Be prompt: Seconds are valuable. Scheduling may be so tight that you only have a few minutes. Some Senators schedule their office visits before 6 a.m. because that is the only available time in the day.

Be persuasive: Do your homework and confidently state your case. Your may be the only one in the state who knows what you do.

Be patient: Good legislation takes a long time - that’s how unintended consequences are avoided.

Be positive: Your legislator wants to solve problems. Offer positive suggestions. Whining is not becoming.

Be polite: Courtesy implies respect.

Be our partners: Partners are vested in the outcome and share the responsibility. You are the best resource for your legislator.

Be personal: Invest time in developing a personal relationship with your legislator. Everyone wants to help their friends.

Be passionate: Be sure it’s a critical issue – one about which you are passionate - before you ask your legislator to “go to battle” for you. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.

Be precise: Ultimately, the legislator wants to know how he can help you. Make your requests as specific as possible.

Almost every legislator I have met over the past 30 years does a very good job of representing his or her district. Very few have the talent and the commitment to also be leaders, not only among their colleagues in the legislature, but among their constituents as well. During the four terms (January 1995 to January 2003) that Judy Hawley represented her rural district near Corpus Christi, she was one of those few true leaders. She is sorely missed in Austin.

We hope you find this email useful. Monthly Government Relations emails will be sent through spring of 2005. If you have comments or questions contact Beth Brooks at 512.444.1974 or bethbrooks@tsae.org.

TSAE * 3724 Executive Center Drive Suite 150 * Austin, TX 78731