PRLA Spring 2019

Spring 2019 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters •  19 “If you have an area of state government that is hindering your business or when relevant legislation is being considered, be sure to reach out and schedule a meeting on it. We as legislators aren’t experts and can only make decisions based on the information that we have.” WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A BUSINESS OWNER WHO WANTS TO ENGAGE WITH THEIR LEGISLATOR AND NEVER HAS BEFORE? WHAT SHOULD BE THEIR FIRST STEP? First, don’t be afraid. Business owners need to realize that they are the experts in their given field. If they don’t provide their input on a topic, then it will likely be given by someone else. Every special interest that may oppose them on a given issue is at the table telling their side of the story; business owners need to be telling their story, too. A first step would be to invite your senator or representative to your business or go to one of their offices and introduce yourself and what you do. Offer to be a resource. If you have an area of state government that is hindering your business or when relevant legislation is being considered, be sure to reach out and schedule a meeting on it. We as legislators aren’t experts and can only make decisions based on the information that we have. •