By Bob Salera
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April 30, 2026
Caught in the Red Tape? How to Use Effective Advocacy to Get Things Moving When a state regulation, policy, or licensing requirement is standing in the way of your business, don’t just get frustrated: get strategic. My dad always said, “You’ve got to know the rule to get around it.” That does not mean breaking the rules. It means understanding exactly what the law or policy says, why it exists, and how to work within the system to find a solution. Regulations can be complicated and changing them is not easy, but knowing the rules is the first step to effective advocacy. Here are five steps to help navigate state government and remove unnecessary barriers. Know the Rule Start by identifying the exact policy, regulation, or law creating the problem. You can do this by: Asking the regulator or government official to cite the exact rule they are enforcing Searching on the agency’s website, where most rules and policies are published Submitting a Freedom of Information request if needed Just as important as identifying the rule is understanding its history. Ask: What problem was this originally designed to solve? Knowing the intent behind the policy often reveals whether it is still relevant or if it has outlived its usefulness. Build Support Reach out to other similar businesses to see if they are experiencing the same issue. Even one or two additional voices can strengthen your position. Real stories, real costs, and real-world examples help decision-makers understand the impact. Stay Focused Once you understand the rule and have identified others with the same issue, develop a clear and simple message. Be able to explain: What the rule is How it is impacting your business Why it is unnecessary or unreasonable in today’s context What outcome would solve the problem Clarity matters. A focused message with a practical solution is far more effective than a long list of complaints. Work with the Agency Start where the issue lives, inside the agency. Speak first with the staff or office handling the matter. If you are not getting traction, identify agency leadership, including division directors, board members, or Governor-appointed agency heads. Request an in-person meeting when possible. Many issues improve significantly when decision-makers hear directly how the policy is affecting real businesses. Contact Your Elected Officials If working through the agency does not resolve the issue, loop in your state representative or senator. It is often best to begin by trying to work directly with the agency first, but keep your legislator informed along the way so they understand the issue if escalation becomes necessary. Elected officials can help connect you to the right people, ask questions on your behalf, and push for broader policy changes when needed. Key Takeaways Most people skip the first step of identifying the rule and miss opportunities to resolve the issues quickly. Many times, policies and laws are misunderstood or misapplied. Progress rarely comes from frustration alone, it comes from clarity, persistence, and collaboration.
