Communicating with Legislators
KASA often asks its members to speak and/or send letters and emails to individual legislators to express a position on an issue or bill. Communications should be cordial, brief, and to the point. Legislators receive hundreds of messages each week, so it’s important to make a positive impression succinctly.
Most legislators respond well to positive, clear, and on-point communication. Whether you choose a letter, email, phone call, or personal conversation, the same principles apply. Below are some practical tips:
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Properly Address the Legislator:
If writing the governor, senator, or representative, use The Honorable before his/her name in the letter’s inside address, then use Dear Governor, Senator, or Representative with the person’s last name in the salutation.
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Introduce Yourself:
The first paragraph should give background on your identity, position, and reason for interest in the issue and/or bill. Avoid any inflammatory language or “finger pointing, etc.” You may want to express any positive thoughts you have for the work the legislators have done on the issue.
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Explain the Impact:
The second paragraph should express how you and your family/colleagues will be affected by the issue and/or bill. Most legislators seem to be more favorably affected by individual and personalized communication as opposed to high-volume, “form-letter” type mailings.
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Conclude Thoughtfully:
Finally, your concluding paragraph should thank the legislator for considering your position on the issue, leave them with an invitation to respond if desired, and ask for any follow-up they may have regarding the issue and/or bill.
These tips also apply to personal contact. Have your talking points ready, communicate clearly, and express appreciation for the legislator’s time. Contact information is available on the Legislative Research Commission’s website: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/ under the “Who’s My Legislator?” tab.