The Political Power of YouYou’re a Leader in Your Community,

So …Tell Lansing What You Want!

 Effectively Communicating with State

Legislators

Decisions Made in Lansing Impact the Quality of Life and Budgets — in All Local Communities

• Revenue sharing• Labor laws (PA 312)• Public school funding• University and community college funding• Criminal laws that fill jails and court dockets• Transportation funding and policy• And so many more ….

For State Legislators, Voices from the District Matter Most

• Legislators listen to the people who elect (and un-elect) them — voters, campaign donors

• Legislators listen to people of influence from the district • As a local government leader, you are a person of influence — 

you have ready access to the same voters/media/business community, etc. as your legislators. 

• You know better than nearly anyone how decisions made in Lansing impact your community. If you say a decision made in Lansing will affect the community a certain way, people — including legislators — will listen.

You Can’t Just Rely on “Hired Guns.” Sometimes, You Must Pull the Trigger.

• In legislative advocacy, the success of any statewide association is directly related to the active engagement of its members in the political process.

• Hospitals need their CEOs to engage. Universities need their Presidents to engage. Business organizations need their CEOs and Board chairs to engage. 

• MML needs its mayors, city/village managers, council members, etc. to engage.

• Bottom line: The MML needs you/your voice actively engaged in Lansing. 

Developing a Relationship with your State LegislatorsYou must have a working relationship with your state

Representative(s) and Senator(s)• At least once a year, meet with your legislators in Lansing• At least once a year, meet with your legislators in the district• Once a year, take your legislators on a tour of the city/village/ 

township (show them the facilities, places that are in desperate need of repair/funding; show them places where development will occur; talk about the League’s “Prosperity Agenda”; etc.)

• At least once a quarter, telephone your legislators, even if it’s just to say hello and to offer any assistance

Developing a Relationship with your State Legislators

• When your legislator(s) take an action that is good for the district, send a “thank you” letter or email; send a version of the letter to the local newspaper

• Conversely, if your legislator(s) take an action that is bad for the district, do not be reluctant to send a letter or email expressing your displeasure

• If you are a strong supporter, organize/host a fundraiser; volunteer to distribute campaign literature; write a letter of endorsement to the local newspaper

Communication Tips• Be polite and respectful, even if you disagree with the lawmaker’s 

position.• Be specific. Say precisely what action you want them to take? Use 

numbers … “pass House Bill 2222; oppose Senate Bill 222; restore $1 billion in revenue sharing cuts.”

• Use strong local examples to demonstrate the need or your point. “Unless you restore the cuts, we will lay off another 10 police officers.”

• Be direct and to the point. Be as concise as possible. Start your letters, emails, elevator conversations, meetings with “I would like to express my opposition/support for HB 2222 and urge you to vote against/for the bill because it is good/bad for your constituents.”

Communication Tips• If other influential people/organizations in the community have 

taken the same position as you, make sure the legislator(s) know. The Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood association(s), police and fire officers/unions, the local newspaper, a potential political opponent of the legislator, etc.

• In addition to communicating via phone or in person, be sure to put your concerns and points in writing too (letter and email)

• Ask for a reply in writing. Ask the legislator’s office to send you a letter or email stating the legislator’s position on the issue.

• Follow up. Again, if the action is good for the district, thank the legislator for taking that action. If the action is bad, express your displeasure again.

Communication Tips• Don’t threaten political retribution. However, do let the legislator 

know you will be sure that his/her constituents understand the legislator’s position and vote and its impact on the community. 

• Leave fact sheets and phone numbers and email address where you can be contacted.