MATA's Legislative Outreach shifts
MATA has developed a database of our members and the legislators/public officials with whom they have a relationship. Of the 193 connections we have recorded, 104 of them are with current legislators and are considered “active.” Most of these relationships are formed outside of MATA or politics. Sometimes the legislator or a family member is a former client of a MATA attorney. Sometimes the legislator attends the same church or his children attend the same school. Occasionally, the relationship is formed because of MATA. The important thing is that the connection is based on shared values and interests rather than a series of transactions. As MATA Member Paul Bullman says, “The legislators who are my contacts know I share their values on other issues so I feel they understand when I’m talking about the 7th Amendment.”
This strategy of personal contact between members and legislators has been successful. Legislators view their MATA contacts as a source of legal expertise. The legislators have begun contacting our members when their constituents have legal questions as well as when a piece of legislation has provisions of interest to MATA.
“As a non-lawyer, having someone I could turn to for legal questions is useful. Especially when I know they are looking out for my constituents and not just their own interests,” said State Rep. Sheila Solon.
How to participate:
Generally, we ask members to reach out to their contacts four times a year, and in particular when key votes are coming up in the legislature. Suggested messages and talking points are provided, along with all relevant contact information.
Contact Sara Schuett in the MATA office to participate.
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