ATSSA Signal November December 2020

The Signal | November/December 2020 17 ◊ Focus on key talking points. ◊ Identify what sets ATSSA apart from other construction industry associations. ◊ Emphasize safety! • Have an “Ask”: Your ask should be simple and direct. Examples of an ask include: ◊ Remember to include ATSSA at the table for infrastructure funding discussions. ◊ Pass or do not pass House/ Senate Bill XX. ◊ Commit to working together on a new policy idea. • Bring a “one-pager”: A one-pager is a simple document that outlines key information about who you are and what you stand for. ATSSA uses one-pagers at our annual Legislative Briefing & Fly-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., too. ATSSA can help with content and formatting of these documents. Emphasize safety and jobs! • Follow Up: After the meeting, be sure to follow up with your new contacts in the policymakers’ offices (or the policymakers themselves). Also, complete any follow-up items or “homework” that was discussed in your meeting!  To reach ATSSA Director of State Government Rela- tions Renée W. Gibson, renee.gibson@atssa.com . Government Relations Prepare for skillful advocacy at your statehouse in 2021 By Renée W. Gibson, ATSSA Staff As this unusual year draws to its end, state governments are looking ahead toward their 2021 legislative sessions. In most cases, they will be coming out of an election year, and in some cases there will be new leadership and even a new governor. The pandemic has taken a toll on public health, employment, and state budgets inmany states. As a result, 2021 will be a unique challenge for state governments. HowcanATSSAmembers continueengag- ing at the state level to be sure ATSSA member priorities are considered and advanced? Most state legislatures convene at the beginning of the year andmeet for three to six months. A handful of states meet year-round, suchasCalifornia, Ohio, Penn- sylvania, andNew Jersey. Another handful of statesonlymeet duringodd-numbered years. TexasandNorthDakota fall into that category. To learnmoreabout your state’s legislative calendar, go to multistate.us/ resources/2020-legislative-session-dates . State Advocacy Day We have the greatest impact when we gather together to raise a common voice. If your ATSSA chapter has been active in government relations, consider joining it to take part in its next advocacy day. If you are interested in working with your chapter tobecomemore involved in state government advocacy, ATSSA offers a program to help you launch an advo- cacy day. While some capitol buildings remain closed due to COVID-19, many legislators and other state officials have embraced virtual technology. (Check the COVID-related guidelines for details: multistate.us/resources/state-legislature- buildings-covid-19-safety-guidelines. ) Your chapter could start with a virtual advocacy day and make plans for an in-person day in the state capital once COVID restrictions are lifted and every- one feels safe attending. Interested in a state advocacy day? Contact the ATSSA Government Rela- tions team at govrelations@atssa.com . When working with state government officials, keep in mind these “Advocacy Goals” and “Things to Remember.” Advocacy Goals • Inform: ATSSA members are uniquely qualified experts on highway safety measures and other critical infrastructure needs. By offering to serve as a resource, state lawmakers know they can look to ATSSA members for factual, well-advised information. • Advance Issues and ATSSA Messaging: A meeting with a key legislative leader or other policymaker is an opportunity to discuss issues that affect your business and employees. • Advocate for Specific Legislation or Policy Goals: After establishing a relationship, in-person meetings are an important way to make the case for legislation. Another option is to attend a public hearing on a bill and testify in support or opposition, based on how the bill would affect your business and the ATSSA position on the bill. Things to Remember: • Streamline your meeting’s format: ◊ Identify an individual to start the meeting and lead the discussion to avoid awkward pauses or repetition.