The following is provided for your information and briefly outlines the legislative process as well as tips to assist you during your legislative visit.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
• The two houses that comprise the State Legislature are the Assembly and the Senate. The Assembly is made up of 80 elected members. Each member serves a two-year term and is limited to three terms in the Assembly (six years). The Senate has 40 elected members who serve four-year terms. They are limited to two terms (eight years). The so-called “Third House” is comprised of professional legislative advocates/lobbyists who represent specific interest groups before the Legislature and other state agencies.
• Bills introduced by legislators must be in print for 30 days prior to being heard by a legislative committee, in order to allow the public the opportunity to review its provisions. Each bill is assigned to an appropriate policy committee for consideration. If successful the bill will be sent to the fiscal committee for consideration if there are financial implications; or if the bill is non-fiscal in nature it will be sent directly to the floor for a vote by the entire house. Bills originating in either house must be adopted by both houses before being sent to the Governor for his signature or veto.
• A bill must be scheduled for a public legislative committee hearing and successfully pass that committee before it may proceed to the next step in the legislative process. The Assembly and the Senate must agree on the same version of every bill before it can be sent to the Governor for consideration with the potential of become law. When versions of a bill differ, in the case of the State Budget, a special conference committee is established. The conference committee is comprised of typically three members from each house, and representing both parties. This committee is to resolve the differences between versions. Once a compromise has been reached that bill is returned to both houses for consideration and vote. If that bill passes each house it is still subject to possible veto. However, in California a bill may become law without the Governor’s signature, and requires 2/3 vote of the Legislature to override a veto.
ADVOCACY TIPS
• Introduce yourself. It’s a good idea to give the Legislator(s) or staff your business card.
• Decide in advance who will start the conversation for your group. Start with something such as, “We are members of the California Association for the Gifted Executive Board, representing Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students statewide. We are urging legislators to support our two critical issues…”
• Allow a normal conversation to flow. If the discussion digresses from CAG’s two issues, that’s okay if it engages the Legislator(s) or staff member and is productive. However, make sure you cover the two issues before you leave (please refer to the CAG “Budget Priorities” Issue Paper for details on each issue).
* GATE should not be included in any categorical block grant proposal.
* GATE funding should not be disproportionately reduced.
• Be sure to explain the issues thoroughly, providing answers to any questions the legislator/staff may have, as well as give your reasons for opposing the budget proposals. You are asking for their support.
• If appropriate, allow each member of the group to participate in the conversation. Make your comments personal and provide examples of your local GATE program when appropriate.
• Do not commit to provide additional information or complete a requested task unless you plan to do it. If you do make a commitment, remember to promptly follow through.
• Remember your goal is to educate, not alienate.
FOLLOW-UP
• Follow-up on information requested by the Legislator(s) or staff in a timely manner.
• Send thank you notes to Legislator(s) and/or staff.
“DRAFT” THANK YOU LETTERS
#1 - This format would be used for meetings directly with Senate or Assembly Members.
Dear Senator/Assembly Member _____:
Thank you for meeting with me and other representatives of the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) in your office on April (date). We greatly appreciate the time and attention you gave to our concerns.
We especially appreciate the support you expressed for (if appropriate).
Hopefully, you or a member of your staff will have an opportunity to visit our program in the near future. We have some great things to show you.
Please contact me at (your telephone number here) if I may provide any additional information about our GATE program, or about the activities in our community to prepare our gifted and talented students to be successful.
Sincerely,
#2 - This format would be used for meetings with staff.
Dear Senator/Assembly Member _____:
On April (date) we had the pleasure of meeting with (name) of your staff in your Capitol office. He/she was very helpful and we appreciate the attention given to our concerns.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the issue paper we discussed that day. We sincerely hope that you will be able to support us on these critical issues. The California Association for the Gifted (CAG) has a proven track record of helping gifted and talented students reach their potential.
Hopefully, you or a member of your staff will be able to visit one of our programs in the near future. We have some great things to show you. Please contact me at (your telephone number) if I can provide any additional information about our GATE program.
Sincerely,
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