The summer months provide an ideal opportunity to connect with legislators in their home districts. State legislative and federal congressional “recess” periods allow legislators to connect with constituents to solicit feedback and get perspectives and suggestions on issues that are important to the communities they serve. Given that it is an election year, your representatives are even more likely to be back home and eager to hear from you.

Why You Should Get Involved

State and federal officials frequently face decisions that can impact your industry, the business community, or your livelihood. Educating them on the issues affecting the long-term care sector is a cornerstone of grassroots advocacy, and building these relationships can turn officials into advocates who consider your input when shaping policy.

Grassroots Advocacy on a State Level

State legislators are especially focused on the issues affecting their districts, including tough choices on funding priorities and budget cuts. Sharing your experiences with workforce shortages, reimbursement challenges, or staffing requirements, along with practical solutions, helps inform their decisions.

Grassroots Advocacy on a Federal Level

Federal policies and regulations can significantly impact your facility's daily operations and financial stability, from workforce training to Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements to staffing mandates. Federal legislators need to hear your insights on these issues before they vote.

Connecting with Legislators Back at Home

There are numerous ways to engage with your state and federal representatives over the summer and leading up to the fall elections. You can visit them during their district office hours, attend local town hall meetings, or host a legislator at your facility. Consider inviting your legislators to an open house, summer picnic, resident event, or facility tour, so they can see firsthand the people and services their decisions affect. A short visit over lunch or during a community event often builds more lasting rapport than a formal meeting, and it signals to legislators that your doors are open and you value their partnership. Remember, YOU are your elected officials’ best resource, and they rely on your expertise and opinions.

The Importance of Involvement Now

Don't wait for a crisis or adverse legislation to reach out to your legislators. Establishing these relationships now, before you need something, is what makes your voice effective when it matters most.

Take Action!

Your facility needs your advocacy, your state association needs your leadership, and the long-term care profession needs your participation. The summer and fall campaign season is an ideal time to highlight how legislative decisions at the state and national levels impact you and the constituents you serve.

With redistricting, retirements, and new races occurring, you may need help identifying your current state and federal representatives. To find your state Assembly Representative and State Senator click on Find My State Legislator and type in your address. To find your U.S. Representative for your congressional district click on Find My Federal Representative and type in your zip code.

LeadingAge has also developed a step-by-step planning guide that you can reference when thinking about inviting your legislators to visit. Remember that you don't need an agenda or an "ask". Relationship building is also a great goal for these visits.