Labor Day is just a week away. Only four months remain until the 2025 session begins. Will you be ready?
Every Olympia lobbyist knows that a successful session only occurs with plenty of preparation in the months before the Legislature returns to the Capitol. The fall is often one of the busiest seasons for lobbyists, lobbyist employers and legislators.
With the August primary election certified (except for the Commissioner of Public Lands race), legislators are zeroing in on two main objectives: the November General Election and preparing for the 2025 session. Here’s what you need to get organized:
Legislative Priorities
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to select and vet your legislative priorities. The earlier you develop your agenda, the sooner you can begin the necessary preparatory work to have a successful session.
Meet with Legislators
The interim is a great time to build relationships with key legislators. Meetings during the interim tend to be longer than during session and can give you an opportunity to have a thorough discussion. Interim meetings are a great opportunity to vet issues you’re considering working on during session.
Talk to stakeholders
Stakeholdering an issue is a time consuming process, but every Olympia lobbyist knows it’s critical to identify your supporters and opponents before session begins. Consider who your natural allies will be, and invite them to participate and support your issue during session. Talk to opponents to see if there are solutions to address their concerns.
Coalitions
Behind nearly every successful bill is a coalition of organizations and individuals that worked together to get the policy across the finish line. Late summer/early fall is a great time to build your coalition to strengthen your session strategy.
Getting your bills in order
Don’t leave bill tasks to the last minute! Now is the time to start working on language, find your bill sponsor, and start talking to members of the relevant policy and fiscal committees. Does your bill have a fiscal note? Find out how much it costs and talk to agencies and budget writers.
Set an action plan
The best strategy is one that is mapped out well in advance – session is not the time to “just wing it”! Set a timeline for what needs to get done in the months leading up to session, when key decisions will be made, and how you plan to advance your objectives.
Hire an Olympia Lobbyist
Do the first seven steps seem daunting to accomplish in the next four months? Save yourself some time and stress and let the experts do it for you. Reach out to our team today before lobbyists reach capacity for the 2025 session!