From emails, to phone calls, to writing letters to participating in lobby efforts, you should feel comfortable communicating with elected officials on any issue.
Numbers count. One call from a citizen can represent one thousand opinions. Multiple calls on an issue from one district really gets attention.
Know your issue. Understanding the issue helps the legislator know you are more seriously concerned.
Make the call. Personal phone calls carry more weight than emails alone.
Ask for the legislator. Don’t be afraid to speak directly to the legislator. Most legislators want to establish relationships with individual constituents.
Talk to the aides. Communicating with a staff person when the legislator is not available still influences that legislator’s vote. Staff members research issues, evaluate input from constituents and make recommendations to the legislator.
Persistence pays off. The more contacts made, the more times they hear the issue, the greater the likelihood of influencing the legislator’s vote.
Make it personal. Explain how a piece of legislation would specifically influence your business and your employees. If a legislator understands the real costs associated with a mandate, they will often take notice.
Be courteous. Even though some issues can become quite emotional, it’s important to maintain a cool head when communicating with your legislator.
Common Addresses
Title:
Address As:
State Assembly
Representative
State Senate
Senator
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman, Congresswoman, or Representative
U.S. Senate
Senator
Effective Phone Calls
Telephone calls are often taken by a staff member. Feel comfortable speaking to this person about the issue.
After giving the aide your name and business name, briefly tell them how the issue impacts your business.
Ask for your legislator's position on the bill.
Request a response to your telephone call.
Thank them for their time.
Writing Good Letters
Keep your letter short. One page is best.
Use your own words. The more personalized your letter, the more likely your legislator is to remember it.
Stick to one issue and state your position. Explain how you think the legislation will affect your business, especially in terms of jobs. Be specific.
Try to identify bills by number, name or sponsor.
Ask a direct question and request a response. For example: "Please let me know if I can count on your support."
Follow up after action has been taken. Let your legislator know that you monitored how he or she voted.
Visiting your Lawmaker's Office
Make an appointment. Be sensitive to busy schedules. Your meeting should last no longer than 15 minutes.
Introduce yourself and provide a little background information: who you are and where your restaurant is located.
Identify the legislative issues that concern you. No more than three (3) issues.
Keep the message simple and back up your statements with facts. Briefly describe an issue's impact on your business.
Ask your legislator their position on the issue. Be polite and direct.
Be prepared to answer questions. Offer to provide extra information that might be useful.
Work with staffers. There will be times when the legislator cannot meet with you to discuss your issue. Usually a staff member will meet with you and relay your position to the legislator.
Follow up with a thank you letter. Briefly restate your opinion and enclose information as appropriate.
