January 2002 • Volume 8 • Number 1
Use personal approach to influence lawmakers
When it comes to making decisions about health care policies, most legislators don't have the medical knowledge to deal with the issues. That's why family physicians must share their expertise with lawmakers, said FP John Redwine, D.O., of Sioux City, Iowa.
"Yes, you can buy legislators' attention. But buying their attention is not buying their votes," says John Redwine, M.D. First, you have to get in the legislator's door. Redwine, a state senator in Iowa, said to start by making appointments through the legislators' district offices.
"See them in your neighborhood," he told attendees at the AAFP State Legislative Conference, held here Nov. 16 17. "And do your homework first. When you call, you need to know at least a little about the issue for which you want to garner support."
Personal visits influence lawmakers. Even if they end up voting against you on one issue, they may side with you in the future. "Get to know your legislators personally, any way you can," Redwine said. "Establish that relationship before there is something you need."
Keep their attention by contributing to political action committees and candidates' campaign funds, but know the rules and limits in your state, he advised. "Yes, you can buy legislators' attention. But buying their attention is not buying their votes."
Also, he said, form letters work well, especially when lawmakers receive them in large quantities.
"So when the Academy alerts you to act, act now!" Redwine said. "Believe them, and be quick about it. When a vote is imminent, that's the time to strike."
Visit AAFP's Speak Out: Legislative Action Center at http://capitol.aafp.org for more information about working with government officials. Click on "Elected Officials" to find your lawmakers and their contact information. Click on "Issues and Legislation" for the Academy's calls to action and information on other hot topics and legislation. And while there, check out "Capitol Hill Basics" for more tips on communicating with Congress and to learn how bills become laws.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2002 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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