Often when I meet new legislators or staff for the first time, they ask me what is the one piece of advice that I would give to them as they start their new endeavors in the Legislature.  They are often seeking some sage piece of wisdom because I started my career B.T.L. (before term limits), but what I share with them is actually very simple.   As a matter of fact, I provide the same piece of advice to each new legislator or staff member that I meet – no matter the party, no matter the person.  My ancient B.T.L. piece of advice is that process matters and do it right the first time. 

Very early in my career, I saw a few staff members and some legislators try to take short cuts in the legislative process in an effort to save time.  However, without fail, the shorts cuts did not work and it ended up requiring more time to fix the problem because either a new bill (which can take days) or a new committee hearing (which for a regular standing committee requires an 18-hour notice) was needed. 

Most new House members and staff look at me a little oddly at this advice because it seems rather boring.  But, there is so much power in knowing the process.  For instance, learning the legislative rules is not about finding out what you can’t do.  It’s about figuring out how to operate within the legislative structure and using the rules to your advantage.  Additionally, doing things right at the front end of the legislative process truly does save an enormous amount of time when you finally reach the conclusion of it.  And, in a term limited legislature, time is a limited and highly valued commodity.

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