The right to petition government forms the basis for present day lobbying. While many view the townhall meeting at which every voter casts his/her vote on a given issue as the truly democratic way, most agree that because of the size, location and complexity of government, it is difficult or even unrealistic.

As we enter the critical stage of debate on the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment in the Illinois General Assembly, it is imperative that mayors and other municipal officials from across the state make their will known on this important issue.

The Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment efforts will employ a strategy of direct and indirect lobbying to win passage in the legislature:

— Direct Lobbying consists of person-to-person communication, orally and in writing. This type of lobbying may include a legislator and other public officials, staff or committee aides, or may be conducted through a third party.

— Indirect Lobbying will include two parts — Grassroots lobbying provides large numbers of communications with legislators, usually through the public. Grasstops lobbying provides communications from prominent individuals, community leaders and key decision makers. The emphasis of grassroots lobbying tends to be of quantity, grasstops of quality.

Participation of municipal officials is crucial for successful passage of the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment. Legislators are much more interested in the opinions of their own constituents than Illinois Municipal League staff. Our most effective message will come from you and your fellow mayors, council members and other municipal officials,

The following are some guidelines to help you in the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment effort:

1. Stay informed.
Keep up to date on the latest developments on the Constitutional Amendment effort through IML publications — the Illinois Municipal Review, Legislative Bulletin and Mayors and Managers Newsletter. Each issue of these publications will contain current information on the progress of the Constitutional Amendment.

2. Put someone in charge.
Make sure one person is responsible for your community's unfunded mandates effort. This can be the mayor, city manager, clerk or staff person.

3. Get Acquainted.
If you have not already done so, take the time to personally meet your Senator or Representative. This will lay the groundwork for future conversations with them on the Unfunded Mandates issue.

4. Get to know your legislator's staff.
It's important to familiarize yourself with Springfield and district staff who assist your legislator. During busy times of the legislative session, if you can't get through to your Representative or Senator, their secretary or key staff member may be the next best thing.

5. Respond to IML requests for assistance.
Periodically, League staff may call on you to contact your legislator, host a town meeting or news conference, or send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Please respond in a timely fashion as we have a short amount of time to move the Constitutional Amendment through both houses of the General Assembly.

6. Know the issue.
Before you talk to your legislator or news media, make sure you know the facts. Know the pros and cons of mandate reform otherwise you won't be able to effectively present your position. IML staff can provide you with any background information you need.

7. Communicate effectively.
To successfully express your position with your legislator, consider the following:
— Clearly identify the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment resolution.
— Be brief and to the point.
— Show the affects of unfunded mandates on your community.
— Be specific on why the Constitutional Amendment must be approved.
— Don't overstate your case.
— Request a commitment. We need to lock-in support as quickly as possible.
— Follow-up. After your meeting or conversation with your legislator, send a follow-up letter. This gives you the opportunity to thank him or her for their time and allows you to make your key points agains.

8. Participate in Unfunded Mandates Day.
The Illinois Municipal League will host an Unfunded Mandates Day in Springfield on March 28. In lieu of the League's traditional Lobby Day, Unfunded Mandates Day will allow municipal officials to visit with their legislators and present a strong, unified front in emphasizing the importance in passing the Constitutional Amendment.

If you cannot travel to Springfield, consider hosting a news conference in your community to call attention to Unfunded Mandates Day and show your support for the Constitutional Amendment effort.

9. Keep local media informed.
Provide your local media with information on your

(Continued on page 30)

February 1996 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 9

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

activities regarding the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment. As legislators commit their support to passage of the Amendment, area media need to be informed.

10. Keep IML staff informed.
Be sure to send the League copies of your letters and faxes as they are issued. If you receive a response from your legislator, let us know about that, too.

11. Solicit support from community groups.
Reach out to other key community leaders: chamber of commerce, merchants, neighborhood associations, professional groups, League of Women Voters and others to enlist their support for the Constitutional Amendment. Encourage them to contact your legislator asking for his or her vote.

12. Say "thank you."
Remember to thank your legislator in person or in writing, and also publicly, for his/her support. A "thank you" can make a difference — most people don't take the time for this simple courtesy. Legislators remember those who do. Public recognition such as a letter to other area local officials or a letter to the editor praising the actions and support of your legislator can be an effective way of saying "thanks".

It is vital to the success of the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment that you get involved and stay involved. The most effective lobbying is done one-on-one with you and your legislator. IML staff are your advocates in Springfield, but you are the key to whether the Unfunded Mandates Constitutional Amendment effort is successful. •

Page 30 / Illinois Municipal Review / February 1996