Glossary of Legislative Terms‐ Amendment – changes to the bill’s language by adding, substituting, or omitting portions of it. Caucus‐ meeting of the republicans or Democratic members of the legislature to determine policy and /or to choose leaders. Chairman/woman‐ highest‐ranking member of the committee who belongs to th majority party. Majority leader‐ highest ranking member of the committee who belongs to the minority party Committee‐ group of members assigned to give special consideration to certain bills. It is headed by a chairperson and has formal rules. (Ex House committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. Companion Bill‐ similar or identical bills introduces into the House and Senate Constituent‐ a resident od a district represented by an elected officials Sponsor‐ legislator who has introduced a bill to the speaker or president and who will push for its passage Cosponsor‐ a member who formally added his or her name as a supporter to another members bill. An initial cosponsor is one who was listed at the time of the bill’s introduction District office‐ the office or offices, within a member’s district
How to Meet with your State Elected Official or Member of Congress Meeting with your legislator Most legislators are eager o meet with their constituents. Your opinions are valuable to your lawmakers, and you meeting is likely to be influential. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be an expert to get your point across. The message you bring to this meeting is that of a concerned, voting constituent. Many legislators use recess periods to hear from constituents in their district. To request a meeting with your senator or representative, call your legislators office and let them know that you that you’re a constituent, you would like to schedule a meeting and what the topic is that you would like to talk about. For Congressional leaders you should ask to speak with the scheduler. While it is best to meet directly with your legislator, if he or she is unavailable, you can schedule an appointment with the legislative aide responsible for your issue. It is a good idea to send a follow up email or letter confirming your appointment. Remember to include your name, address and your daytime phone number. If Possible, assemble a group of like‐minded individuals (preferably who are the lawmakers constituents) to accompany you. Prior to the meeting: • Determine your message • Identify group role assignments‐(a spokesperson or lead speaker who will answer questions and also a person to serve as note taker (relevant for group meeting only). • Prepare any appropriate fact sheets or other materials to leave with the lawmaker. During the meeting: • Be prompt. Members’ schedules are tightly packed, and it is important that you are there on time to maximize your time. • Be flexible. If interruptions occur during your meeting, be patient. • Dress nicely. Don’t let your appearance detract from your message or impair your credibility. • Highlight how the issue has an impact on groups of people, and the state. • Start with a compliment if possible. Thank your member for a good stand he or she recently took on an issue and /or mention if you voted for the member. • Concisely, state what issue your want to discuss, what your position is, and what action you want the member to take. DON”T FORGET THE ASK! • If you are asked a question that you don’t know the answer to, say you don’t have that information with you, offer to research it for them and them supply it to them later. MAKE SURE YOU DO THE FOLLOW UP. What to watch out for: • They should be taking notes. If not mention it in your follow up letter or note
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Don’t let them get you off topic. Often, Aides will try to steer the conversation that they want it to go towards. Remember, you are leading the meeting and they work for you. NEVER, argue with a legislator or their staff. It is unproductive. It is all right to respectfully disagree. The better relationship that you have with your elected official and there staff the more willing they will be to listen to you. If your lawmaker does not have a straight answer for you on whether or not they support or are against your position, follow up with staffers and ask for an answer.
Send a thank you note or email following the meeting and remind your lawmaker why your visited and what your position is.