Legislative Keyperson Program

What is a Legislative Keyperson Program?

The Legislative Keyperson Program consists of volunteers willing to serve as a point of personal contact for the members of the Ohio General Assembly and Congress, advocate on behalf of The Ohio Society of CPAs and public policy issues impacting the CPA profession, reinforce the fact that the views expressed by The Ohio Society of CPAs are representative of those held by individuals CPAs residing in each legislative district, increase accountability of each legislator to his or her constituents, and localize the impact of state and federal legislation on the CPA profession.

The Legislative Keyperson Program strives to:

• Develop sustainable, personal/professional relationships with each member of The Ohio General Assembly and Congress.
• Position The Ohio Society of CPAs as a source of expertise on business-related issues impacting the CPA profession.
• Raise awareness of accounting and business-related legislative issues important to Ohio CPAs among Ohio legislators.
• Actively advocate for the public policy positions advanced by The Ohio Society of CPAs.
• Influence decisions made by state and federal legislators, and to promote legislation which represents the best interests of Ohio CPAs, the business community, and the general public as a whole.

As a Legislative Keyperson what will I do?

Members participating in the Legislative Keyperson program are asked to:

• Maintain existing personal/professional relationships with members of the Ohio General Assembly and Congress and develop new working relationships with assigned legislator(s).
• Remain current on legislative issues impacting the CPA profession, utilizing resources provided by The Ohio Society of CPAs, and with the assistance of the Society’s governmental affairs staff.
• Take immediate action to contact assigned legislator(s) when The Ohio Society issues a “Legislative Action Alert” concerning specific legislative priorities.
• Promptly summarize and report to the keyperson coordinator the nature and outcome of each personal/professional contact with assigned legislator, including potential legislative opportunities and challenges.
• Attend fundraising events, political forums, legislative updates and keyperson trainings, whenever possible, at the request of The Ohio Society of CPAs and deliver political contributions on behalf of the Ohio CPA/PAC.
• Participate in the biannual Congressional “Fly In” to Washington, DC.

Is there any training required?

Legislative Keypersons are asked to participate in biannual legislative keyperson trainings and regional legislative updates. They are also asked to study ongoing information emails/mailings, background information, issue briefs, and talking points on key legislative priorities.

Do I qualify to participate?

Members interested in becoming a Legislative Keyperson should:

• Have a willingness and desire to develop personal/professional relationships with members of the Ohio General Assembly and Congress.
• Have awareness and interest in legislative issues impacting the CPA profession, a willingness to learn about legislation relevant to Ohio CPAs, and with the assistance of The Ohio Society of CPAs, a willingness to remain up-to-date on key legislative priorities.
• Have the ability and desire to effectively communicate directly with assigned legislator(s) and to advocate on behalf of the public policy positions advanced by The Ohio Society.

What is the time commitment of a Legislative Keyperson?

Legislative Keypersons are asked to make approximately 2-3 legislator contacts per year (i.e. phone calls, emails, letters, personal meetings), as necessary and based on keyperson availability. Legislative Keypersons are also asked to participate in an optional training seminar every-other-year. If a member wishes there are increased opportunities to participate in local political events, fundraisers, and campaign activities.

How do I volunteer?

To volunteer to become part of the CPA to CPA program click here and fill out the volunteer form or contact volunteer@ohio-cpa.com. For more information please call CPAnswers, our member service center at 888.959.1212.

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