In the landscape of advocacy, understanding the legislative process is crucial. Our toolkit delves deep into the intricacies of the legislative process, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate the session with confidence. Discover how to effectively contact your legislators and make your voice heard on issues that impact children. From drafting impactful letters and engaging in compelling conversations to attending legislative sessions, this toolkit is your compass for meaningful advocacy. Your voice is a powerful catalyst for change.
The Legislative Process
Our state legislative branch consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives, just like in our federal government. These elected representatives are collectively known as our “state legislature.” The legislative session is when the house and the senate meet at the State Capitol to propose, debate, and vote on the budget and nearly all state legislation for the year. It is 45 days long and always begins on the first Tuesday after the third Monday in January. Learn more on how a bill becomes a law.
Engaging in the Legislative Process
Hearing the needs and concerns of their constituents is important to elected officials.
Find out who your legislators are
Interaction between any elected official and their constituents is a crucial part of the democratic process. Hearing the needs and concerns of their constituents is important to elected officials, because constituents are the people who decide whether or not they remain in office. Generally, only the members of the legislature who represent your district will respond to constituent correspondence as they are assigned to represent that district. However, you can always contact any lawmaker if you wish. Sometimes if you’re advocating for a specific bill, you may reach out to legislators on the relevant committee.
How to Track a Bill
You can find bills by entering a keyword using the search function on the le.utah.gov. If you create a log in, you can track bills and receive email updates to your inbox.
Scheduling a Meeting with Your Elected Official
You can schedule individual or group visits with elected officials. You can even meet with your legislator at their office at the Utah State Capitol building or their district office in your home county or town. If you would like assistance, scheduling a visit with your representative or senator to meet, feel free to reach out to any member of the Voices for Utah Children staff.
Share Your Story
State legislators are not experts in all policy areas, but they know their district and want to hear their constituents' experiences. You’re the greatest messenger because you’re an expert of your own experience AND a constituent.
