What do we do?
I am a lobbyist. The word carries a shadow, a reputation that some in my field have rightfully earned. But not all. There are lobbyists who work tirelessly, shaping policies that make a real difference, advocating for causes that might otherwise go unheard. And if government functioned with perfect efficiency, there would be no need for us at all. But it doesn’t—so here we are.
Your Right to Petition
The New York State Constitution of 1777 explicitly protects the right of you and I to petition the government for redress of grievances under Article I, Section 9:
“No law shall be passed abridging the rights of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government, or any department thereof…”
What it means?
This means you have a constitutional right to petition the government (including any government agency or official) to address concerns, grievances, or requests.
The government cannot pass laws restricting this right—though some may try. It is a fundamental aspect of free speech and civic engagement in America.
This provision is similar to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ensuring that New Yorkers can engage with their government without fear of retaliation or suppression, which has been essential in our 250 year old democratic experiment.
Basically, if you need legal expertise, you hire a lawyer. If you need help managing your finances, you turn to an accountant. And if you want to shape government decisions, you enlist a lobbyist.
