Legislative Foreword

California Escrow Association is providing the membership this manual to assist in the campaign to inform and educate our elected representatives within the borders of our golden state.

We believe it is a matter of sound policy for our elected representatives to receive professional communication from our CEA members regarding issues concerning the escrow professional.

Our two-house State Legislature is the cornerstone of California's democratic process. The Senate, or upper house, has 40 members. The Assembly, based on representation by population, has 80 members. We as voters elect these lawmakers. They work for us, serving our collective needs in this society. As our "employees," these elected representatives are very sensitive to the wishes of their constituents. Just ten letters pro or con on a subject will often sway a lawmaker's vote on that issue.

Thus, it is within our power to influence the decisions of these public servants. We can tell the CEA story by simply establishing a relationship of trust with our elected represenatives. The CEA story actually tells itself. It is a compelling tale of the membership promoting the highest
standards in the industry. High standards in the areas of trust, ethics, education, and sound business practices is what CEA is about.

Communicating With Your Legislator

As members of the California Escrow Association, we must always maintain a professional level
of communications with the legislative staff.

Despite the moans and groans of legislative staff members when numerous letters begin to pile up on issues, it is an irrefutable fact that legislators want to hear from their constituents. It is after all, up to their constituents to decide whether or not they will have a job when election time comes along. Therefore, every opportunity an elected official has to respond to the concerns of a constituent means another potential vote.

Legislators want to influence what is best for their districts, whether it's saving jobs or helping constituents with government policy. In the case of the Escrow Industry many laws are inter-related especially due to the Real Estate and Finance regulations which in many cases concern the Escrow procedure.

Following are some suggested ideas when calling, writing, or meeting with legislators. By keeping California Escrow Association on a professional level of communication with our legislators, we
will have the best possible impact.

Tips on Writing an Effective Letter to Your Legislator

1. Identify yourself early in the letter and state that you are a constituent and a active member of California Escrow Association in the Legislator's district.

2. Give the specific reason for your letter and refer to the legislation within the first two paragraphs of your letter.

3. State how the issue at hand will affect you as a constituent and that of the California Escrow Association.

4. Be specific which direction or action you would like your legislator to take regarding the issue.

5. Don't make demands, be reasonable and recognize that there will be differences of opinion on the issue.

6. Be relevant with key points in your written communication with your legislator, keep it as short as possible. Concentrate on only one issue if possible.

7. The following addressing should be used:

The Honorable (First and Last Name)

State Senate (or State Assembly)

(insert Capitol Address)

The Salutation should be:

Dear Senator (last Name):

Dear Assemblyman/woman (last Name):

8. You may follow up after the legislator votes on the bill you are concerned with.

Tips on Calling Your Legislator

While it usually is best to put your view in writing to your legislator, when a vote is scheduled to take place immediately, placing a call to your representative's office is a very effective way to
make your views known.

1. When the legislature is in session call the Capitol Office; during recess and on Fridays, call the district office.

2. Ask to speak directly to the legislator. If he or she is not available, ask to speak to the administrative assistant or legislative aide. Be friendly and respectful at all times
without exception.

3. When the legislator or their assistant is on the line, identify yourself and your organization (California Escrow Association, Los Angeles Regional) and mention the fact that you are a constituent.

4. State the reason for the call. Use bill numbers (AB0001/SB0001) whenever possible, if applicable.

5. Explain how the proposed legislation affects you or California Escrow Association and why you oppose or support it at this time.

6. Try and limit your discussion to one issue per telephone call.

7. Ask the legislator's position. Be prepared to offer facts that support your position in the event you disagree.

8. Request your legislator take a specific position as it pertains to California Escrow Association.

Tips on Meeting With Your Legislator

By taking the time and effort to meet with a legislator, especially if it requires that you travel a
long distance, you are proving that you care a great deal about a particular issue. Most legislators and their staff members are very impressed with the strength of conviction that this shows.

You may have opportunities for contact with your state legislator through local business and civic organizations to which you both belong. In addition, your representative generally spends a few days a week in the district, even when the legislature is in session.

All the tips pertaining to writing and telephoning a legislator also apply to conducting an effective meeting.

Here are some additional points to remember when setting up and participating in a meeting with your elected officials.

It is best to write or call ahead to arrange for an appointment. You should list several alternate dates, the purpose of your meeting, how many individuals will be in attendance, and what group your are representing (CEA).

You should be well prepared to present your case, both orally and in writing. Assume that the legislator knows few details about the issue in question when your prepare your presentation.
Plan to spend about five or seven minutes briefing the legislator on the issue - providing background information, stating what the legislation will do, and giving specifics about its impact on you.

You might want to prepare, a one-page document for your legislator, in addition to in-depth briefing materials for his or her staff members. (example, CEA News with the Advocate Summary).

Be prepared to answer any questions that might logically arise, but don't be afraid to say, "I don't know," or "I'll have to get back to you with that information."

Be prepared and understand the time demands made on legislators. Time demands will occur
due to requirements on the chamber floor, at a committee hearing, or at a meeting with fellow members, for instance. If your meeting is interrupted, wait until the legislator is free again, reschedule, or meet with staff members.

Do not get into a heated argument. Follow up promptly after your meeting, and once you have established a channel of communication with a legislator, keep the channels open. Writing periodically with new information on resolved issues or on new bill coming to the floor will allow
you to become recognized and respected as an influential constituent.

Most importantly, always follow up promptly after your meeting, send any information you promised to provide. This allows recapping the important points of your meeting and providing any additional information for the legislator.