Post-election Action Items

The votes have been tallied. It makes little difference now if the person you supported did or did not win. Either way you should do the following things.

Send a congratulatory letter to the winner. If the incumbent is still in office, say how happy you are about the results. Now is the time for you to work even harder with that person on the legislative issues that affect our industry.

If it is someone new, then you must establish communication ASAP. A letter introducing yourself and your company to the victor is very important. They must know who you are, what your business is and how many employees and customers (be subtle) you have. These are all voters!

Try to make an appointment for a personal visit before they head off to DC or to the state capitol. Be sure you get to speak to the legislator. This will prove to be the most important thing you can do. Nothing works better than a “face-to-face” discussion. It is a “first-come, first-served,” approach and has always proven to be valuable.

Leave your business card and get the name of their health legislative assistant (HLA). You want to meet that person. The HLA is your entry to the office. They are able to keep you apprised of things that affect our industry. The state and national associations will provide you with all the tools necessary for the HLA to bring to the official. That is their task.