Negotiating by email has its virtues.

You don’t give anything away with your facial or body reaction to the other person’s proposal.

You can draft your response and send it to someone higher up the food chain for approval before you reply to your negotiating partner.

Eventually, however, you’re likely to discuss the bill the old fashioned way – in person or over the phone.

 

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If your legislation fails, you can still create momentum for it for next year with language in the report accompanying the budget bill.

Last year, my legislation would have required that a certain percentage of state funding for the environment benefit distressed communities.

My bill did not pass, but I had committee narrative added to last year’s budget bill requiring the Maryland Department of the Environment to study this issue.

In response, Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain has written that she is taking several actions to prioritize and coordinate environmental justice issues in her department and across state government.

Today, I spoke with someone who has some concerns about language that’s been proposed for this year’s budget.

If this modest change is accepted, his organization is no longer likely to oppose the language.