Still Swinging for the Fences? The Importance of Gaining Policy Momentum at the State Level

When it comes to influencing public policy, many businesses are eager to make a big splash at the federal level. After all, a national victory can have far-reaching impacts. However, before aiming for a home run in Washington, it's often far more strategic to first gain momentum at the state level. This approach not only sets the stage for broader success but also gives federal legislators a reason to pay attention when the time is right.

A perfect example of this strategy is found in the cannabis industry. As more states legalized medical and recreational cannabis, the national conversation shifted. States played a critical role in changing the federal landscape. By gaining victories in key states, the issue gained visibility, and federal legislators could no longer ignore it, even if they are hesitant to pass legislation to support it.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my work with a client who wanted to secure an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act. The request was ambitious—like trying to hit a home run—but the reality was that it was more of a "Mars shot" than a "Moon shot." The odds were long, and the timing wasn’t right. My advice? Instead of going for a dramatic federal win, focus on winning in key states first. These wins would not only demonstrate traction but also give federal legislators a clear reason to engage.

This strategy isn’t just for cannabis. If your company is feeling the pressure and looking to secure a big federal win, it’s worth stepping back and asking:

Would it be more effective to focus on “singles” or “doubles” in states where you’re most likely to win and then use those wins to build momentum for federal change?

However, there are exceptions. Cryptocurrency is one such example. Because the regulation of currency falls under federal jurisdiction—states cannot create or regulate their own currencies—cryptocurrency stakeholders often have no choice but to pursue federal regulation directly. In this case, aiming for a federal win is not only appropriate, but necessary.

Hitting a series of “singles” or “doubles” at the state level creates a track record that makes your issue harder to ignore at the federal level. State victories not only strengthen your case but also allow you to build coalitions, refine your messaging, and test strategies before going for the federal big leagues. It also gives you time to gather the support needed to translate those wins into meaningful national policy changes.

In short, while it may be tempting to “swing for the fences” with a federal win, the smarter strategy often lies in hitting key state-level victories. These wins create the foundation for federal legislators to listen, and when the time is right, those state victories can serve as the powerful proof points you need to drive national policy change.

If you're feeling the pressure to navigate the complexities of public policy and gain the traction you need, take my Policy Vulnerability Survey today. This simple survey will help you assess where your business may be most vulnerable and identify the state-level issues that could eventually build momentum for a successful federal strategy. Start at the state level, gain your wins, and ensure your company is on the right path toward sustainable policy success.

Selecting right-to-win states, and then winning in those states, can give your cause the validation and credibility it needs for a push for federal legislation.