Rep. Sue Meredith, Missouri State Rep for District 71, in a recent conversation suggested the approach
which Missourians should use for lobbying the Missouri legislature:
- Research & become familiar with the departments & staff for those you wish to contact.
- If you are concerned about a bill, find out who is on the committee hearing the bill.
- Go visit in person and present a one page document with bullet points.
- Do not use derogatory language or tell the legislator what he/she should do.
- Remember that the legislator currently HAS the seat. He/she won and doesn’t have to listen.
- Ask specific & direct questions. Sometimes, the legislator knows the answer but other times they guess. Some may be honest & respond “I don’t know but will get back to you.”
- Give the legislator 1-2 weeks before checking back. Legislators, who are newer to the position, should be given time to locate answers as it can be an overwhelming job.
Rep. Meredith also discussed her latest campaign win in which she received 63% of the vote in a district where approximately 52% are Democrats. If the only votes a prospective candidate receives are Democratic votes, then there will be no change in our State. She suggested that all prospective candidates have a 1 year and 2 year plan. Rep. Meredith is willing to speak to any prospective candidates with her perspective on the cold hard reality of campaigning as a Democrat in Missouri.
Submitted by WCD member