New Clerk Academy Tallahassee, Florida
The Legislative Process: Protocol and Advocacy The Honorable Karen E. Rushing, Sarasota County Clerk of Court, and FCCC Legislative Committee Chair Fred W. Baggett, Esq., General Counsel Gus Corbella, Greenberg Traurig THE ROLE OF CLERKS AND YOUR LOBBY TEAM IN TALLAHASSEE
Role of the Clerk in the Legislative Process Importance of relationship with your local delegation *Notify the FCCC team of any special relationships you may have with legislators or key decision makers Sharing of information/coordination with FCCC Legislative Committee and Committee Chair Karen Rushing Participation during scheduled WebEx conference calls Participation during Clerks Legislative Day at the Capitol
Role of Your Legislative Lobby Team Monitor and advocate for legislative priorities with Legislators and key staff Work closely with FCCC and Clerk Rushing during Session Update Clerks during scheduled WebEx conference calls Respond to individual concerns and local priorities
Legislative Process Aggressively advocate on behalf of Clerk-related issues before Legislative and Executive branches of government Read bills and mark for a Master Clerk List Track committee meetings Attend or monitor pertinent meetings Survey Clerks on issues as they arise Prepare materials for the Legislative Chair Provide fiscal and operational impacts on bills Answer calls from Legislative staffers, agency legislative liaisons or other lobbyists on impact of bills Help organize and staff scheduled Legislative WebEx conference calls Write advisories on bills Write and publish an end of Session wrap up report
Coordination with Communications Team Work closely with FCCC staff and Bascom Communications on: Editorial Board meetings Help to set our Legislative Agenda with your local media. Build momentum for our issues during the Session. Legislative Outreach Notes of congratulations on your behalf to all members of the Legislature Monitor media clips during Session Prepare press releases and press conferences, as necessary
Coordination with Stakeholders Legislative team works closely during Session with: Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC) The Courts Public Defenders State Attorneys Law Enforcement Other relevant state agencies
Some Words of Wisdom Actions have consequences. Please coordinate with your mentor before speaking with any elected officials. There is a history of problems that resulted from a lack of coordination: Two major counties well intentioned and justified issues, but it blindsided the Legislative team and caused concerns Don t oversaturate elected officials with your support. Chits are limited. Spend them wisely. Know your message and state it clearly and simply. Legislative talking points will help keep all Clerks on message. Important to coordinate all Legislative issues through your Legislative lobby team.
Important Legislative Dates Legislative Committee weeks: Weeks of January 5 and January 20, February 2, February 9, February 16, 2015 First Day of Session: March 3, 2015 Clerks Legislative Day Event: March 18, 2015, Tallahassee Last Day of Session: May 1, 2015 We will hold scheduled Legislative WebEx conference calls to keep you informed of developments.
Elected Officials and Committees of Importance Governor Rick Scott Senate President Andy Gardiner Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee House Appropriations Chairman Richard Corcoran Senate Judiciary Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla House Judiciary Chairman Charles McBurney Senate Criminal & Civil Justice Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron House Justice Appropriations Chairman Larry Metz
Issues of Importance to Clerks Past Issues: History of funding debate Upcoming 2015 Session issues: 1. Revenue Enhancement
Key Points to Take Away Communication and coordination with your Legislative team are key and prevent problems from developing Session is a process: Things will change day to day, week to week Your local relationships with Legislators are important Know your message and state it concisely
On behalf of your Legislative Lobby Team, Thank you!