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| Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented > Tips On Contacting Legislators |
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1. Use your senator's title in correspondence: "Dear Senator _______" or "Dear Representative _______." Don't address a legislator as "Congressman."
2. Describe the bill by popular name and by House or Senate file number. Put that in the subject line if you’re sending an email.
3. Know if your legislator is one of the authors and acknowledge it.
4. State the issue and how you want your elected official to vote in your first sentence.
5. Be brief and clear. Give a concise statement of your reasons. Never write more than one page.
6. Be polite in your requests for support or opposition and give reasons why. Never demand or express anger. Never threaten defeat at the next election. You want to have future contact with the legislator.
7. Offer to be of assistance. Offer to testify if there is a hearing regarding the issue with which you are concerned.
8. Include your name and address (with zip code) and indicate that you are a constituent.
9. Use your own words. Do not use form letters.
10. Write about only one issue per letter or email.
11. Send a note of appreciation when your elected official supports your issue.
1. State your name, address and indicate that you are a constituent.
2. Give the name and House or Senate File number of the legislation that you are speaking to.
3. State clearly whether you oppose or support the legislation. Usually you will be speaking with a secretary or aide who is checking pro or con and the call will last a very short time.
4. State how you want your legislator to vote.
1. Follow the same hints that apply to written and email correspondence.
2. Make appointments if possible. Keep them. Be prompt. (MCGT Legislative contacts below are available to accompany you at your appointment if you would like someone with you.)
3. Have a hand-out to leave behind. Put your name, address and phone number on it. (The MCGT Legislative contacts below have hand-outs available on each of these bills.)
4. Know the views of those opposing you. (The MCGT Legislative contacts below can help prepare to politely combat the arguments.)
5. Ask directly for your legislator's position on the pending bill. (Please share this information with the MCGT Legislative Committee.)
6. Send a note afterwards to tell your legislator you appreciated the meeting. It could include a brief recap of the information you wanted to emphasize.
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