|
What are the qualities of a good Legislative Agenda?
Based on the views and actual experiences, it is often hard to judge just exactly how to judge a legislative agenda because each one is different, based on client, timing, need, cost and “political climate”. Even so, the following elements are important to pay attention to:
Objective
Is the idea is grounded on an objective research and a good analysis of the local situation? An effective formulation requires access to pertinent data, careful analysis of trends, and the ability to draw conclusions from data. Credible ELAs cannot just be based on the limited perceptions and biases of a handful of decision-makers. Solid research is needed to help understand critical long-range trends, issues problems and opportunities in the LGU.
Integrated
The idea must integrate a perceived need and as such, is a product of thorough review and validation of existing plans, as well as the consolidation of insights that have been shared by many, including various stake holders.
Needs-based
In this day and age of tight budgets, conservation of resources and competition, the ideas need to be “needs based”, meaning that they are designed to overcome a specific problem that keeps you from creating your project (or product) and making a profit when you do. As such, one should not make a mere “wish list” of random incongruous ideas and confusing programs, rather, it is anchored on the real needs of the community to be served.
Focused
Because of the way legislative rules often are written, legislative ideas must be focused and tightly written. Simply put, most organizational rules require that each bill contain a specific subject, and not be an “omnibus” bill... (that is a bill that is often hundreds of pages long, and combines dozens of subjects, including a variety of spending “pork’ oriented projedts.
Widely-shared
The legislative agenda is often widely shared and often the subject of debate..
Time-bound
Often legislative agendas take years to complete and implement, and depending on needs, are often worked on little by little, each day, for years. As such, plans should contain two things relative to time.
First, they should be timely - its always best to strike when the iron is hot as they say!.
Second, any plan that is created, should be based on realistic time frames.
Combined, that means you should have your ideas drafted before they are needed, and not after.
Implementable
Your legislative agenda should implementable - after all, why work hard to get a law created that you or your cause won’t be able to properly implement?
Enjoys Top Management Support
Your legislative agenda should be supported from the top down, with srong strong support and commitment from board members.
If the legislative agenda you are creating does not contain all of these elements, its doomed.
t
|
