By Maureen Glynn and Tara O’Donnell
Unlike most other states in the nation, Massachusetts has a two-year state legislative session. The impetus to change from a one-year session in the early 1990s was to allow for a more thoughtful, deliberative review of legislative proposals, more time for robust debate, and to avoid “lame-duck” post-election decision-making. While this change has facilitated these reforms, it also requires lobbyists to think holistically about the entire session to avoid an end-of-session legislative log jam that can be difficult to navigate.
Starting in Year Two May Be Too Late
With limited time remaining in the current session and competing proposals vying for attention, it is crucial that professional advocates, i.e., lobbyists, have already laid the foundation for success, ideally initiating activity before the beginning of the first-year session.
As lawyers/lobbyists and government relations professionals, we work with our clients to draft language, hone messages, develop arguments (pro and con), and identify legislative sponsors, co-sponsors, similarly situated constituencies, and potential coalition members. We also create and execute grass tops and grassroots campaigns that educate legislators at hearings and in-person meetings, through presentation materials, and through targeted media in this crucial first year.
Getting Through the Year Two Sprint
By the first Wednesday of February of the session’s second year, the Massachusetts legislature must report all proposed legislation (bills) out of committee to comply with Joint Rule 10. The result is that thousands of bills are in play, all jockeying for priority positions. At this point in the session, our attention turns to inside the Massachusetts State House.
While the first year of session is about laying the groundwork, the second year is about leveraging experience, building knowledge, and hard work. As a result, the second year’s whirlwind of activity can only be successfully navigated with a seasoned lobbyist.
Bills move frenetically, often combined with similar subject matter into omnibus bills. High-ranking leaders will make most decisions, so lobbyists must rely on legislators to convey arguments and advocate for positions in caucuses and other closed meetings.
In the final three months of the session, we see multiple drafts of bills with significant policy impact across most sectors. Understanding the nuances of this process as the session comes to its conclusion can help a client or other stakeholder plan for the impact any policy changes may have on their organization. In response, our team provides organized, professional, thorough representation from beginning to end.
With Better Understanding Comes Better Outcomes
It is an honor and a privilege to work in a state with one of the nation’s first constitutions and popularly elected legislative bodies. Understanding how to navigate this critical yet complicated legislative process comes with years of experience and relationship building. The frenzied pace of the session is not going to change, and you can’t control it. You can only control your clients, the narrative of the issue, and coalition partners. The key is to ensure that your issue is viewed by members and leadership as a top legislative priority.
At the end of the day, there is no substitute for experience on Beacon Hill. The term, “government relations professional” says it all: one must possess a keen understanding of the operation of government; enjoy a productive relationship with members of government, and be recognized based on their skill, experience, and integrity as a professional operator.
Maureen Glynn and Tara O’Donnell are both partners and attorneys within Issues Management Group’s Public Affairs practice