| Communicating with legislators by letter
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Identify your target legislators. You can
send a letter to your own representatives, to all members
of a committee dealing with school health or to the entire
legislative body. |
| · |
Mention a specific issue or particular bill.
When referring to a bill, cite the sponsor, bill title
and number. If possible, include the bill’s status,
what committee it has been referred to and when the public
hearing was held.
Dear Representative Brooks:
I am writing to urge your support of L.D. 1603, An Act
to Expand Family Life Education Services in Maine Schools.
This bill was sponsored by Representative Elaine Fuller
and presented for public hearing before the Legislature’s
Health and Human Services Committee last Thursday, January
10th. |
| · |
Be brief. A one-page letter has more impact than a ten-page
letter. Outline your main point in the first paragraph
and try to cover only one issue per letter. Make it clear
how you want the legislator to vote. For background, you
could also include a newspaper clipping or fact sheet
that discusses the issue in greater depth. |
| · |
Make it personal. Policymakers are more likely to remember
letters that include real life experiences. Explain why
the issue is important to you, how the legislation will
affect you and others in your area. Describe an experience
you’ve had that illustrates your point. |
| · |
Identify your relationship with the legislator. If you
are a constituent or have another connection with the
legislator say so. Remember to include your name and address
so the legislator can respond to your letter. |
| · |
Ensure that they receive the letter. When the legislature
is in session, send your letter to the State House in
Augusta; out of session, use the home address. |
| · |
Follow up. Make a quick call to confirm receipt of the
letter. You can simply leave a message: "I’m
calling Representative Brooks to make sure he received
my letter supporting L.D. 1603, An Act to Expand Family
Life Education Services in Maine Schools." Leave
your name and phone number so you can get an acknowledgement
of your letter. |
| · |
Send a final reminder about the bill. Find out when the
bill will be voted on and, just before the vote, send
a postcard (or leave a phone message) about your position.
As before, include the bill number and title. This will
let the legislator know you are following this issue and
that the vote is still important to you. |
| · |
Thank the legislator if he or she voted with your position. |
Click here for a sample
letter to a legislator.
Where should I mail a letter to my state legislators?
To reach your Representative:
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House of Representatives
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine
04333-0002 |
To reach your Senator:
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Senate of Maine
3 State House Station
Augusta, Maine
04333-0003 |
You may also mail a letter to the legislator’s home address,
if the legislature is not in session. You
can find out the addresses of your legislators by clicking here.
Just click on the first letter of your town and a list will pop
up. Find your town, and both your Representative and Senator will
be listed. Click on the names to get a photo, address, phone number
and other information.
Please date the letter and include your name, address and phone
number so the legislator can respond.
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