Letters from constituents and groups are always important to our legislators. By following a few simple rules, your letter can have a greater impact on your Representative or Senator:

• Always put your name, address, and phone number somewhere in the letter. Return addresses on envelopes often get thrown away, and a legislator will want to know if you are one of their constituents. Anonymous letters are a waste of time. Identify your subject quickly. Include the bill number, if you know it.

• Clearly state your reasons for writing. Your own personal experience is the best support that you can offer for your position or opinion. Explain how the issue will affect you, your family, your business, or the community.

• Do not use a form letter! Avoid generic phrases which give the appearance of an orchestrated letter-writing campaign. Send an original, not photocopied, document. Do not send copies of your legislative platform. Personal letters are the most effective; petitions, form letters, and group letters are least effective.

• Be sure that your correspondence is legible.

• Ask for your legislator's position on the issue with a request for a reply.

• Always be polite. Be reasonable. Do not ask for the impossible. Threats or the use of other "strong arm" tactics will probably hurt your cause.

• Courtesy is important! Thank your representative if they please you with a vote. They will appreciate it when you tell them that they are doing a good job, if that is your belief. Don't be afraid to tell them when they displease you, but do it politely.

• It is best to write before the session begins, because that is when they have more time to consider issues. After the session ends, you can follow up with a reference to your earlier letter.