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Sarah D. Pahl, Policy Attorney LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY TRAINING
Work: (512) 441-8123, ext. 106 Cell: (817) 229-7868 [email protected] www.TexasCJC.org
Texas Criminal Justice Coalition 1714 Fortview Road, Suite 104 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 441-8123 www.TexasCJC.org
Texas Inmate Families Association: San Antonio Chapter
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
WHO REPRESENTS ME?
www.capitol.state.tx.us “Who Represents Me?” Find out:
- U.S. Senator - U.S. Representative - State Senator - State Representative - State Board of
Education Member
“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
Page 2 Texas Criminal Justice Coalition 1714 Fortview Road, Suite 104 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 441-8123 www.TexasCJC.org
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
- DECIDE which issues will be pursued during session - DEVELOP clear, concise positions and messages on each issue - CONDUCT an educational campaign (website, email alerts, fact sheets, stories, witnesses) - MEET with legislators to establish positive relationships (local legislators and those assigned to relevant
committees; gather facts about the issue, including opposition, create concise fact sheets for members)
STEPS TO TAKE DURING LEGISLATIVE SESSION
- TRACK legislation on your issue (utilize “My TLO” at www.capitol.state.tx.us) - “SHOP” your bill to legislators - HOST a legislative action day - SELL the legislation to committee members once your bill is assigned to a committee (calls, visits, letters) - PREPARE for and ATTEND public hearings to provide support or testimony - SELL the legislation to floor members—be available as a resource
STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LEGISLATIVE SESSION
If your bill dies in committee or a particular chamber - Don’t be discouraged – most bills do not make
it out of committee - THANK the legislators who were of major
assistance to your group - WRITE a press release (if appropriate) - FOCUS on future legislators and trying again
If your bill becomes law - CELEBRATE! - WRITE a press release - INVOLVE your group in the bill’s implementation
process
If your bill is vetoed by the Governor - WRITE a press release - ENCOURAGE local implementation (instead of
statewide implementation - CONCENTRATE on established foundations who
support the issue - DEVELOP relationships with the Governor and
his allies - MEET with opponents of the bill
If a committee wants an interim study on the issue - PROVIDE research to committee members - TESTIFY at hearings as permitted - RECRUIT experts to attend the hearings - APPRISE lawmakers, stakeholders, and the
media of your suggestions and recommendations
- GAIN more support during the interim for greater success next session!
HOW TO GET MEDIA ATTENTION FOR YOUR ISSUE
- CREATE a contact list of media persons who are familiar with you and your issue - CALL the media directly to pitch your issue - WRITE a Letter to the Editor for our local newspaper - WRITE an “op-ed” (opinion editorial) for your local newspaper - SEND media outlets press releases on important developments and events - HOST a press conference - FOCUS on the message—nothing is ever “off the record”
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©2013. THIS GRAPHIC WAS PRODUCED FOR TEXAS CO-OP POWER MAGAZINE, A PUBLICATION OF TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES • WWW.TEXASCOOPPOWER.COM • WWW.TEXAS-EC.ORG