Making an impact in politics requires a knowledge of the process. Use the links below to familiarize yourself with the political process, its jargon and get a lesson in "Politics 101."

Phone your legislator
(A convenient way to make the right contact.)

You can call four places:

The Legislative Hotline.
800.362.9472 toll free in WI
608.266.9960 in Madison

Their capitol office.

Their district office.

Their home.

Helpful Hints

1. Speak with their staff.
   Ask to speak to the staff member who handles health policy issues. Legislators are tied up in many meetings. Build a relationship with the staff and legislator so they know you when you call. You can request a call from the legislator.
2. Be prepared.
   Jot down some notes before calling, so you get your point across, being as specific as you can.
3. Don't bully.
   Threats and yelling are sure ways to be ignored or dismissed.
4. Ask for a response.
   Give your name, address and phone number so the legislator knows who you are.
5. Be timely.
   The earlier in the process you call, the more impact you'll have. If SMS asks you to write, call or participate, don't hesitate.
6. Call back.
   Ask what's happening? Follow the progress of your issue as it winds through the political process.
7. Say thank you.

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Write or e-mail your legislator
(There is power in the written word.)

1. Your correspondance should identify you.
   Type or write legibly and make sure your return address (business or home) is on the letter or e-mail.
   
   
2. Identify yourself.
   • "I'm a physician who."
   • "I practice medicine in ..."
   
   
3. Explain your relationship to the issue.
   • "I am a member of the Wisconsin Medical Society..."
   • "As a physician, I see patients who..."
   • "As a specialist in the field of..."
   
   
4. Under two pages and only one issue per letter.
   Legislators are busy, so boil your argument down to the most basic facts and arguments.
   
   
5. Be specific.
   Give the bill number if you know it or identify the subject area as best you can (or call Society lobbyists to help you).
   
   
6. Clearly state your position and reasoning.
   Perhaps you support an entire bill or maybe you are against a single amendment. Back up your claim with facts and personal experience.
   
   
7. Be reasonable.
   Legislators are human, too. Don't expect the impossible. Remember, they are just one of many in the capitol.
   
   
8. Make specific requests.
   • "I'd appreciate a written response."
   • "Please let me know your views."
   • "...get back to me before my meeting on..."
   
   
9. Avoid form-letter language.
   Form letters are not as effective as letters "from the heart." Avoid stereotyped and vague sentences and phrases that don't ring true.
   
   
10. Say thank you.

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What not to say
(Do it right.)

1. "I supported your opponent."

2. "I didn't vote for you," or "I'd never vote for you."

3. "You're an idiot. The next time you run, I'm going to work to defeat you."

4. "I only give money to Democrats." (and you're talking to a Republican)

5. "If you don't change your mind, give me one good reason to vote for you next time around." (this is a threat)

6. "If you vote for this bill, I'll be sure some money finds its way into your campaign fund." (this is a bribe)

7. "You're wrong." (even if you think they are)

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Useful government Web sites

State of Wisconsin "Badger" Information Server
(with links to the Legislature and state departments)
http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/home

State Legislature Main Page
(with links to the State Senate and Assembly, pending legislation, live audio and video feeds and much more)
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/

U.S. Senate Main Page
(with links to Senators, committees, and legislation)
http://www.senate.gov/

U.S. House of Representatives Main Page
(with links to Representatives, committees and legislation)
http://www.house.gov/

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When a legislator says...
(If you're confused, there's a reason.)

"Let me get back to you."

"We need to communicate better."

"I'll take your comments into consideration."

"I want everyone to pull together."

"That will cost a lot of money."

"Call me back and we'll discuss it further."

"It doesn't have a lot of support from my colleagues."

"There are no co-sponsors in the other House."

"This issue is very controversial."

"You will have a tough time getting it passed this session."

. . . The Only Rule to Remember Is
If It's Not 'Yes,' It's No

Don't be discouraged! It often takes a few tries to 'educate' your legislator.

And remember, often the most important function of contacting your legislator is simply the fact that you did — regardless of her/his response.

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How the legislative process works
(There is a method to the madness.)

• The bill is introduced, often at the suggestion of a constituent, special interest group or political party pushing their agenda.

• The bill is sent to the appropriate committee, where it is debated and changes (amendments) can be made. It is then voted on and either dies, resurfaces with new amendments, or is passed as introduced and sent to the Rules Committee.

• Both the Senate and the House (or Assembly) have Rules Committees controlled by leadership in both houses. They
  decide when bills will reach the floor.

• Once a bill reaches the Senate or House floor, it is usually debated and then voted on. If it fails, that's the end of the bill. If it passes, it is messaged (or sent) to the other house, where it normally follows the similar committee, rules, floor process.

• If a bill makes it through both houses, it is sent to the Governor's (or President's) desk where it can be vetoed (killed), signed into law, or left alone, in which case it becomes law after 10 days. The Wisconsin Governor has strong veto powers that allow him/her to delete letters and numbers, sometimes changing the whole meaning of a bill. A two-thirds majority vote is needed in both houses to override a veto.

Note: While this is a basic outline of the normal course a bill takes, there are always exceptions. Some bills never leave committee and some become law in a week, so stay alert!

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Make a contribution
(Contributions gain access for you and our lobbyists.)

There are four ways to contribute:

1. WISMedDIRECT
   WISMedDIRECT is a "direct givers" account, sometimes called a conduit. These accounts are gaining more and more favor over PAC contributions. Your contribution to WISMedDIRECT is like a deposit into a political checking account — your dollars only go to the candidates you choose. You can request that all or part of your WISMedDIRECT account be sent to any state candidate. You get credit for the contribution as a member of the medical profession.

2. WISMedPAC
   Political Action Committees (PACs) are funded by voluntary donations from members. Your contribution to WISMedPAC is pooled with those of other members and directed to candidates or political parties by the WISMedPAC Board of Directors. WISMedPAC contributes to candidates who support physician views.

3. Individual Check
   You are allowed to give money to any candidate or party you wish. However, though the candidate knows you've contributed, there is likely little or no credit for the medical profession.

4. In-kind
   Donations to defray campaign expenses (e.g., postage, printing, food, host a fundraiser).

Your contribution to WISMedDIRECT or WISMedPAC will make a difference! To help out, call the Wisconsin Medical Society at 866.442.3800 and ask to speak with the WISMedPAC coordinator or click here to make a contribution.

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