| Lobbying uses the legislative
process of Massachusetts to illustrate the general principles
of building and executing an effective lobbying campaign and
to provide anecdotal evidence of what should or should not happen
when using any of the suggested lobbying tactics.
However the basic rules can be used in any state.
"Boston Pols" have a long rowdy history going back
to the American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party. They
have been practicing politics by overthrowing each other ever
since. They're so good at it that when they get bored they
either run around the country calling themselves political
consultants, or they rewrite their rules to make them a little
harder for newcomers to understand. The procedures in the
Massachusetts House and Senate are very likely to be more
complicated than those in other states. Readers from more
sensible states can take comfort in that.
Keep in mind that all fifty states embrace the same checks
and balances that are embodied in the United States Constitution.
For instance, all states except Nebraska have bicameral (or
two?branch) legislatures. Although the particular names, dates,
places, and rules may differ from state to state, all the
state legislatures (including Nebraska):
- are elected;
- are organized into hierarchical leadership schemes;
- are organized further into specialized-issue committees
that hold some sort of hearing on bills;
- have at least one committee more powerful than all the
others, with control over the appropriation process;
- have rules that govern the legislative agenda, the length
of debate, and the postponement of debate;
- must either have gubernatorial approval to enact laws
or must override the Governor's disapproval;
- have a clerk's or a counsel's office where petitions and
bills are filed and where any question can be asked (though
not always completely answered); and
- have one room somewhere where copies of bills and the
day's agenda can be found.
Finally — have fun! The process and the players can
be goofy, but, most politicians are, by profession, charming
and colorful. Resist taking them, or yourself, too seriously.
And remember, significant changes in public policy have been
made by individuals and small groups with determination, tenacity,
and a sense of humor.
|
