After more than three decades in Lansing, I’ve learned that while faces may change, the legislative calendar and process are very cyclical, and many of the policy issues stay the same. Understanding that rhythm has made me more effective in my work.
Legislative Calendar
Knowing the flow of the legislative calendar helps you plan your work and vacations more effectively.
For example, the state budget process usually follows a predictable pattern. The governor presents her budget in February, kicking off a busy appropriations season. Expect packed schedules and long days between February and July (especially after Spring Break). It’s important to make the most of legislative downtime. Spring Break, July, August, and deer hunting season (especially mid-November) are great times to unplug. Our team always joked that no one schedules meetings when everyone’s in a deer blind!
During election years, legislators are campaigning in their districts, making it a great time to connect with them in a less hectic setting and build relationships outside the Capitol.
Policy Ebbs and Flows
Most policy issues are not new. Many have been around for 20–30 years. In our term-limited environment, institutional memory can be short. I’ve seen bills introduced session after session before finally becoming law. I once worked on an issue that was finally signed into law after 20 years of failed attempts by others.
Using the Tools Around You
During my time managing daily operations in the Senate, I discovered many underused resources. Legislative experts and researchers, especially from the Legislative Service Bureau (LSB), can be incredibly valuable. They’ve already done the homework on many issues, not just in Michigan but nationally.
National organizations are also great for spotting trends in other states. They give you a preview of what could be coming next, almost like a crystal ball.
Relationships Matter
This is a relationship-driven field. While many are eager to move up quickly, it pays to play the long game. Treat everyone with respect. The people you work with early in your career often reappear in key roles later, whether in government or the private sector.
If you’re new to Lansing, spend time building relationships and get to know the long timers. If you build genuine relationships now, you’ll find that later in your career, almost everyone in the state is within reach.
