Sample Letters

Letters Make a Difference!

Your letters count!  Personal letters can make a huge difference in the actions of your legislators.  In a letter writing campaign, ten letters can be perceived as a ground swell of support and can push a legislator into action on an issue.  Most legislators are conscientious about their mail and consider the views of their constituents when they deliberate on an issue.  Many legislators respond to their constituents and share their views.  Remember, sending a personal letter carries more weight than signing a form letter or a prepared postcard.

How to write:

• Use your own words to express your thoughts.  Typed letters are easier to read, but handwritten letters are fine too, as long as they are legible.

• State your reason for writing.  Explain how the issue affects you and those around you.  Remember to share your personal experiences.

• Use the bill number, author and title if you are writing about legislation, and the budget line item number if your letter is about state funding.

• Clearly state what action you are seeking.  Are you asking your legislator to support or oppose a particular bill?  Are you requesting an increase in the funding of a particular line item?

• Be reasonable, specific and positive.  Ask your legislator to state his/her position on the issue in a written reply.

• Thank your legislator for his/her time and attention, for his/her support and vote.

• Put your return address in your letter.  Envelopes can be thrown away.

	Click here for a sample letter. (DOC)
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