Football placekickers have a reputation for being odd ducks. They usually sit alone at the end of the bench. They’re rarely spoken to – especially when they’re set to come into the game. They often have curious quirks; and they practice strange superstitions on the sidelines and when running onto the field. Before every kick they’ll go through a pre-set routine in advance of kicking a field goal. In fact, a placekicker can go from being a hero for kicking a game-winning field goal, to being the loneliest person on the team for missing one.
Pardon me for using a sports analogy. But, the placekicker role somewhat resembles that of a Convention of States (COS) Legislative Liaison. Being a good Legislative Liaison (LL) requires a special skill set and acquired knowledge, because the rules and procedures of a state legislature tend to be arcane and cryptic. The LL has a critical role in crafting the team’s legislative strategy, and adhering to the customs and decorum that govern the legislature and committee rooms is important. Selecting a primary sponsor can make or break a team’s ability to pass COS legislation. So by working with our primary sponsor, we can influence the referral of our legislation to specific committees, because legislation referred to a committee whose Chair is not really supportive reduces the likelihood of our bill’s passage.
There also are technical aspects to the LL role. They include helping secure co-sponsors for bills, communicating when bills will be heard in committee, helping organize witness testimony, ensuring bills are referred out of committee in a timely manner, maintaining a count of votes in favor of our legislation (aka a ‘whip count’) and identifying obstacles to successful passage of legislation. Most of these activities depend upon a healthy relationship between the LL, House and Senate Leadership, legislators and their staff. The LL also acts as a conduit between the grassroots and the State Legislature.
Visiting the Missouri State Capitol for the first time can be intimidating. It’s a foreign environment for almost everyone. You don’t want to say or do the ‘wrong’ thing. You’re unfamiliar with the legislative process and it’s frustrating. Gaining familiarity with the process and the people is necessary.
I always suggest first-timers sit in the House and Senate Galleries for a while to witness the action on the floor. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how our government works – and many times how it doesn’t work.
The Legislative Liaison also acts as a resource for our volunteers by accompanying them, if they wish, to meetings with legislators. When I do this, I make sure our volunteers know they are the legislator’s constituents. This is their meeting, not mine, and I’m happy to provide support and answers to questions. I find the most rewarding part of this process is after the meeting. Nine out of ten times, our volunteer will say, “Thank you. That wasn’t so bad at all. I can do this on my own now.” It’s moving to see a self-governing citizen feel empowered and to realize they CAN make a difference by being involved.
As you can see, there’s considerable breadth and depth to the role of a Legislative Liaison. It’s a role that requires a team effort with State COS Leadership and our grassroots volunteers. Regular trips to the Capitol are a must. Yes, we can accomplish many things through phone calls and emails. But there’s no substitute for personal one-on-one interaction. It helps us secure support, and keeps a finger on the pulse of the Missouri Legislature.
If this sounds like a role you may be interested in, go to Legislative Liaison Application - COSAction (conventionofstates.com) and apply.
In liberty,
Brett
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