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LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP

BY DON HARRIS

Best Way to Pass Good Bills, Block Bad Ones –

Establish Relationships with All Lawmakers

If you want to influence policymakers at the Capitol, take He told of a successful override election in a conservative
steps to establish a relationship with legislators – all 90 of Republican’s Fountain Hills district. “That can change minds,”
them. he said.
Reaching out to lawmakers, even ultra conservatives, Dell’Artino recommended doing research on the legislator
is one of the key ways to be successful at pushing for or you’re going to see. “Find a common ground,” she said.
against education-related bills, according to three veteran Noting that some lawmakers say some pretty negative
lobbyists. things about public schools, Dell’Artino said, “Don’t react to
At the Legislative Workshop on November 17 sponsored everything that comes out of their mouth.”
by the Arizona School Boards Association, AASBO and the Look for incremental steps toward improvement, she said,
Arizona School Administrators, Meghaen Dell’Artino, owner adding, “Recognize what they did right. Thank them for a bill
of Public Policy Partners; Mark Barnes, Legislative Consultant, they voted for. One out of five is better than none out of five.
Arizona School Administrators; and Chris Kotterman, Understand their needs. You’re building a relationship.”
Director of Governmental Relations for ASBA, provided some Barnes suggested providing a legislator with a basic level of
insider tips on how to develop those important ties. education on a particular issue. “They can take what you said
Dell’Artino said she works with all 90 lawmakers – 60 in the and tell their caucus. Keep it simple and succinct – something
House and 30 in the Senate, with a goal of getting 31 House they can use to educate their colleagues” he said.
votes and 16 in the Senate – enough for passage or to block Kotterman recommended finding out what an unfriendly
legislation. “Republican or Democrat – talk to them,” she said. legislator is thinking – what’s on their mind. “Get intel from
She told of an instance where a conservative Republican the other side. File it away. You will know what you’re dealing
from Chandler favored school choice but opposed more with.”
money for school construction. When Dell’Artino pointed out Occasionally a discussion might become heated, but
that school choice had resulted in the addition of 1,400 more Kotterman cautioned: “You don’t want to damage your
students in his district, he saw the need for more classrooms. relationship.”
Barnes also recommended reaching out to legislators, even When it comes to crunch time, know where your votes are.
if they voted for the ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) “You can kill a lot of bad bills,” Dell’Artino said. There were
program. “Take the initiative to meet them,” he said. “Get to 250 education bills last year, many of which were opposed by
know them. They listen to who shows up.” the education. “Ask yourself what you can do to make a bad
It’s important to make sure legislators know what is bill better, especially if you know that it’s going to pass,” she
important to their constituents, Barnes said, adding that it’s said.
also important to tie in your conversation with a lawmaker’s One of the difficulties schools are facing is that what
personal philosophy. constituents favor may be outweighed by out-of-state pressure,
Agreeing with the suggestion of reaching out to all in the form of major campaign spending. “There is more of
lawmakers, Kotterman lamented: “I often hear people say that than ever,” Barnes said.
about conservative Republicans, ‘They don’t agree with me. Dell’Artino urged caution in dealing with legislators,
Why waste time?’” particularly those who are not considered supportive of public
Dell’Artino told of inviting a far-right lawmaker to a education. “If you scream at me, I shut down,” she said. “I
school to read to a kindergarten class, with the teacher and don’t listen. The same is true with legislators. I encourage you
superintendent in attendance. Afterward, they were able to tell your message at the Capitol – that you truly believe in
to have a friendly conversation, opening a dialog on issues district education. But don’t scream at them.”
important to schools. “That changed his perspective,” What frustrates Barnes is that some legislators are simply
Dell’Artino said. not willing to find more money for public schools with their
Barnes mentioned several opportunities to invite a legislator votes. “They say, ‘This is how much money we have and this is
to your school. For example, a team wins a big game, it’s the what the choices are.’ They have a revenue problem,” he said.
end of a team’s season, students receiving awards, or a board His advice to members of all school groups: “Let’s all agree
meeting. “Take their picture, get to know them,” he said. to work together for the common good – the students.”

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