CONTACTING A LEGISLATOR

In order to be true representatives of the people, legislators want to know the thinking of their constituents. As a citizen, you can help insure good legislation on state and national levels by communicating with your elected representatives.

Here are some important points that will make your contact with legislators most effective:

Personal Contacts: Personal contacts are always the most meaningful way to influence a legislator. Before contacting a legislator, tread some background material on the bill or issue which concerns you. It is not essential you know everything. The primary goal of your contact is to express your opinion on a particular bill or issue.

It is important to let the legislator know if you are a constituent, if you know the legislator or their family personally, or if you have a connection to a business or issue in their district. This personal contact information (friend or constituent) is crucial to the level of response you will receive from the legislator, as constituents are the voters that keep them in office.

Letter writing and E-Mail: A personal letter or message via e-mail or the internet is a very effective way of contacting your legislator, whether in Lansing or Washington. Here are some suggestions on how your letters can be most effective.

1. Address it properly: Know your legislator's full name and correct spelling.

Examples:    

For a U. S. Senator
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senator
Address
****
Dear Senator (last name)

For a U. S. Representative
The Honorable (full name)
United States Representative
Address
****
Dear Congressman/woman (last name)

For a State Senator
The Honorable (full name)
State Senator
State Capitol
P O Box 30036
Lansing, MI  48909-7536
****
Dear Senator (last name)

For a State Representative
The Honorable (full name)
State Representative
State Capitol
P O Box 30014
Lansing, MI  48909-7514
****
Dear Representative (last name)

2. Share Information: If you are a constituent, let the legislator know. If you are a friend of that legislator's family or a neighbor or attend the same church, mention that in the communication.

3. Include Name and Address: Always include your first and last name (printed or typed) on the letter itself. A letter cannot be answered if there is no return address or the signature is not legible.

4. Use Your Own Words: Avoid form letters and petitions. However, one thoughtful, factual and well-reasoned letter carries more weight than 100 form letters or printed postcards.

5. Know What You Are Writing About: Identify the bill or issue of concern to you. If you write about a bill, try to give the bill number or describe it by popular title, such as "the school code" or "higher education funding." Be brief. A single page, presenting your opinions, facts, arguments, or proposals as clearly as possible, is preferred by most legislators.

6. Prioritize. Determine your priority concern(s) and contact the legislator on those specific issues, rather than on every issue.

7. Write a Letter of Appreciation: When you feel a legislator has done a good job, send them a short note of appreciation. Legislators are human too, and seldom receive "thank you" letters of encouragement.

Remember, on any one issue, even a few letters or just one letter can have an important impact. Sometimes just one letter, with a new perspective, or with clear-cut, persuasive arguments can be the decisive factor in a legislator's action.

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