I spoke to two different business groups in the past month. Each Q&A opened with the same question: “What’s the legislature going to do next year?”
I understand. We want to know what’s next, and we ask people who we think are in the know to give us information.
But that’s the wrong question. It treats policy like weather, something that happens to you. The better question is: “What do I want the legislature to work on next year?”
Right now is the cheapest time to ask it. With Election Day weeks away, candidates are everywhere: chamber breakfasts, civic clubs, front porches. They’ll talk to anyone who will listen, and they’re listening harder than they will in February.
Sitting this out until after the election feels neutral. It isn’t. Waiting costs you three things:
- The agenda. Issues candidates hear about in October become bills in January. Yours won’t be one of them.
- The introduction. You’ll meet your new legislator as a stranger with an ask, not a familiar face with a problem they already understand.
- The access. After the election, their calendars fill up fast.
Picture two employers in the same county, both short on skilled technicians. One waits to see what happens. The other invites both candidates for the local House seat to tour the plant and explains the training gap. In January, one of those employers gets a call asking for help shaping a bill. It’s not difficult to see which one.
You don’t have to endorse anyone. You do need to do three things this month:
- Name the one issue that keeps you up at night. Just one.
- Go where the candidates are, or invite them to you.
- Say it plainly: here’s the problem, here’s who it hurts in your district, here’s my cell number.
Bending a candidate’s ear isn’t partisan. It’s your First Amendment right to petition your government, and it’s the most basic form of advocacy there is.
Not sure where to start? I’ve spent my career building these relationships for business leaders and politicians. I’m glad to open a few doors. Give us a call and we can get to work.
