Lesson for Lobbying the GA State Legislature:

1. Identify your legislators: Find out who your Georgia State Senator and Georgia State Representative are. You can do this by visiting the Georgia General Assembly website or by contacting the Secretary of State’s office. Once you have identified your legislators, you can contact them with your concerns or ideas.
2. Work with your legislators: If you have an idea for a new law or want to change an existing law, you can work with your legislators to find a solution. Your legislators can introduce a bill on your behalf and advocate for it in committee.
3. Understand the legislative process: Bills go through several stages before becoming law. The legislative process begins with an idea, which is then drafted into a bill. The bill is then introduced and assigned to a committee for review and debate. If the bill passes committee, it goes to the full House or Senate for debate and a vote. If it passes both chambers, it goes to the Governor for signature.
4. Attend committee hearings: Committee hearings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions on a bill. If you are interested in a particular bill, attend the committee hearing and testify in support or opposition.
5. Join a statewide association: Lobbying on behalf of local governments is most frequently carried on through statewide associations that represent counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts. In addition to the association lobbyists, some larger cities, counties, and school districts also employ lobbyists to represent their specific interests.
6. Be prepared: When lobbying your legislators, be prepared to present your case in a clear and concise manner. Know the facts and be ready to answer any questions your legislators may have. Be respectful and professional in your interactions.