To further our advocacy efforts, America’s Newspapers will host our annual legislative fly-in in Washington, D.C., March 8 and 9.
This legislative fly-in is a coordinated opportunity for our members to meet with their elected officials on Thursday, March 9, to (further) establish a relationship with them and to ask for their support of our initiatives.
"There is no replacement for visiting lawmakers in their own offices. It makes a real connection and isn’t difficult or intimidating. Members signed onto bills after visiting with me last year. Every industry is doing this except us. If there is one thing to do in 2023, it is to fly-in to D.C. with America’s Newspapers and be part of making a profound difference." — Matt McMillan, CEO, Press Publications
“I was dubious about the legislative fly-in last year. It was my first time participating and I wasn’t sure the time and money spent would be worth it. I came away from the experience thankful for the opportunity to spend focused time with our Oregon delegation — and, equally important, their staff — about our industry challenges and proposed solutions. It was worth it!” — Heidi Wright, publisher/COO, The Bulletin | EO Media Group
"I found last year’s legislative fly-in to be invaluable in building relationships with legislators and staff, reinforcing the challenges we face as an industry and building our America’s Newspapers brand on the hill. It was a valuable and beneficial use of my time and dollars. I strongly encourage you to join us this year!" — Alan Fisco, president and chief financial officer of The Seattle Times Company
Typically, our members would arrange their own meetings directly with legislators or their senior staffs. Call your member of Congress and ask for an appointment with them on Thursday, March 9. They may suggest that you come to their office, but sometimes they will prefer to meet off-campus or prefer meeting by phone or Zoom. Any form of communication can be effective! If the legislator isn’t available, a meeting with their staff can be equally productive. If you need assistance with staff contacts, reach out to me at dridings@newspapers.org. I will provide you with key staff contact information or answer your questions about setting up meetings.
| Wednesday, March 8 | |
| 4:30-5 p.m. | Legislative Briefing (Archives Meeting Room) Alan Fisco and Francis Wick discuss our legislative strategy and "the ask." |
| 5-6 p.m. | Lobbying Tips (Archives Meeting Room) Drew Littman, BHFS Strategies |
| 6-7 p.m. | Reception (Potomac Meeting Room) |
| 7 p.m. | Dinner at the hotel (Potomac Meeting Room) |
| Thursday, March 9 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast (Archives Meeting Room) |
|
Morning/Afternoon |
Time for meeting with your legislators |
| 6:30 p.m. | Group dinner at Farmers, Fishers, Bakers in Georgetown |
Our host hotel will be the Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall The Wharf, conveniently located near the Capitol and government buildings. Reserve your hotel room at this link.
Registration for the legislative briefing includes the reception, two dinners and breakfast — at $199 per person.
Members who are unable to make the trip to Washington, D.C., in person can still participate. You can set an appointment to talk with your legislator on March 9 by phone or by Zoom, or any other day that week that they are available. Legislators are accustomed to meeting by phone and Zoom, so this can still be an effective way to communicate.
Please contact Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers, at dridings@newspapers.org.
