TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE LOBBYING
Prepared by IML Staff
"Public opinion is everything. With public sentiment
nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed."
— Abraham Lincoln
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The right to petition government forms the basis for
present day lobbying. While many view the townhall
meeting at which every voter casts his/her vote on a
given issue as the truly democratic way, most agree that
because of the size, location and complexity of government, it is difficult or even unrealistic.
As we enter the critical stage of debate on the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment in the
Illinois General Assembly, it is imperative that mayors
and other municipal officials from across the state make
their will known on this important issue.
The Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment efforts will employ a strategy of direct and indirect lobbying to win passage in the legislature:
— Direct Lobbying consists of person-to-person
communication, orally and in writing. This type of
lobbying may include a legislator and other public
officials, staff or committee aides, or may be conducted through a third party.
— Indirect Lobbying will include two parts — Grassroots lobbying provides large numbers of communications with legislators, usually through the public.
Grasstops lobbying provides communications from
prominent individuals, community leaders and key
decision makers. The emphasis of grassroots lobbying tends to be of quantity, grasstops of quality.
Participation of municipal officials is crucial for
successful passage of the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment. Legislators are much more interested in the opinions of their own constituents than
Illinois Municipal League staff. Our most effective
message will come from you and your fellow mayors,
council members and other municipal officials,
The following are some guidelines to help you in the
Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment effort:
1. Stay informed.
Keep up to date on the latest developments on the
Constitutional Amendment effort through IML
publications — the Illinois Municipal Review, Legislative Bulletin and Mayors and Managers Newsletter. Each issue of these publications will contain
current information on the progress of the Constitutional Amendment.
2. Put someone in charge.
Make sure one person is responsible for your community's unfunded mandates effort. This can be
the mayor, city manager, clerk or staff person.
3. Get Acquainted.
If you have not already done so, take the time to
personally meet your Senator or Representative.
This will lay the groundwork for future conversations with them on the Unfunded Mandates issue.
4. Get to know your legislator's staff.
It's important to familiarize yourself with Springfield and district staff who assist your legislator.
During busy times of the legislative session, if you
can't get through to your Representative or Senator, their secretary or key staff member may be the
next best thing.
5. Respond to IML requests for assistance.
Periodically, League staff may call on you to contact your legislator, host a town meeting or news
conference, or send a letter to the editor of your
local newspaper. Please respond in a timely fashion
as we have a short amount of time to move the
Constitutional Amendment through both houses of
the General Assembly.
6. Know the issue.
Before you talk to your legislator or news media,
make sure you know the facts. Know the pros and
cons of mandate reform otherwise you won't be
able to effectively present your position. IML staff
can provide you with any background information
you need.
7. Communicate effectively.
To successfully express your position with your
legislator, consider the following:
— Clearly identify the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment resolution.
— Be brief and to the point.
— Show the affects of unfunded mandates on your
community.
— Be specific on why the Constitutional Amendment must be approved.
— Don't overstate your case.
— Request a commitment. We need to lock-in
support as quickly as possible.
— Follow-up. After your meeting or conversation
with your legislator, send a follow-up letter.
This gives you the opportunity to thank him or
her for their time and allows you to make your
key points agains.
8. Participate in Unfunded Mandates Day.
The Illinois Municipal League will host an Unfunded Mandates Day in Springfield on March 28.
In lieu of the League's traditional Lobby Day, Unfunded Mandates Day will allow municipal officials to visit with their legislators and present a
strong, unified front in emphasizing the importance in passing the Constitutional Amendment.
If you cannot travel to Springfield, consider
hosting a news conference in your community to
call attention to Unfunded Mandates Day and
show your support for the Constitutional Amendment effort.
9. Keep local media informed.
Provide your local media with information on your
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February 1996 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 9
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activities regarding the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment. As legislators commit their
support to passage of the Amendment, area media
need to be informed.
10. Keep IML staff informed.
Be sure to send the League copies of your letters
and faxes as they are issued. If you receive a response from your legislator, let us know about that,
too.
11. Solicit support from community groups.
Reach out to other key community leaders:
chamber of commerce, merchants, neighborhood
associations, professional groups, League of
Women Voters and others to enlist their support for
the Constitutional Amendment. Encourage them to
contact your legislator asking for his or her vote.
12. Say "thank you."
Remember to thank your legislator in person or in
writing, and also publicly, for his/her support. A
"thank you" can make a difference — most people
don't take the time for this simple courtesy. Legislators remember those who do. Public recognition
such as a letter to other area local officials or a letter
to the editor praising the actions and support of
your legislator can be an effective way of saying
"thanks".
It is vital to the success of the Unfunded Mandates
Constitutional Amendment that you get involved and
stay involved. The most effective lobbying is done
one-on-one with you and your legislator. IML staff are
your advocates in Springfield, but you are the key to
whether the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional
Amendment effort is successful. •
Page 30 / Illinois Municipal Review / February 1996