 |
|
 |
|
|
|||
|
|
Lobbyists Try to Persuade Legislators
TISL's lobbying program adds another realistic aspect to the TISL General Assembly.
Lobbyists from five associations attempt to influence student senators and representatives for or against legislation.
Rules & Regulations
Lobbyists will conduct themselves in accordance with the Standards of Conduct of the Tennessee Lobbyists Association.
Lobbyists may not provide food, drink or any personal benefit to legislators, judges or TISL officers. They may not provide gifts.
Administration
Each lobbying association will have a client and a CEO.
Client
The client will be a TISL alumnus who has graduated or a professional lobbyist.
- Further defines the firm's mission and establishes its legislative priorities.
- Advises firm members on strategy and provides background information based on the client's knowledge.
- Conceives a bill for the firm to research, write and pass.
- The client should participate in some of the firm's meetings, but the client may not lobby legislators.
CEO
The CEO will be an experienced TISL delegate selected by the Executive Council.
- Creates a conference call account and GroupMe account for the firm to communicate.
- Communicates with the client to clarify goals and strategies.
- Organizes firm meetings via conference call before the General Assembly and in person after reaching Nashville.
- Organizes an after-session conference call with the client and the firm to review results.
Lobbying Techniques
Here are strategies and tactics you can use to be an effective lobbyist:
- Create an account at freeconferencecall.com so that your firm can meet by phone before arriving in Nashville.
- Create a texting account at GroupMe.com to help your firm can communicate at the General Assembly.
- Assign firm members to specific tasks
- Research for information to support and oppose bills.
- Prepare one-page information sheets about bills or issues that you can distribute to legislators. You must use your own resources to copy these, and they must have a statement about who produced them. (Example: "This information sheet prepared and produced by ____ lobbying firm.")
- Collect phone numbers from senators and representatives who support your bill(s) so that you can text them during debate with facts and strategy.
- Amend or compromise to improve bills your firm doesn't like.
- Testify at committees for or against bills.
- Identify and invite outside experts to testify at committees.
- Persuade the Governor to sign or veto bills.
- Persuade the Governor's cabinet to support or oppose bills.
- Provide talking points to legislators to use in debate.
- Visit the Senate and House floors to communicate with legislators. See the Sergeant at Arms for a floor pass.
FAQs
How do I become a lobbyist?
Choose a lobbying association and join it when you register online or at the General Assembly.
Can lobbyists serve in the Senate or House?
No.
Who can't be a lobbyist?
- Senators
- Representatives
- Judges
- TISL Officers
- Officers of the Court, House and Senate (Chief Clerks, Clerk & Marshall, etc.)
Can AMC3 lawyers be lobbyists?
Yes; it is encouraged.
How many of my school's delegates can be lobbyists?
Unlimited
May lobbyists testify before committees?
Lobbyists may not serve on legislative committees, but they may testify before committees with committee approval.
May lobbyists speak on the floor of the Senate or House?
No. Lobbyists are never allowed to speak on the floor of the Senate or House during session.
Who runs the lobbying associations?
The Executive Council will choose experienced delegates to be CEOs of the firms. The CEO will help the firm organize and stay on track.
After that, we encourage including everyone in making decisions about the firm's legislative agenda and strategy.
Are there awards for lobbyists?
Yes. On Saturday, each lobbying association will nominate one of its members as Best Lobbyist. On Sunday morning, all of the lobbyists will vote to choose the Best Lobbyist. The winner will be announced at the closing session of the General Assembly.
Lobbying Firms 2012
Name |
Description |
Client |
Supports |
Opposes |
Considerations |
CEO |
|||||
Tennessee Club for Growth |
Strongly believes in free market economics without much concern for social issues. |
|
Bigger profits for business Opportunities to create new businesses Smaller government Privatization Improved education |
Higher taxes, especially on business Regulation and laws limiting business freedom Customers and employees with guns at the business |
Might work with Labor on bills that will expand the economy, such as recruiting new industry. Might work with teachers on gun legislation. Might support cost-effective green legislation. |
CEO |
|||||
Tennessee Green |
Primary concern is protection of nature. Supports parks, clean air, clean water and wildlife protection. Willing to pay for it.Liberal undercurrents of sympathy for working people and public employees. |
|
Cleaner air and water Healthier people Protection of wildlife habitats Higher taxes to fund environmental programs Hunting restrictions |
Pollution Urban sprawl Killing wildlife |
Might work with Labor to improve environment without decreasing jobs. Gun enthusiasts want to preserve habitat for wildlife. |
CEO |
|||||
Organized Labor |
Primarily concerned with advancing the economic interests of its members and, secondarily, for working people in general. Takes an expansive view of improving workers' lives, including environmental issues and public schools. |
|
Improved wages and benefits Reduced limits on forming unions Safer working conditions and improved care for injured workers Improved public education |
Pollution that endangers its members, especially on the job Higher taxes on lower- and middle-income workers |
Supports cleaner environment but not at the expense of jobs. Pro-education and pro-organizing make for a natural alliance with Teachers. |
CEO |
|||||
Tennessee Teachers |
Represents teachers on issues such as higher salaries, better benefits and negotiating rights. Sees itself as a primary defender of quality public education. |
|
More money for education Labor organizing for teachers Lower teacher:pupil ratios |
Privatizing education Vouchers Charter schools Guns at school |
Everyone claims to be pro-education, but how much are they willing to pay and how? Strategic alliances might yield results. |
CEO |
|||||
Tennessee Gun Association |
Ardent defenders of citizens' right to bear arms. |
|
Second Amendment |
Restrictions on guns, ammunition or hunting |
Appeal to the libertarian in everyone. |
CEO |