WRITING AN EFFECTIVE LETTER TO YOUR LEGISLATOR

A few helpful hints that are important when writing a letter to your legislator.

1.  Be brief.  A letter to a legislator should be only one page.  Long letters may make the writer feel good because the issue has been covered, but does little to ensure it will get read.  The purpose of writing to your legislator is to have your letter read.

2.  Identify yourself.  Point out in the first paragraph that you are a constituent.  If you are writing as a member of an association or as an employee, please indicate your affiliation with that group.  Your letter should be personal and original so that the legislator does not assume you are part of a letter writing campaign.

3.  Use your own words.  Form letters have less impact that those individually penned.  It may take a few minutes longer to commit your thoughts on paper, but the results will be ten times better.

4.  Be tactful, but direct.  Refer to the bill by number.  Indicate in a clear manner why support or opposition to the bill is warranted.  Include your name, address and telephone number in the letter.  Offer to supply additional information if requested.

5.  State a desires action.  Many times a well-written letter is rendered useless because no specific action was required from the legislator.  State clearly what you want.  (“Therefore, Representative, we would appreciate a ‘yes’ vote on HB 4439. Further, we would also hope that you would contact your colleagues on the House Health Policy Committee.")