a bill, signing a letter, voting for an amendment, etc.). Relate the issue back to the member’s district. Replace industry terminology with layman’s terms where possible.
Don’t: Try to address all issues facing your industry. Meetings with legislators and their staff typically last 30 minutes. Maintain focus on two or three major points of interest.
Do: Use data or cases to support your case. Be clear and concise.
Don’t: Overstate your issue by rambling during the meeting. This will limit your time to hear from the member.