Building Relationships with Your Legislators

Estie HarrisMeagan Frazier, Esq.

Smith Harris & Carr

How do you talk to state legislators?

Know your issues

Know your legislator

You + Them=

A Good Relationship

How to Build a Relationship?

They serve as “citizen legislators”

Research them prior to meeting them-What organizations are they a member of? What church? Family? Profession?

www.capitol.tn.gov

Create an Opportunity

Invite into your facility or to view a programInvite to coffee at a place that provides supportive employmentInvite to a holiday party with your staff and service recipients

How to Communicate with your Legislators

Be courteous, Be prepared, Be personal, Be honest

Do not use too many acronyms Start with the basics- MH vs. IDGoal- Your legislator thinks of you first when an disability bill is being considered

Be familiar with the legislative environment and process

109th General Assembly

Senate– Lt. Gov. Ron

Ramsey– 33 Members

28 Republicans5 Democrats

House– Speaker Beth

Harwell– 99 Members

73 Republicans26 Democrats

109th General AssemblyRepublican Governor Bill Haslam with 21

state departments

How does a bill become law?

Introduced in both the Senate & HouseReferred to appropriate House/Senate CommitteeMust pass out of its assigned committee and a subcommittee in the House. Must pass through Finance if it costs $

How does a bill become law?

Pass the Senate by 17 votesSigned by Lt. Governor

Pass the House by 50 votesSigned by House Speaker

Most Important Committees to TNCO

Senate Health & Welfare

Senator Rusty Crowe, ChairSenator Bo Watson, 1st Vice ChairSenator Joey Hensley, 2nd Vice ChairSenator Richard BriggsSenator Ed JacksonSenator Becky MasseySenator Randy McNallySenator Doug OverbeySenator Jeff Yarbro

Most Important Committees to TNCO

House Health Rep. Cameron Sexton, ChairRep. Barry Doss, Vice ChairRep. Ryan Williams, Sub-committee ChairRep. John Ray ClemmonsRep. John DeberryRep. Jeremy FaisonRep. Joanne FavorsRep. Mike Harrison (not for long)Rep. Matthew HillRep. John HolsclawRep. Sherry JonesRep. Darren JerniganRep. Sabi Kumar, M.D.Rep. Mary LittletonRep. Judd MathenyRep. Bob RamseyRep. Bryan TerryRep. Leigh Wilburn

Other Committees of Importance

House Government OperationsSenate Government OperationsSenate FinanceHouse FinanceJoint Fiscal Review

TNCO Day on the Hill

Attend every yearMake your appointment in advanceLeave your business cardBe on timeBe kind to the staffBe flexible

Maintaining a Relationship

Communicate consistently, not occasionally.– Add to newsletter lists.– Calls or emails to their offices are most

effective if they know who you are already.– Plan at least one communication a quarter

and put a reminder in your calendar

“Its all about who you know”– Build your relationship at home before you

need something.– Communicate when things are good and not

just when they are rough – CONSTITUENTS COUNT!

Questions???