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  LEGISLATION

TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS

TELEPHONE CALLS

• A phone call can quickly verify your legislator's position.

• Identify the piece of legislation you are calling about and state your position in a concise and factual manner.

• Listen as well as speak.

• Offer to send additional information supporting your position.

• As a vote approaches on a controversial issue, most legislators are interested in constituents' positions and are less likely to discuss the pros and cons of the legislation.

• Effective letters are those that are individually written or typed rather than a form letter you simply sign.

• Identify the bill by number and title in your letter.

• State your position in your introductory paragraph (support, oppose, wish to amend). Make a clear and concise argument for your position.

• Limit each letter to a single subject or piece of legislation.

• Give your full name and address and identify yourself as a registered voter in the legislator's district and/or as a member of an organization interested in the legislation.

• Letters on federal legislation should be mailed to your congressman/woman's Washington D.C. address.

• The most effective time to write about legislation is while it is still in committee.

Dear Governor Corzine