Speaking at NFIB's Small Business Day, Rep. Scott Lipps explains how to connect with your state legislators
State Rep. Scott Lipps (District 55) says events like NFIB’s Small Business Day at the Capitol are a great way for owners to connect with their legislators, but, he said, it’s only the beginning.
Speaking at Small Business Day on May 17, Lipps said the event and others like are important, because “when you get in front of them, you are getting there and saying, ‘This is what I do. I’m a small business business person. I employ people in Ohio. I live here. I work here. I worship here. I pay taxes here.'”
Next, owners should follow up. “Follow that up with a phone call to their office, with a thank-you card or an email,” he said. It’s hard to read every email, but “the handwritten thank-you cards do get to us. I get a weekly binder from my staff, and all the thank-you cards are tucked in a folder for me to go through.”
NFIB members should also remember that other organizations hold similar events, which is why they should make a point of connecting with their legislators outside Small Business Day. “You have to make sure we believe you’re passionate, and that commitment will come through when you find us somewhere off of … [Capitol] Square,” Lipps said. “Columbus is great, but if you really care about your issue, you’ll find us at home.”
Lipps said, “Once you become really impassioned and bold and you’ve met us and you start having the ability to call and text, you’re building that relationship.”
One way to connect with legislators at home is by hosting or attending a roundtable or other event in your district. If you’re interested in hosting an event with local legislators at your small business, contact Grassroots Manager Anthony Lagunzad at [email protected]
