Effectively Communicating With Public Policy Makers

The Ohio ESC Association

Presented by:

Daniel G. Hilson

© Roetzel & Andress LPA 2013December 15, 2014

FOCUS POINTS FOR COMMUNICATION WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS

1. First impressions are critical

2. Understanding the process

3. Directing traffic during rush hour

4. Persistence is the key to success

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

• Treat elected officials and their staff as you would prefer to be treated.

• This means be polite, courteous, listen, converse and exchange ideas. Do not preach, chastise, become overly emotional.

• There are two sides to every story. Moreover, your issues are one of many priorities being brought before the policy forum.

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CONTINUITY OF MESSAGE

• Different messages, same voice fosters confusion.

• Similar message, different voices fosters success.

• Local business leaders

• community leaders

• local elected officials

• impacted voters

• Taxpayers

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UNDERSTANDING THE PUBLIC POLICY MAKING PROCESS

1. Legislation

• Policy Makers authorize — staff do the work.

• Obtaining the Policy Maker’s permission does not translate to successful introduction or passage of your concept or idea. The staff are the instrumental cog necessary for the wheels of the policy forum to work effectively.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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LOBBYING GOALS

Proactive and Reactive Strategies:

• Introducing legislation

• Amending pending legislation

• Defeating legislation

• Sending a message via legislation

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EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC POLICY IMPACT

Introduction

• Vaccine requirements for school entry

Amending• Technology-based driver training rules• Budget and Appropriations

Defeating• Blue Cross merger

• SCR 9, HB 661

Sending Message• Septic Tanks

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DIRECTING TRAFFIC DURING RUSH HOUR

Similar to a traffic jam, someone needs to take charge while the others follow directions in an effort to clear the rush hour traffic jam. In an effort to avoid a crash or being delayed in the jam, you need to follow the direction of the traffic officers.

Deviation generally results in chaos and stopped traffic.

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PERSISTENCE AND FOLLOW THROUGH

Over the course of a 2 year session, members of the General Assembly will hear from thousands of constituents and hundreds of lobbyists. It is important that your message remain:

a) Consistent

b) Often Repeated

c) Supported from the field

Your telephone calls, letters, and in-person discussions back in the District are critical for achieving success.

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LOBBYING TOOLS

1. Access to decision makers

2. Provide technical or position papers on topics

3. Coalition building

4. Testimony and field expertise

5. Campaign Assistance

6. Reputation

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NON-LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

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2. Regulatory

Assist clients with:

• Obtaining or Transferring a License or Permit

• Disciplinary proceedings

• Administrative Rules Process

(adoption, amend, defeat)

• Administrative Rules Challenges

(defeat or defend)

• Tax Compliance (Sales, Franchise, Personal Property, Real Estate, unemployment Compensation, Workers’ Compensation)

(negotiate rates or valuations)

NON-LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

3. Political Activities

Assist clients with:

• Campaign Finance Reporting

• Ethics Opinions and Compliance

• Ballot Initiative Petitions

• Constitutional Amendments (including drafting and Supreme Court Appearances)

• Political Strategies

• Election law

• Appointments to Boards and Commissions

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NON-LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

4. Procurement

Assist clients with:

• State Term Schedules/Public Interest Findings

• Invitations to Bid

• Requests for Proposal

• Requests for Information

• Controlling Board Approval

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NON-LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

5. Appropriations

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NAVIGATING THE PARTISANSHIP “DO S”

• Meet with all your state legislators regardless of party. Most issues are not partisan. Also, members of minority party have relationships with key constituencies and other associations.

• Do thank them for support in the past; be specific if you can.

• Know your facts: outcome data, job placement rates, graduations rates, post secondary enrollment rates, children, teachers and administrators served.

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NAVIGATING THE PARTISANSHIP “DON’TS”

• Don’t disparage those who disagree with your position. They may deserve grief but chance for collateral damage is high.

• Don’t share your partisan views. Stick to your facts and message.

• Keep your focus on the students.

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QUESTIONS?

© Roetzel & Andress LPA 2013

Daniel G. Hilson155 East Broad St.12th FloorColumbus, OH 43215

614.723.2060dhilson@ralaw.com