| March 3, 2008 Meeting - preparation for Lobby Day |
| Catholic Caucus of Southeast Michigan Preparation for Caucus Lobby Day April 16, 2008 State Capitol, Lansing Faithful citizenship For Catholics, public virtue is as important as private virtue in building up the common good. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. Every believer is called to faithful citizenship, to become an informed, active and responsible participant in the political process. Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for the New Millennium, USCCB 2000 Michigan Legislature The public health and general welfare of the people of the state are hereby declared to be matters of primary public concern. The Legislature shall pass laws for the protection and promotion of public health Michigan Constitution, 1963 Michigan Legislature Senate 38 members ________________ Each Senator represents approximately 262,000 Michigan citizens House 110 members _________________ Each House Member represents approximately 90,000 Michigan citizens Michigan Legislature Senate Sessions Begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays House Sessions Begin at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12:00 noon on Thursdays Michigan Legislature To make sure every legislator has an opportunity to become acquainted with legislation, bills in regular sessions must be printed or reproduced and in the hands of each legislator at least five days before it can be passed Read three times before it can be passed The final vote is recorded in the Journal of each house Michigan Legislature During a two-year session, law-makers will introduce about 3,500 bills. Only 700-800 will become law (20-23 %) Due to the number of bills, it’s difficult for the legislators to be educated about all the bills. It is important for us to give them information which reflects our position (for or against) on specific legislation or on general policies such as budget, education, health care, etc… Ways to Influence State Legislators Legislators need to know the thinking of their constituents. It is our responsibility to inform them about issues which are central to our values. Let us not underestimate our ability to influence State Legislators through lobbying and constant feedback. Lobbying as a group is often more effective than individual efforts. Tips for a Successful Lobby Visit Preparing for the visit— * Decide who will cover which points * Decide who will chair the meeting * Decide who will take notes * Prepare a one-page summary of your position to leave with the legislator/staffperson Tips for a Successful Lobby Visit During the visit— * Be punctual and positive * Thank lawmaker/staff for her/his time * Introduce individuals in the group (3-5 is the best size for a group) and the organization(s) they represent * Stick to one issue and stay on the topic * Listen and gather information * Make a specific request Tips for a Successful Lobby Visit Follow up— * Agree to get back to legislator/staffperson with additional information, if necessary * Leave one or two pages of relevant material * Thank the legislator/staffperson for their time * Send a written thank-you letter * Continue the dialogue with the legislator and her/his staff Points of contact: Dot Wolff - 248-652-1237 Karen Donahue - 248-476-8000 ext.221 Another Way of Influencing the Michigan Legislature The people can force the enactment of laws or reject some laws already passed through the petition process. Initiative Petition –requires 304,101 signatures of registered voters Referendum Petition-requires 190.063 signatures of registered voters Constitutional Amendment-requires 380,125 signatures of registered voters |