The Daily Signal How California Legislation Really Gets Passed | Elaine Culotti & Informed Policy Advocates
Feb 23, 2026
Jessica Cabrera, co-founder of Informed Policy Advocates who leads grassroots training on parental rights and state health policy. Darrlene Alquiza, co-founder who builds coalitions and California policy outreach. They discuss turning complaints into legislative asks. They share stories from Sacramento, coalition building, lobbying mechanics, and how to engage communities and follow money in vaccine policy.
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Bring Three Talking Points And A Clear Ask
- Do enter legislative meetings with three clear talking points and a specific ask so staff know exactly what you want.
- Jessica was coached to avoid hour-long complaints and always end with a tangible request.
First Lobby Meeting That Became A Long Game
- Jessica's first Sacramento meeting was dominated by a staffer who assumed vaccine opponents were "white whole food yoga moms."
- She planted a seed in 15 minutes, accepted she wouldn't change the staffer's mind, and used the encounter to build a long-term relationship.
Mandates Applied To Staff Not Lawmakers Created Tension
- In some offices legislators themselves were exempt from vaccine mandates while their staff were required to comply, creating internal office tension.
- Informed Policy Advocates used staff's own experiences to frame informed consent arguments.