MASE New Leaders�

Legislative Training

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Overview of Minnesota Legislature�

• Composed of 134 state representatives and 67 state senators.
• House: 70 DFLers and 64 Republicans
• Senate: 34 Democrats, 33 Republican
• Districts are determined by US Census every 10 years. 
• House district = 35,000 residents
• Senate district = 70,000 residents
• State representatives serve two-year terms, and state senators serve four-year terms (except after redistricting).
• Legislators’ salary is set at $48,250 per year but legislators can also collect per diem for living and travel expenses.
• Leadership and committee structure.

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Legislative Timelines�

• Each legislative session is a two-year period, or biennium.
• The first year of the biennium, the odd numbered year, is for crafting the state budget that will be in effect for the following two fiscal years.
• The second year of the biennium, the even year, is typically for policy bills, the bonding bill and a smaller, supplemental budget.
• Constitution or state law dictates when a legislative session can begin and when it must adjourn.
• In odd-numbered years, the session begins the first week of January. In the even-numbered years it may start later.
• Session must adjourn no later than midnight of the third Monday after the third Sunday in May.
• Only the governor has the power to call a special session.

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How a bill becomes a law�

• Bills start out as ideas – “There ought to be a law!”
• All legislation must be authored by a legislator, introduced as a bill, and given a bill number. Identical bills typically should be introduced in both bodies but if not, that does not stop it from becoming law.
• Legislators introduce bills for numerous reasons.
• In 2023, 3342 bills were introduced in the House and 3363 bills in the Senate.
• Committee chairs set committee hearing agendas and have the power to decide if a bill gets a hearing.
• A bill can take many paths – laid over, pass to another committee, included in an omnibus bill, passed as a stand-alone.
• Conference committees work out major differences.
• Governor’s signature or veto.

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Where to Find Information�

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www.leg.mn.gov

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• Look up information on bills, legislators, committees.
• Sign up for legislative or committee updates.
• Audio and video – live and archives.
• Find general information – parking, maps, directions.

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Why advocacy is important

• Legislators need information - they can’t possibly know everything that’s going on, so they rely on their constituents to keep them informed.

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• You can make a difference on your issues and concerns.

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• Linking an issue with a face.

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• If you don’t speak up – others will, and you might not like the outcome.

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Connecting with Legislators

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There are several ways to reach out to your elected official to begin an initial conversation or to request a meeting.

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Some are more effective than others.

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• Email
• Telephone
• Mail
• Social Media

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Ways to Connect

A meeting is a great way to begin developing a relationship with you elected officials or to ask them to act on an issue you care about. Email is another way to relay information about your concerns.

• Personal visits in their district.
• Visit at their Capitol office.
• Email about a specific issue or relay information that might be interesting to them.
• Calling is also an option but the least effective tool.
• Involve yourself in your professional organization that advocates on issues you care about (they will encourage and help you find ways to engage with the legislative process).
• Follow them on social media.

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Remember

• Introduce yourself, your connection to their legislative district and the issue you are contacting them about.
• Provide background information to help educate them on your issue but keep it simple.
• Stay away from jargon, acronyms and technical details that might distract them from the issue you are trying to discuss.
• Localize the issue. Show them why it’s important to your community, the clients you serve or your profession.
• Ask for specific action to be taken.
• It’s ok if you don’t know the answer to a question – offer to get them more information later.
• Follow up with a thank you note and reminder about your meeting.

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Preparing for the Meeting

Good things to know in advance of your meeting or discussion:

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• Political affiliation
• Background/biography
• Legislative committees
• Legislative priorities and bills chief authored

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It’s ok if you don’t know this information but if you do, it can help frame your message.

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Telling Your Story

What do you want to do?

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• Raise awareness on your issue or concern?
• Show what is happening in your school district?
• Request a meeting or get to know a policymaker?
• Request a policymaker to support or oppose a specific bill?

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Remember:

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• Tell your story, not someone else’s
• Tell your story in a positive way
• Stay on message and be brief
• State all the facts and be 100% truthful�

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Telling Your Story

• Describe who you are and where you live or work.
• Share your connection to the elected official’s legislative district.
• Tell them about your program or profession.
• What is working?
• What is not working?
• Describe why the issue or issues are important to you.
• Describe what impact this issue has on you or the individuals you serve.
• Let the legislator know what they can do to support your priorities.

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Remember

• Elected officials expect and want to hear from their constituents. This is how they stay in touch with their community and learn what issues people care about.
• Be patient.  Change takes time and you might not succeed the first or even second attempt.
• Legislators are ordinary citizens and face the same life challenges we all do. They work hard to get elected and want to represent their communities as best they can. This work is ongoing and what might seem like a simple interaction could have a big impact.
• Make efforts to connect throughout the year. By doing so, you become a reliable source of information and a connection on our issues.

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Questions?

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Valerie Dosland

valeried@ewald.com

612-490-3052

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