Government Affairs Director
Ewald Consulting
MASA Lobbyist
The 2017 legislative session was a busy one, with a lot of changes and a focus on passing a two-year state budget. Because of election changes, there were many newly elected representatives and senators and a switch again in political power. Representing you at the Capitol, we worked to develop or strengthen our legislative relationships but this is only impactful when legislators also hear from you, their constituents.
Although the beginning of the 2018 legislative session, February 20, seems far away, there is important work you can now do to solidify your relationships with your legislative delegation. Fall is an excellent time to build and strengthen relationships with your elected officials, educate them on your issues and rally their support for future legislative efforts.
There are a number of effective ways to interact with legislators during the interim:
If you have not done so yet, be sure to thank them for their work during the 2017 legislative session.
Invite them to tour the district, speak at a school board meeting or participate in a specific event in your district.
Ask them to meet you for coffee or lunch so you can get to know them better.
You could also respond to legislative updates and legislative surveys so they get feedback in a number of ways or attend a legislator’s town hall meeting and ask questions of their plans for the 2018 session.
Do not miss these opportunities. This is a great time for your elected officials to get to know the district and your issues at a deeper level than the often-hectic legislative session affords. Your work now strengthens the work MASA is able to do on your behalf at the Capitol. •
