Throughout the year there are numerous times and places where you can give your input to your elected officials and employees of state government.  The time that captures the most press and public awareness is during the legislative session. 

The legislative session begins the third Tuesday in January and runs for either 30 or 60 straight days including Sundays.  There are opportunities at every step in the process public input beginning with an idea for a piece of legislation.  Every law started out as someone’s idea.  You have the ability to have an idea, take it to your Senator or Representative and ask him or her to sponsor a bill for you.

After any bill you in which you are interested is introduced it will be referred to two or more committees.  These committees will schedule that bill for a hearing.  When that hearing is scheduled you can be present in the hearing room and, when asked, stand up and speak either for or against the bill.  Schedules and calendars can be found on the NM Legislature website: http://www.legis.state.nm.us The text of bills and amendments can also be found there.  Wear comfortable shoes and come prepared to wait.

Every committee hearing is open to the public unless otherwise posted.  If you take the opportunity to attend a legislative hearing you need to know that there is a legislative way of doing business and the public is expected to act accordingly.  The Chairman of the committee runs hearings and the public must only sit and listen until the Chairman asks for public comment.

Wait to be recognized.  After the Chairman has asked if anyone wishes to make public comment or during the legislative session speak on behalf of or against a bill, raise your hand and the Chairman will tell you when it is your turn.

Address the committee by first recognizing the chairman of the committee – Mr./Madam Chairman, Members of the Committee.

Thank the committee for the opportunity to speak.  This is a courtesy offered by the Chairman and is not a requirement for the committee.

Introduce yourself – say who you are, where you are from, and why this is important to you.

Keep your testimony SHORT and to the point.  Give a brief statement about why this issue is important to you and how it affects your family.  Ask the members of the committee to support or vote against the bill.  Thank the committee again then sit down.  If any committee member wants more information he or she will come back to you with questions.

When answering a question – first address the chairman – Mr./Madam Chairman, then the legislator asking the question – Representative ____________ or Senator ____________.  Give your answer then sit back down when the Legislator has been satisfied.

Legislators are very approachable during the legislative session.  Two Representatives share a secretary and office.  Senators have a secretary and an office to themselves.  You can call and try to schedule a time to meet.  Or you can just drop by their offices and hope to find them in and available.  If you go to his or her office in person make sure you leave a note with the secretary that gives your message with your name, address and phone number.  Frequently, the best time to talk with your Legislators is to walk with them as they move to the next place on their schedule.

Legislators speak with hundreds of people every day during the legislative session so, if possible, talk to them in your community before they leave for Santa Fe in January.  Have your name, address and phone number with you on a piece of paper.  Try and have your main points in writing as well.  This will help your Legislator concentrate on you and what you are saying if you will supply the basic notes.

Come with a pleasant, non-confrontational manner.  Compliment your Legislator for the time and effort he or she is expending.  They work long, long hours for no pay and with no staff.  Everyone needs a pat on the back occasionally and your Legislator will have positive memories of you if he or she doesn’t feel attacked.  No one is open to changes or new ideas when on the defensive.

Be specific.  Tell your story and then make specific recommendations for addressing the problem.  Having a solution to suggest will keep you from sounding like just a complainer.

Have documentation, if possible – numbers, facts, names of studies.  If you are asked for information and you don’t have it with you, offer to look it up and send it later.  It’s all right to say “I don’t know” but NEVER make something up.

Nothing influences a Legislator as much as hearing from people in his or her home district.  They are always aware that the people back home elected them as their voice in Santa Fe at the State Legislature.  Even if going to the Capital is not possible for you, making phone calls and writing letters is crucial.  Legislators want to be educated about the issues that are important to their constituents.  Ask for their support on your concerns.  Letters can be addressed to you Representative or Senator at State Capital Building, Santa Fe, NM 87503 (505) 986-4300.

Don’t forget the Governor.  After the Legislative Session is over the Governor must still act on bills that have been passed by the Legislature.  Call or write the Governor stating your concerns and ask him to either sign or veto the legislation.  The Governor’s office can be reached at State Capital Building, Santa Fe, NM 87503 (505) 827-3000.