GRASSROOTS LOBBYING
Get involved in one of Cooperative Network's sector committees. These committees get first-hand information to help Cooperative Network in its legislative efforts.
Start with your State Representative and your State Senator. Just by living in their district, you possess the most valuable commodities in their line of work - a vote and knowledge. Call their offices, set up a meeting. Show up on time and let them know who you are, what you do and what they can do for Cooperative Network in this session.
Bring along a one-page brief, which highlights Cooperative Network's needs and goals for the coming session. This brief should contain information that is valuable to the legislator long after your meeting is over.
As a general rule, legislators have to take their bills before committees designed to examine legislation and make necessary changes before the bills gets to the House or Senate floor for a vote. The sponsors of bills are looking for experts in the area governed by the proposed legislation who can testify on behalf of the bill. If you can present yourself as honest and knowledgeable in the area of discussion, and offer your assistance in helping the bill (and therefore the legislator) succeed, you will have an important ally in future dealings at the Capitol.
For more information, contact:
Minnesota House of Representatives
651-2966-2146 or 800-657-3550
www.house.leg.state.mn.us
Minnesota Senate
651-296-0505 or 888-234-1112
www.senate.leg.state.mn.us
Via House and Senate info, sign up for free subscriptions to Session Weekly and Senate Briefly. Both publications come out on Friday during the session and recap the past week's big happenings.
If you need a copy of the bill, the specific text can be found on the legislature's web site, www.leg.state.mn.us or you can visit the Chief Clerk's Office at the Capitol.
We are very fortunate in Minnesota to have such open access to the happenings at the Capitol during session. Cooperative Network appreciates your helping promote cooperatives at the Legislature.
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