LOBBYISTS
So, you are a lobbyist or media correspondent?
Explore this page to find out more about your specific responsibilities and how to prepare.
Page Contents
Simulating State Legislature
While anyone is able to communicate with and advocate to legislators, lobbyists are paid by various individuals, businesses, and industries that seek to impact policy.
The word “lobbyist” comes from the practice of standing in the state house lobby while trying to get lawmakers’ votes. Much lobbying still occurs outside the senate and house chambers.
Lobbyists are tasked with:
Knowing how the group they represent feels about the bills being considered, the pros and the cons.
Actively working to pass or fail legislation that affects the group that they represent.
Lobby Groups
Citizens' Committee for Individual Rights (CCIR)
General Philosophy
Members of the Citizens’ Committee for Individual Rights believe lawmakers should not abridge a person’s freedom.
They believe that state and federal law has already placed too many restrictions on its citizens and we would like to dismantle “big government.”
They oppose tax raises and increased funding from tax payers money.
They also promote fairness to all citizens. The fair and equal treatment of everyone by the government is very important to us.
Churches of Florida United (CFU)
General Philosophy
They are representing the Churches of Florida United, a coalition of the principal denominations in Florida.
The Churches of Florida United firmly support the preservation and restoration of public morality in Florida.
They defend the dignity and rights of all people, especially the weak and powerless.
The position of the CFU has always been one of protecting the religious freedom of churches and individuals.
Florida Business Association (FBA)
General Philosophy
The FBA believes that the high standard of living expected by the people of Florida is a direct result of the economic growth of the state – i.e., more businesses means more jobs; more jobs means more money; more money means a higher standard of living.
This lobby group will support any legislation that encourages the growth of business and industry within the state.
They are skeptical of new taxes and fight inflationary government practices.
They want government to remove regulations and allow the free market economy to operate.
Florida Parents for Education (FPE)
General Philosophy
In general, the FPE believes that a well-rounded education consists of a variety of experiences originating not only in the school classroom, but also from the community at large.
As a group, they support legislation that results in educational opportunities.
FPE believes the task of education is too large to be left entirely to the community schools. The public school district is the primary source of education for children, therefore standards of excellence must be maintained.
Law Enforcement Council (LEC)
General Philosophy
The LEC believes that traffic control and other enforcement areas are under staffed and they need additional money to hire staff to enforce laws properly.
They believe, if a person has broken the law, he/she should be punished to strengthen the “Arm of Justice.”
The philosophy of the Law Enforcement Council is: “Let’s get tough!”
Stewards of Earth (SOE)
General Philosophy
The SOE believes that our environment is fragile.
We should be stewards of our precious natural resources.
Beauty alone is not at stake. Our very existence as a species is dependent upon the protection of our air, water, soil, and oxygen-producing plant resources.
They support legislative action to protect our environment.
They support agriculture only when it has low negative impact on the environment.
Preparing for Florida 4-H Legislature
To have the best experience at Florida 4-H Legislature, we recommend that you do the following in the weeks leading up to the event to prepare for your role:
Discover which lobby group you have been assigned to by checking your assignment email, sent to either you or your parents' email address.
Find the "Lobby Bill Pro/Con Chart" page in Manual II. This can be found in the "Please Print to Have at Legislature" section on the Home page of this resource site.
For the bills pertinent to your Lobby Group, gather facts and develop arguments about the implications why (or why not) it should pass to law. Both sides of the issues must be known in order to effectively persuade those in opposition and those legislators who are undecided.
Prepare a short one to two minute speech/presentation to present at the Second Committee Meeting to which the bill has been assigned.
You may make fliers to hand out to promote your position about a specific bill.
Be ready to answer impromptu questions from the legislators in relation to the bills your speaking on.
It is okay not to know the answer to every single question that could ever possibly exist.
An answer of "I am not sure on that, but I can get back with you" is always acceptable.
It's preferable to making up an answer with no facts to back it up.
Keep in mind that a legislator is responsible for issues affecting everyone and therefore must know something about the benefits and harm of a given bill to all people. The same preparation is desirable for a lobbyist. The lobbyist, however, represents the interest of a particular group, and group interests are generally confined to issues that affect the Lobby Group.
The Florida 4-H Legislature is a time and place to learn and practice skills. Therefore, a Lobbyist may choose a point of view that is different from their own opinion — just to practice the skills of debate and persuasion.
During Your Time at LEG
Your responsibilities during the week of LEG include:
Engaging in discussion with 4-H Legislators trying to persuade them to your position. You can start as soon as you arrive in Tallahassee
Participate in Lobby Group Meetings to work with members of your lobby group to plan a strategy to lobby the legislators. During the 1st Lobby Group meeting, each group will decide amongst themselves which Lobbyist will be lobbying for or against the bills assigned to that particular Lobby Group.
During the Second Committee Meeting, you will complete an Appearance Card indicating your desire to appear before the committee. You will be allowed to present information for a specific bill. Your job is to try to get the Legislative committee members to vote either in favor or opposition to a specific bill as you and your lobby group would prefer.
During Tuesday evening lobby hours, talk with as many different legislators as possible to persuade them to vote for or against bills that are of interest to your lobby group.
During Senate and House sessions:
You will continue to influence legislators by sending them messages about why they should support or defeat a bill being discussed.
You will also have the opportunity to learn about the Florida Supreme Court and participate in a mock trial.
Becoming a Legislative Aide
Once your main responsibilities as a lobbyist are complete on Tuesday, the Governor, Lt. Governor, and presiding officers will choose legislative aides from amongst you and your peers. Your role will be to help them conduct the business of their position.
Be aware of the following actions that can help you stick out as a potential legislative aide:
Well rounded preparation for your bill presentations
Confident speaking during your bill presentations
Positive engagement with legislators outside of committee meetings and lobby hour
Becoming a Page
Once your main responsibilities as a lobbyist are complete on Tuesday, you have the opportunity to become a page.
Pages take messages between the legislators, Governor, Lt. Governor, and presiding officers.
Messages may include facts about a bill, information to develop political allies, etc.
Messages should be pertinent to the business of the Florida 4-H Legislature program.
Pages are seated in the back of the House or Senate chambers while they are in session.