LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli & Sam Richie, AASP-MN Lobbyists

Reaching Out to Your Legislators – It’s Easier Than You Think!

The auto repair industry isn’t the biggest force to be reckoned with at the Capitol, but we do have attributes that can help level the political playing field if we successfully coordinate our efforts.

Our strength is in our numbers and our geographic footprint.

• Number of shops – there are repair shops in every legislative district (House and Senate) of the state • Number of employees – collectively, members employ thousands of workers who are also local voters • Industry wages are good – much better than the majority of legislators realize • You are an important part of your community’s economy

So, how do we make a meaningful connection with our legislators without sacrificing the time and attention we must give to our business and family? It’s not as difficult as many of you may think. Two or three contacts per year is enough to establish a good working relationship with your state Senator and state Representative. At least one of those contacts can be on your home field – at your shop.

• Invite your legislators (Senator and Representative) together or separately – to your shop for coffee and a quick tour. You don’t need to ask them for anything in particular at this initial meeting. Just tell them what you do, how long you have been doing it and how many people work at the shop. • Let them know that the interests of the repair industry typically fall into three areas: • Insurance claims – Commerce Committee • Environmental compliance – Environment and Natural Resources Committee • Business taxes – Tax Committee • Let your legislators know that you would like to become a resource for them on repair industry issues, then keep in touch with them throughout the year. If they have a Town Hall meeting, try to attend.

Reintroduce yourself and remind them of the tour of your shop or meeting that you had and let them know continued on pg. 20