When contacting your legislators, please remember the time and effort which you put into your personal communication directly correlates to the attention the communication will receive from your legislator's office. That is, a personal letter sent by mail speaks louder than an e-mail message.

Suggested methods of contact:

Best: Use the points in the sample letter, but put them in your own words and explain why this is of personal importance to you.   Write or type your letter on your own letterhead and mail it.

Second Best: Cut and past the sample letter onto your own letterhead, add a few personalized sentences, and mail it.

Third Best: Cut and paste the sample letter as is, sign and mail.

Fourth Best: Cut and paste the sample letter into the body of an e-mail and send.

Sending an e-mail is far better than no contact at all, but most offices do not yet have the capability to respond to the overwhelming amount of e-mail they receive. By writing a letter, you will make more of an impact. The more individualized your letter is, the bigger impact you will make.

If your legislator gives you the desired response to your request, please write a thank you letter. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

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