Preparing to Lobby for the 2025-2026 Legislative Cycle
Lobbying at the Massachusetts State Legislature can be a highly rewarding but complex task. With its unique rules, timelines, and political dynamics, it’s essential to be well-prepared to navigate this legislative environment effectively. Whether you’re advocating for a nonprofit, corporation, or grassroots organization, getting ready for the legislative session requires a strategic approach.
1. Understand the Legislative Calendar and Process
Before diving into advocacy work, familiarize yourself with the Massachusetts legislative calendar. The state legislature operates on a two-year cycle, starting in early January of odd-numbered years and running through the end of July in even-numbered years, with informal sessions continuing until the end of the calendar year. Key dates, such as bill filing deadlines, committee hearings, and budget deliberations, are critical for timing your lobbying efforts.
Key Steps:
Know the session timeline: Mark important deadlines for bill submissions, amendments, and hearings. InstaTrac’s bill tracking software, MassTrac lists important deadlines and dates on the calendar which integrates with Outlook, Gmail, and iCal, as well as in a neat pdf for you to download.
Follow the legislative process: Learn the journey a bill takes from its introduction, through committees, debates, and voting, to the governor’s desk. With MassTrac, you’ll always be notified immediately of changes in a bill’s history, as well as when hearings are scheduled. Bills in Massachusetts can be introduced by both representatives and senators, so tracking them is crucial.
2. Research Legislators and Their Districts
Effective lobbying hinges on relationships and knowing your audience. You need to know which legislators are involved in key committees, what issues matter to them, and how their constituents might view your cause.
Key Steps:
Identify key players: Research the members of relevant committees, including the chairs, ranking members, and those with significant influence on MassTrac’s Legislator and Committee pages. Though appointments change, you’ll often find the chairs of committees like Ways and Means, Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and the Joint Committee on Judiciary will be the same.
Understand the legislators’ districts: Know the demographics and key issues in each lawmaker’s district. If your issue aligns with the concerns of a legislator’s constituents, your message will resonate more deeply.
Build relationships: Begin establishing relationships with legislative staff members, as they are often the gatekeepers and can provide you with critical insights about the legislator’s priorities. MassTrac updates staff directories monthly, giving you the most up-to-date contacts.
3. Prepare a Strong Legislative Agenda
A well-defined legislative agenda is the backbone of any lobbying effort. Your agenda should clearly state your objectives, why they matter, and how the proposed changes will benefit constituents.
Key Steps:
Clarify your goals: Are you advocating for the passage of a new bill, amending an existing one, or blocking proposed legislation? Many bills can be refiles from the last session, too. MassTrac’s bill text comparison tool makes it easy to input one bill and compare it to its amended version with additions in green and omissions in red. Make sure your goals are concrete, well researched and measurable.
Back up your arguments with data: Legislators are often swayed by facts and figures. Compile relevant research, case studies, and testimonials that demonstrate the positive impact of your position. In Massachusetts, data on economic impacts, public health, and community well-being are often influential.
Prepare concise materials: Create one-pagers or fact sheets that summarize your position and key arguments. These should be easy to digest, as legislators often have limited time to review in-depth materials.
4. Stay Informed on Massachusetts Policy Trends
Understanding the political climate in Massachusetts is vital for framing your message. The state has a progressive leaning, with a strong focus on healthcare, education, environmental policy, and economic equality. However, it’s also home to a variety of interest groups, from business associations to labor unions, that can influence the legislative process too. MassTrac has bill data, policy reports, and budget analyses dating back from 1995. Utilize our data to find trends and indicators on how the Legislature has historically responded to your issue.
Key Steps:
Track bills and issues: Use a legislative tracking service to monitor bills related to your interests. Keeping an eye on key issues allows you to anticipate when and how to engage.
Know the budget process: The Massachusetts state budget is often a focal point of legislative debate, and many policy decisions are influenced by budgetary concerns. Increasingly the Legislative has been using budgets as omnibus bills to pass legislation without having to undergo its own legislative journey. Understanding where funding priorities lie historically can help shape your lobbying approach.
Follow state politics: Keep abreast of any shifts in political leadership or priorities that may affect your issue. Local news outlets, political blogs, and government reports are valuable resources for staying informed.
5. Network and Build Coalitions
Lobbying is rarely a solo endeavor. Building coalitions with like-minded groups and organizations can significantly amplify your voice and increase your chances of success.
Key Steps:
Identify allies: Look for other organizations or advocacy groups that share your goals. Forming a coalition not only broadens your influence but can also provide you with additional resources, data, and strategies. MassTrac has a database of registered lobbyists and their positions on bills for you to find your allies. Also offered are scorecards of legislators so you can see exactly who your legislative champions are.
Engage with stakeholders: Whether it’s other lobbyists, community organizations, or industry groups, connecting with relevant stakeholders can help create a united front. Stakeholders often have valuable insights or connections that you may not have.
Leverage grassroots support: Legislators listen to their constituents. Mobilizing grassroots support by organizing calls, emails, or social media campaigns can help put additional pressure on lawmakers.
6. Master the Art of Lobbying Meetings
Meeting with lawmakers is a critical part of lobbying, and how you present your case can make or break your efforts. It’s essential to be well-prepared and professional during these interactions.
Key Steps:
Be concise and direct: Legislators and their staff are busy, so make sure to communicate your message quickly and clearly. Start with your ask—whether it's supporting or opposing a bill—and back it up with facts.
Listen and adapt: Be prepared to adjust your messaging based on feedback from the lawmaker or their staff. They may have concerns or questions that you need to address on the spot.
Follow up: After your meeting, send a thank-you note or email, reiterating your key points. Continue to maintain contact throughout the legislative process to keep your issue top of mind.
Lobbying the Massachusetts State Legislature requires a blend of strategic planning, relationship-building, and adaptability. By understanding the legislative process, staying informed on political trends, and cultivating strong relationships, you can effectively navigate the complexities of the Massachusetts legislative system. Whether you're fighting for a new bill or working to prevent harmful legislation, thorough preparation is key to making your voice heard on Beacon Hill. Worker smarter not harder by subscribing to MassTrac, the service that tracks all pertinent information about the Massachusetts Legislature.
Interested in learning more? Sign up for a free tutorial!