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Tips
for Writing to Your State Legislator
The
best time to write to your legislature is when you DON’T
have a problem. An introduction letter to your legislator
or those who serve on key health care and insurance committees
is an excellent idea. This letter should be an informal introduction
to you, your practice or learning institution and the offering
of assistance in time of need. Legislators are happy to receive
such letters and will remember you in the future. However,
should you need to contact them about legislation, here are
some tips to consider when writing your legislator!
-
Make sure that you thoroughly understand the issue you are
writing about. If the issue has been introduced in bill
form, try to provide the legislator with the bill number
and name as a reference point.
- Keep
your letter to one page. A well-thought out one-page letter
is appreciated. Your purpose for writing should be stated
in the first paragraph. (See below example.)
- Do
not use a form letter or a postcard. Your own words are
always best and can make the difference in the legislator’s
response and his or her vote.
- Ask
the legislator for his or her help, explaining what you
would like supported or opposed and requesting a reply that
states his or her position.
- If
you know the legislator’s position on similar issues
in the past, be sure to mention it in your letter. It shows
that you are aware of voting records.
- Be
constructive. If a bill deals with a problem you admit exists,
but you believe the bill is the wrong approach, suggest
a better approach.
- Be
sure to use the proper forms of address when writing to
any government official. (See below example.)
- When
the legislator replies to your letter, write a follow-up
letter thanking him or her for the response. Reiterate your
position. If there is agreement, it will serve as a reminder
to the legislator and staff. If there is opposition to your
view, it gives you one more chance to change minds.
Some
“Don’ts” to Keep in Mind:
- DON’T
apologize for writing—it’s your right guaranteed
under the First Amendment to the Constitution.
- DON’T
tell legislators how important you are. If you’re
a constituent, they know you are.
- DON’T
overstate your case. Make sure it’s believable.
- DON’T
be confrontational. You won’t accomplish anything
and you could damage the case you’re trying to make.
- DON’T
use your election vote as a threat or a bribe. This smacks
of coercion and will be resented.
- DON’T
send copies of your letter to other legislators. Make sure
you send an individual letter to each person.
Attachment
I
Sample Letters to Legislators
Sample
The
Honorable John D. Smith
Member of the Assembly
State Capitol, Room 1234
City, State, Zip Code
Dear
Assemblyman Smith:
Please
actively support H. R. 5142, the (name of the bill), which
would increase funding on research into those diseases which
affect a small percentage of the population.
The
House hearings which were held on March 14 show the importance
of continuing to study these diseases and eventually eradicate
them, not only because of the toll in human suffering, but
also the economic impact on the state’s health programs.
(If
you are aware of any actions the legislator has taken on this
kind of legislation in the past, let him know you are aware
of his past interest or voting record. If he has been opposed,
ask him to reconsider his former position and tell him why
he should.)
I
ask you to show your support by cosponsoring H.R. 5142. Your
active support can make the difference on passage of this
bill. If I can provide you with any additional information,
please contact me.
Thank
you for your attention and I look forward to your active support.
Sincerely,
Sample
The
Honorable Jane Doe
Member of the Senate
State Capitol, Room 5678
City, State, Zip Code
Dear
Senator Doe:
I
recently became aware of Senate Bill 3173 and I am writing
to voice my concern. This bill appears to (state what the
bill does in your own words and include thoughts of your own,
pertinent to the subject.)
(Stress
how the bill affects the people with whom you work and use
your own experience, being as specific as possible.)
(State
what you oppose or support in the legislation and its particular
concerns for your constituency.)
(Offer
alternatives or solutions if possible.)
(Show
your awareness of the legislator’s past actions if you
know them. If you know her voting record on related issues,
let her know you approve or disapprove and why.)
Please
oppose any efforts to pass the legislation as it is now drafted
and let me know if I can be of any assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Attachment
II
Addressing Correspondence
To
a State Senator:
The
Honorable (name)
(State) State Senate
(State Capitol City, State, Zip Code)
To
a Congressional Representative:
The
Honorable (name)
(State) House of Representatives or (State) Assembly
(State Capitol City, State, Zip Code)
To
a Congressional Senator:
The
Honorable (name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear
Senator (name):
To
a Congressional Representative:
The
Honorable (name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear
Congressman (name) or Congresswoman (name):
Note:
When writing to the Chair of a committee, the Speaker of the
House, or a Commissioner, it is proper to address them as:
Dear
Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairman:
Dear Mr. Speaker;
Dear Commissioner:
For
more information about State Advocacy, please contact stateadvocacy@acc.org,
or call 301-897-2612. |
