GREAT TIPS FOR DEALING WITH LEGISLATORS

Fort Myers News Press political columnist Betty Parker had a great to-do column Sunday for people who want to let their feelings be heard with the Legislature. I'm taking the liberty to print them here, as it's always good to know some of the "tricks of the trade" in getting your message heard in Tallahassee:

--- Don't just write saying "I support/oppose Bill 1234", as the version you may be writing about may change in a matter of hours. Always mention what you specifically want the legislation to do.

--- Don't send form letters/cards. Lawmakers tend to question the commitment of the sender if they're just sending a form letter. Make the time to write your own letter stating your opinion...and keep it brief! It makes a far stronger impression.

--- Remember that your legislator is not involved with every issue. Legislators are assigned to specific committees by the House Speaker or Senate President, and are much more knowledgable about bills that their committees consider.

--- Speaking of committees, virtually all significant work on bills are done in committee. By the time that the legislation reaches the floor, the major issues are already resolved.

--- The terms "sponsor" and "co-sponsor" mean significantally different things.
The "sponsor" is the bill's originator, who will guide the proposal through the legislative process. Any member can sign on as a "co-sponsor", but it doesn't mean a great deal...in many cases the "co-sponsor" simply casts a yes vote, and that's the extent of their involvement.

--- A successful bill also will probably have a companion or similar bill in the other chamber. If you see a bill that's filed in one chamber but lacks a companion or similar bill in the other, that bill's chances for passage are less than optimal.

--- If you go to Tallahassee, don't expect to get much time if you plan to visit your legislator. Their schedules are usually jammed with committee meetings for at least eight hours a day on top of the regular legislative session. Ten minutes is typical, 15 means you got lucky. Professionals know that often the best chance they get is walking with a lawmaker from one meeting to another. If you can get it, use it.

--- There are a myriad of procedural and scheduling rules in each chamber, but members can and do waive those rules.

Only one rule counts: Anything can happen if the right people want it to.