In today's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with California ⁠Senator Lena Gonzalez⁠ (D-33), hailing from the great city of Long Beach.

As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Gonzalez shared her unique insights into the legislative committee process.

We discuss the behind-the-scenes work that goes into vetting and advancing bills and the Senator offers valuable advice to advocates on how to effectively communicate with committee members and ensure their voices are heard.

We also delve into the dynamics of committee recommendations and the rare instances when a chair's recommendation is challenged, a process known as "rolling the chair."

7:20 - Committee Process and Chair Responsibilities
09:33 - Importance of Advocate Letters and Communication
10:45 - Committee Consultants and Their Role
13:08 - Last-Minute Advocacy and Committee Decisions
14:35 - Utilizing Social Media for Advocacy
15:48 - The Impact of Sample Messaging and Personalization
17:43 - The Dynamics of 'Rolling the Chair'
18:24 - The Importance of Advocacy and Community Engagement
19:33 - The Role of District Staff in Advocacy
21:46 - Advice for Continued Engagement and Advocacy

Learn more about Senator Lena Gonzalez ⁠here⁠ - https://sd33.senate.ca.gov/biography.

Learn more about ⁠the California Legislative process in my new book! Changemaker: An Insider's Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol is out now. Check it out at www.kbhadvocacy.com/changemaker.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Arianna Z. Smith runs a boutique public affairs firm that specializes in policy writing, advocacy training, and lobbying materials.  Arianna has spent nearly 20 years in California's policy circles as legislative staff and as a consultant to statewide professional associations, progressive non-profits, and lobbying firms like mine.  I've worked with Arianna frequently.  She edited my book Changemaker, a job I entrusted her with because she understands California's legislature - and more importantly, knows how to explain the legislative process to newcomers.  Hire her for all your policy communication needs - association newsletters, lobby day training, support letters, background papers, fact sheets, talking points, and more.  Find Arianna on LinkedIn or ⁠www.ariannazsmith.com⁠. 

Remember to leave a review and connect with me on social media -@kbashamilton on Twitter and LinkedIn, @KBH_advocacy on IG.

Enjoy the show!

© 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.