COHEAO Legislative Handbook

The COHEAO Legislative Handbook

Introduction

This legislative handbook has been prepared for you so that you can be a more effective public policy advocate—for yourself, your business or institution, COHEAO, and students—in both the national and state legislature. It is not intended to expose you to everything you need to know or tell all there is about successful public policy advocacy.

Americans—from CEOs of Fortune 500 Companies to recipients of public assistance—often seek advice about how to make their voices heard. Primarily, this is a result of the great myth that surrounds the people and processes that make our laws. Contrary to popular sentiment, Representatives and Senators are not inaccessible, power-hungry people who possess god-like powers. Rather, they are merely men and women designated by you and your community to represent your views. There is no need to be ill at ease when expressing your views on significant issues to your elected representatives. If you read this manual and heed the advice contained within, you will embark on, improve, and finally master the art of communicating simply and effectively with key decision-makers.

Finally, keep these admonitions in mind as you seek to learn about or expand your knowledge of "the system":

Too late to dig well when house on fire.
—ancient Chinese proverb

The time to make friends is before you need them.
—Lyndon Baines Johnson

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