2024 RHAC Advocacy Center: Get Involved!

Posted By: Daniel Bannon Advocacy,

The importance of getting involved in state legislative sessions cannot be overstated, as it serves as a cornerstone for active citizenship and empowerment of your community. Get involved with the Rental Housing Association Coalition (RHAC) to be a part of the changes you would like to see in your State Government. This article will detail the benefits of your involvement in the 2024 Legislative Session and highlight some new features of the State Advocacy Center.

One of the primary reasons for getting involved in state legislative sessions is the chance to directly influence policy decisions. By actively engaging in committee hearings, public forums, and discussions, citizens can shape the direction of proposed legislation. This direct involvement ensures that the diverse voices within a community are considered, fostering a more inclusive and representative decision-making process. RHAC makes it easy to get involved in these processes through our Calls to Action which will provide you with the links to testify as well as provide access to the State Advocacy Center which empowers you to email all relevant lawmakers with just a few clicks!

The State Advocacy Center provides you with a prewritten message which highlights key aspects of each high priority bill we encounter this year. As always, we encourage members to add their own experiences to these emails. Lawmakers want to hear from you and learn from your experiences as a small housing provider. After you develop your message, the State Advocacy Center will automatically send your message to relevant lawmakers who are involved in the specific Legislative Committee related to the bill in question. The RHAC makes it as easy as possible to engage with your lawmakers and the Advocacy Center is a key aspect to that process.

Participation in legislative sessions empowers your community of small housing providers by sharing your perspectives on the issues that matter most to them. It is often difficult for small housing providers to find the time to participate in legislative sessions and share their perspectives. Because of this, those of you who can participate in the legislative session are speaking on behalf of your fellow small housing providers and advocating for their needs as well as yours.    

Active participation in legislative sessions holds elected officials accountable for their actions. When citizens engage with lawmakers, ask questions, and express their expectations, it creates a system of transparency and accountability. Legislators are more likely to be responsive to the needs of their constituents when they know they are being closely watched and that their decisions can impact their re-election prospects. The State Advocacy Center has gained several new features for the 2024 Legislative Session, including the ability to look up lawmakers in your district. Use these new features to be even more effective in this year’s advocacy!    

The last new feature in the updated State Advocacy Center is the ability to easily look up information on the bills we are dealing with. You can view bill summaries, bill sponsors, and track a bill’s progress through the legislature. The State Advocacy Center will serve as your base for information and engagement throughout the session.    

Something that cannot be overstated is the fact that involvement in the legislative session offers an invaluable educational experience. Participants gain insights into the intricacies of governance, the legislative process, and the complexities of policymaking. This firsthand knowledge contributes to civic literacy, enabling individuals to make more informed decisions and fostering a greater understanding of the democratic system.

Thank you for being involved in the 2024 Legislative Session. The Rental Housing Association Coalition looks forward to assisting you throughout the 2024 legislative session and answering any questions you may have. We hope that you find this experience exciting and educational. Keep in mind that your participation is crucial to our ability to fight back against harmful legislation and promote the benefits of positive legislation. Please reach out to our Government Affairs team if you have any questions about the State Advocacy Center or any other ways to get involved.