Public Policy Information

It only takes minutes to contact your representative or senator to make your voice heard.  To find your elected officials and their contact information, Click Here.

When contacting an elected official by phone:

Usually a staff person, not the representative, will answer your call. Always treat the aide with respect. Ask to speak to the aide who is handling the issue you are calling about. Identify who you are, where you are calling from and your role (i.e. Board Member, constituent, parent, or agency director). State what issue you are calling about. You should state the bill number, the title of the bill, and where it is in the legislative process (i.e.: currently in committee, coming up for a vote, etc). State what you want. (Vote for or against a bill, move it out of committee, etc). Explain the reason for your request. Explain how this issue has impacted you, or someone you know. If you can provide compelling statistics, do so. If possible, explain how the issue specifically impacts the people (voters) in the legislator's district. Ask about their stand on the issue. Always thank the representative or aide for their time. If the legislator is supportive, thank them for their support. If they are opposed or undecided, ask if there is any additional information you could provide. If the legislator votes in support of your bill, always call to thank them for their support.

If you are writing to your representative:

Always include your name, address, and phone number in the letterhead. Include the title of the bill, the bill number, and where it is in the legislative process ("coming up for a vote next week, in ______ committee"). State what you want. Request that the representative take a specific action (move the bill out of committee, vote in favor). Explain the reason for your request. Explain how the proposal will affect you, or someone you know, or the legislator's district. Offer to provide additional information if they wish. If the legislator votes in support of your bill, always call or write them to thank them for their support.

When Meeting with Your Legislator:

You are trying to establish a relationship with your legislator. A meeting will allow your legislator to put a face with the name. A meeting, because of the time and effort required, clearly demonstrates how much you care about an issue. You can make an appointment with your legislator in their office at the State House, or ask if your legislator holds regular office hours in the district, and meet with them there.

Always thank the legislator for taking the time to meet with you. If he has been supportive of another issue in the past, thank him. Introduce yourself, and the others with you, by Name, Title, and Affiliation. Be clear what you are asking for. Present your case in an organized fashion. Provide the essential information. Ask her how she feels about the issue. Ask if she has any questions. If she is supportive, ask how you can be helpful to her. If she is undecided, or against your issue, offer to provide more information. Your legislator may not be able to commit to the issue right away. He may need more information before deciding. You will want to bring a fact sheet about the bill or issue and a fact sheet about who you represent.

Your legislator may want to know:

• How much will it cost?
• How many people in the district are affected by the issue?
• Which groups support the bill?
• Who is against it and why? (If you do not know, do not say "no one". Always be truthful with your legislator. You are building a relationship.)
• Always follow-up with a Thank You Note to thank your legislator and aides for taking the time to meet with you.