The Lobbyist:

THE LOBBYIST – A KEY PLAYER IN ACCOMPLISHING STATE ASSOCIATION OBJECTIVES

James W. Linn, J.D., Legislative Counsel, Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists

THE LOBBYIST'S ROLE IN STATE ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES

Different types of lobbyists:

1.The Backslapper--"I'll get you in the door and then you’re on your own.

2.The Technocrat--'I'll get to know your business better than you, do, and then we I will educate the policy makers."

3. The P.R.,,Specialist—" Once we get the polling data we can design a media campaign to achieve all your objectives."

4. The Smooth Operator--"No matter what happens I can explain how your profession has benefited from my efforts."

5. The Grassroots Organizer—members of the organization unite!

Pick your lobbyist to fit the association's personality and long-term goals (not just short-term objectives).

DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT YOUR LOBBYIST TO DO:

Monitor legislation/regulatory activity?

Attend legislative/agency meetings and present association's positions?

Submit written reports? How often?

Attend association meetings? How often and how long are the meetings?

Follow and report on implementation of legislation?

Media/Public relations activities?

Organize or help organize grassroots activities?

Other association functions (meetings, mailings, membership inquiries, etc.)?

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET BY CONSIDERATION OF

a. Lobbyist – fees / expenses b Government Relations Committee c Public Relations Committee d. Association Management SELECT A QUALIFIED LOBBYIST TO REPRESENT YOU

What qualifications are important?

Education (do you need a lawyer?)

Professional Background

Experience in Government

Reputation/Image

Relationships with policy-makers

Knowledge of health care issues

Willingness to identify potential conflicts?

Fees

DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

1. Check lobbyist registration- and other public sources.

2. Talk to other associations about their lobbyists-what do they like and not like?

3. Talk to legislators and staff-- but don't believe everything you hear.

4. Develop an RFP specifying the qualities you are looking for as well as the functions you want the lobbyist to perform.

5. Review/evaluate proposals.

6. Interview lobbyists.

7. Select the best--and give her/him a chance to demonstrate abilities

PUTTING TOGETHER A CONTRACT FOR LOBBYING SERVICES

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A LOBBYING CONTRACT

Identify the lobbyist(s). If more than one person will be representing the chief lobbyist, the primary contact person should be identified as well as all other persons who may be speaking or advocating on the association’s behalf.

Specify_ the lobbyist's duties:

Monitor all health care legislation and/or activities of particular c ommittees/agencies.

Analyze the impact of legislation on association members

Use best efforts to achieve the association's specific objectives/priorities

Advocate the Association’s position before legislators, staff and others involved in the legislative process; testify before legislative committees.

Report to the association on lobbying activities

WRITE THE CONTRACT.

Lobbyist's Fee/Expenses: Total amount and amount and frequency of installments. Expenses should be based on actual documented cost.

Specify what happens in the event of a breach or unsatisfactory performance.

Specify frequency of reports. Specify content of reports (all health care legislation, particular bills, all contacts with legislators?).Newsletter articles, legislative alerts, etc.

POTENTIAL PROBLEM AREAS AND POSSIBLE REMEDIES

DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING WITH THE ASSOCIATION?:

Designate an individual or small committee to handle lobbyist communications

Set specific or regular times for calls

Trade home and cellular- phone numbers.

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS?:

Provide complete information up front

Continually assess and reassess association objectives and priorities in the context of changing conditions.

Communicate frequently - association should never be "out of the loop."