One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard in Frankfort is to have a direct conversation with your state legislators.
That is why Kentucky NORML coordinates a lobby day for members and citizens annually. To Register: |
When you register, we will use the info you provide to look up your state senator and your state representative. Volunteers will call legislator offices to request meetings with these legislators. If there are multiple members who live in the same district and have the same legislators, we will group you together for meetings. All meetings are subject to the availability and schedules of the legislators. If you cannot be in Frankfort for our Lobby Day, there are still many ways to TAKE ACTION.
All meetings will take place in the Capitol Annex Building.
- Be prepared with your ID when you enter. The guest entrance is at the center set of doors facing the Capitol building. There is only one guest entrance. (The typical visitor sign-in procedure involved scanning your driver's license at a tablet, entering your name, and then you are given a name tag. On busy days, the front entrance staff sometimes scraps this process. Some days there can be a line with a significant wait time. Dress for the weather in case you are standing outside waiting. )
- We recommend that you should plan to be in the parking lot at least ONE HOUR before your scheduled meeting time.
- Our designated gathering location inside the Annex building is the basement cafeteria.
- At that location you will be able to pick up materials for your meetings. Feel free to hang out in the cafeteria (basement) between meetings. It will get very busy closer to lunch time.
Lobbying TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Tip #1: Advance scheduling
Legislators have busy schedules, and they may not be able to meet with constituents if the meeting is not scheduled in advance. You can find your state legislator(s) here. Many lawmakers will meet with constituents either in the capital or in their legislative district on days when the legislature is not in session. If traveling to the capital is a challenge, you may want to note that and request an in-district meeting.
Tip #2: Professionalism, professionalism, professionalism
This cannot be stressed enough. Be respectful and professional in all ways.
Tip #3: Stay on topic
Since you are lobbying for cannabis policy reform in Kentucky, you should not bring up other issues. You should have a specific, concrete request such as co-sponsoring or supporting any of the current cannabis bills that Kentucky NORML supports.
Tip #4: Prepare
Know the issue. Take the time to read over talking points and responses to common concerns provided here. These talking points have proven to be effective arguments when advocating for taxing and regulating marijuana for adults. Jot down a couple of key points you want to make in advance, along with the bill number (review current cannabis legislation in Kentucky).
Tip #5: Know the legislator
You can find your legislator(s) here. This can give you some valuable insight into their background and political platforms. Knowing this, you can better prepare your arguments to address specific concerns of the legislator, and you can find out if you have a connection with the lawmaker — such as an alma matter or church.
Tip #6: Bring informational handouts
Feel free to print and bring an appropriate amount of any helpful information you may find here. Do not overload your representatives with papers, but a succinct handout or two will allow them to further examine the issue after your visit.
Tip #7: Be concise
It is encouraged to engage in some initial getting-to-know-you conversation, but move the conversation along to the issue at hand as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Legislators are very busy people, especially during sessions. Keep this in mind.
Tip #8: Do not get mad
Your representatives may not agree with you; do not let this anger you. Also, you may end up meeting with staff as opposed to the actual legislator. Again, do not let this throw you.
Anger is unproductive. Respectfully disagreeing and countering accusations with fact-based arguments is a better way to have your voice heard. Never talk over the legislator or staffer, and do not get combative.
Many legislators come around on cannabis policy issues after further examination, but hostility will reduce their chances of doing so. And even softening the level of a lawmaker’s opposition can help advance a bill. However your legislator may initially feel about your issue, it will be far better served if they see you as an informed, rational, and polite advocate for it.
Tip #9: Relax and enjoy yourself
Have fun! Legislators are typically friendly and outgoing people; it’s hard to win an election otherwise. Smile and present yourself as a concerned citizen, regardless of whether you support the legislator. If you are relaxed, friendly, and confident you will find the conversation flows better, and you’ll get your points across more accurately.
Tip #10: Follow up
Regardless of how the meeting goes or the legislator’s stance on the issue, always follow up the meeting with a thank you card or email. If the legislator or staffer said they would get back to you on a question, be sure to follow up politely to request an answer. Additionally, if your legislators asked any questions you could not initially answer, provide succinct answers to those questions.
Find legislator contact information here.
Legislators have busy schedules, and they may not be able to meet with constituents if the meeting is not scheduled in advance. You can find your state legislator(s) here. Many lawmakers will meet with constituents either in the capital or in their legislative district on days when the legislature is not in session. If traveling to the capital is a challenge, you may want to note that and request an in-district meeting.
Tip #2: Professionalism, professionalism, professionalism
This cannot be stressed enough. Be respectful and professional in all ways.
- Dress professionally.
- Be on time for your meeting
- Watch your rhetoric.
- Do not use slang for “cannabis.”
- Do not disparage political parties, the government, or politicians.
- Do not wear anything displaying cannabis images — they distract from your policy arguments.
- If you don’t know the answer to a question, do not make up answers. Email the legislator later to follow up.
Tip #3: Stay on topic
Since you are lobbying for cannabis policy reform in Kentucky, you should not bring up other issues. You should have a specific, concrete request such as co-sponsoring or supporting any of the current cannabis bills that Kentucky NORML supports.
Tip #4: Prepare
Know the issue. Take the time to read over talking points and responses to common concerns provided here. These talking points have proven to be effective arguments when advocating for taxing and regulating marijuana for adults. Jot down a couple of key points you want to make in advance, along with the bill number (review current cannabis legislation in Kentucky).
Tip #5: Know the legislator
You can find your legislator(s) here. This can give you some valuable insight into their background and political platforms. Knowing this, you can better prepare your arguments to address specific concerns of the legislator, and you can find out if you have a connection with the lawmaker — such as an alma matter or church.
Tip #6: Bring informational handouts
Feel free to print and bring an appropriate amount of any helpful information you may find here. Do not overload your representatives with papers, but a succinct handout or two will allow them to further examine the issue after your visit.
Tip #7: Be concise
It is encouraged to engage in some initial getting-to-know-you conversation, but move the conversation along to the issue at hand as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Legislators are very busy people, especially during sessions. Keep this in mind.
Tip #8: Do not get mad
Your representatives may not agree with you; do not let this anger you. Also, you may end up meeting with staff as opposed to the actual legislator. Again, do not let this throw you.
Anger is unproductive. Respectfully disagreeing and countering accusations with fact-based arguments is a better way to have your voice heard. Never talk over the legislator or staffer, and do not get combative.
Many legislators come around on cannabis policy issues after further examination, but hostility will reduce their chances of doing so. And even softening the level of a lawmaker’s opposition can help advance a bill. However your legislator may initially feel about your issue, it will be far better served if they see you as an informed, rational, and polite advocate for it.
Tip #9: Relax and enjoy yourself
Have fun! Legislators are typically friendly and outgoing people; it’s hard to win an election otherwise. Smile and present yourself as a concerned citizen, regardless of whether you support the legislator. If you are relaxed, friendly, and confident you will find the conversation flows better, and you’ll get your points across more accurately.
Tip #10: Follow up
Regardless of how the meeting goes or the legislator’s stance on the issue, always follow up the meeting with a thank you card or email. If the legislator or staffer said they would get back to you on a question, be sure to follow up politely to request an answer. Additionally, if your legislators asked any questions you could not initially answer, provide succinct answers to those questions.
Find legislator contact information here.
LOBBYING FAQS
Q: I’ve scheduled a meeting with my legislator… Now what?
A: Come to the meeting prepared. You will have only a short time to talk to your legislator because of the many constituents who want to see him or her about issues or problems. Organize your meeting by following the tips below:
- Take a letter or fact sheet to the meeting to leave with the legislator.
- Practice in advance. Anticipate answering questions about the issue.
- Be yourself. Most legislators are good listeners so they want to hear your perspective on the issue.
- Treat your legislator as you would like to be treated; be respectful and professional.
- Never threaten or brag on your campaigning or contributions when talking about issues.
- Thank your legislators for their support, time and serving in public office.
- Send a thank you card after the meeting.
- After the meeting, report back to KAPA to let them know how the meeting went.
Q: If I can’t meet in person, will a phone call work?
A: Yes, phone calls can be effective if you follow these steps:
- Write down key points before you call.
- Practice in advance.
- If you are a constituent of the legislator, be sure to mention it.
- Ask where the legislator stands/voted on the issue of prescriptive authority.
- Be brief. Keep your call under five minutes.
- Be respectful and professional.
- Follow up with a written thank you letter restating your position.
- Report results to KAPA.
Q: Should I send a letter?
A: There is power in numbers when it comes to lobbying. Imagine the impact if every PA in Kentucky was generate a new letter to legislators each week about the issue. When creating your letter you should follow these guidelines:
- Always type your letter. While handwritten is more personal, the letter should be very easy to read.
- Use your company or association letterhead so the legislator knows who you are and what you represent.
- Keep your letter to one page. Include fact sheets or other information on additional pages.
- Include your name and address.
- State that you are a constituent.
- Outline your view on the issue.
- Request that the legislator support the bill regrading the issue.
Do I Need to Be There the Whole Time?
No, you do not need to be present the entire time from 10:00 am until 2:00pm. Once we have meeting times scheduled, you can plan to arrive about an hour prior to your first meeting and leave after your final meeting. You are also welcome to stay the entire time and attend additional meetings or help out in other ways.
What Should I Wear?
You can opt for dressier attire, like business or business casual wear, or "church clothes,". It's advisable to lean towards conservative choices rather than anything too bold. However, feel free to wear jeans and a t-shirt if that's more comfortable for you. Ultimately, the emphasis is on your presence rather than your attire.
Where Are Meetings Held?
Senate offices are on the 2nd floor. For Senate offices, you will go with your group to the office suite of the legislator you are meeting with.
House offices are on the 3rd and 4th floors. For House meetings, there is a lobby on each floor where the volunteer leader from your group will check-in, and you must wait in the lobby to be called back.
To get to the upper floors, use the elevators and stairs in the CENTER of the building. You cannot get into the upper floors from any other stairways. Please do not check-in yourself! That leads to confusion.
Every meeting will have a KYNORML volunteer to accompany you. The volunteers may be participating in back to back meetings and will NOT have time to come to downstairs to get you and walk with you. They will meet you 1) at the office suite of your meeting if on the 2nd floor, or 2) in the lobby if on the 3rd of 4th floor.
Food? – There is a cafeteria in the basement of the annex where you can have lunch. There is also a snack shop in the basement. Food is not allowed in the first floor meeting rooms.
Sightseeing? You can also tour the Capitol building. Get info on visiting the Capitol here and more information on visiting Frankfort here.
No, you do not need to be present the entire time from 10:00 am until 2:00pm. Once we have meeting times scheduled, you can plan to arrive about an hour prior to your first meeting and leave after your final meeting. You are also welcome to stay the entire time and attend additional meetings or help out in other ways.
What Should I Wear?
You can opt for dressier attire, like business or business casual wear, or "church clothes,". It's advisable to lean towards conservative choices rather than anything too bold. However, feel free to wear jeans and a t-shirt if that's more comfortable for you. Ultimately, the emphasis is on your presence rather than your attire.
Where Are Meetings Held?
Senate offices are on the 2nd floor. For Senate offices, you will go with your group to the office suite of the legislator you are meeting with.
House offices are on the 3rd and 4th floors. For House meetings, there is a lobby on each floor where the volunteer leader from your group will check-in, and you must wait in the lobby to be called back.
To get to the upper floors, use the elevators and stairs in the CENTER of the building. You cannot get into the upper floors from any other stairways. Please do not check-in yourself! That leads to confusion.
Every meeting will have a KYNORML volunteer to accompany you. The volunteers may be participating in back to back meetings and will NOT have time to come to downstairs to get you and walk with you. They will meet you 1) at the office suite of your meeting if on the 2nd floor, or 2) in the lobby if on the 3rd of 4th floor.
Food? – There is a cafeteria in the basement of the annex where you can have lunch. There is also a snack shop in the basement. Food is not allowed in the first floor meeting rooms.
Sightseeing? You can also tour the Capitol building. Get info on visiting the Capitol here and more information on visiting Frankfort here.
PARKING AND ENTERING THE CAPITOL ANNEX
kentucky_state_capitol_driving_directions_and_parking_information.pdf | |
File Size: | 181 kb |
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Cannabis issues
Cannabis Legalization
70% of Americans now support legalizing cannabis for adults’ use. Twenty-four states have legalized and regulated cannabis for individuals over 21, though some of the newer laws are still being implemented. Washington, D.C. voters also legalized cannabis for adults, but because D.C. cannot control its own budget, Congress has been able to block the District from taxing and regulating cannabis sales.
Criminal Justice
A conviction for possession of a small amount of cannabis can lead to a lifetime of harsh consequences (also called collateral sanctions). Discriminatory enforcement means these punitive collateral consequences disproportionately affect people of color. Cannabis legalization is a key component of broader criminal justice reform, and perhaps the most profound change being driven by the cannabis movement is in the area of criminal justice.
Decriminalization
In the U.S., someone is arrested for a cannabis offense every two minutes. More than ninety percent of these arrests are for cannabis possession alone — not for sale or manufacturing. There are more arrests for cannabis possession each year than for all violent crimes combined.
Thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. have enacted laws to stop jailing their residents for possession of small amounts of cannabis. In 24 of those states, cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older, while eight have “decriminalized” simple possession.
Economics
Cannabis prohibition entails direct enforcement costs — including police, prosecutorial, judicial, and correctional resources — and prevents the taxation of cannabis production and sale. Cannabis legalization, on the other hand, offers tremendous financial benefits for state governments, and the revenues can be allocated for social good.
Medical Cannabis
Polls consistently show the vast majority of Americans — around 90% — support allowing seriously ill patients to use cannabis for medical purposes with their doctors’ approval. Thirty-eight states and D.C. have comprehensive medical cannabis laws on the books. Eleven additional states have laws on the books that acknowledge the medical value of medical cannabis but fall short. Kentucky was the 38th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis
70% of Americans now support legalizing cannabis for adults’ use. Twenty-four states have legalized and regulated cannabis for individuals over 21, though some of the newer laws are still being implemented. Washington, D.C. voters also legalized cannabis for adults, but because D.C. cannot control its own budget, Congress has been able to block the District from taxing and regulating cannabis sales.
Criminal Justice
A conviction for possession of a small amount of cannabis can lead to a lifetime of harsh consequences (also called collateral sanctions). Discriminatory enforcement means these punitive collateral consequences disproportionately affect people of color. Cannabis legalization is a key component of broader criminal justice reform, and perhaps the most profound change being driven by the cannabis movement is in the area of criminal justice.
Decriminalization
In the U.S., someone is arrested for a cannabis offense every two minutes. More than ninety percent of these arrests are for cannabis possession alone — not for sale or manufacturing. There are more arrests for cannabis possession each year than for all violent crimes combined.
Thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. have enacted laws to stop jailing their residents for possession of small amounts of cannabis. In 24 of those states, cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older, while eight have “decriminalized” simple possession.
Economics
Cannabis prohibition entails direct enforcement costs — including police, prosecutorial, judicial, and correctional resources — and prevents the taxation of cannabis production and sale. Cannabis legalization, on the other hand, offers tremendous financial benefits for state governments, and the revenues can be allocated for social good.
Medical Cannabis
Polls consistently show the vast majority of Americans — around 90% — support allowing seriously ill patients to use cannabis for medical purposes with their doctors’ approval. Thirty-eight states and D.C. have comprehensive medical cannabis laws on the books. Eleven additional states have laws on the books that acknowledge the medical value of medical cannabis but fall short. Kentucky was the 38th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis