Legislation – Make Your Opinion Count!

Legislators shape policy that governs much of society, including municipal operations. The following will help you become an effective legislative advocate:

·      ID the Need. Identify and discuss your need internally as well as with colleagues in surrounding towns. The NH Municipal Association can be very helpful at this and later stages of the process.

·      Meet Local Legislators. Inform your local Representatives and Senator of your need. Summertime is best for this step.

·      Build Support. Request your local legislator be Prime Sponsor or identify a colleague to do so. Recruit additional Sponsors from the House and Senate through partnerships. Best outcomes include broad, bi-partisan support.

·      Draft Legislation. Sponsors and their staff will draft language that becomes a Bill. Stay involved to confirm Bill meets your needs.

·      Testify. Submit advance written testimony for your Bill, and attend to testify in public, if possible. In clear, concise language explain why the Bill is important and helpful.

Bill text and status, Legislators, Committees, and hearing calendars are online for both the House of Representatives and State Senate. Let us know if you have any questions and see you in Concord!

Win with Water! is an informational series to raise awareness and provide actionable steps to public water system managers, administrators, and policy makers.