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How To Write an Effective Lobbying Letter

May times you may be called upon by your association to write letters to your legislators.  Here are some guidelines for writing and effective letter from the California Chamber of Commerce:

• Be brief.
• Make sure the legislator knows this communication is from a constituent who lives and/or does business in the legislator's district.
• Explain how the proposed legislation affects your business, and why you support/oppose it.
• Don't attempt to give "expert" opinions.  Tell how the legislation would affect your business, based on your experience and knowledge.
• Refer to bill numbers whenever possible.
• Ask for the legislator's support or opposition.
• Write the letter without copying any association-provided background information verbatim.
• Request that your legislator take a specific action by telling him/her what you desire.  State the facts as you see them.  Avoid emotional arguments.  If you use dollar figures, be realistic.
• Ask the legislator what his/her position is.
• Keep all communications friendly and respectful.  Be sure to that your legislator for considering your views.
• Write on your personal or business letterhead if possible, and sign your name over your typed signature at the end of your message.
• Be sure your exact return address is on the letter, not just the envelope.  Envelopes sometimes get thrown away before the letter is answered.
• Be reasonable.  Don't ask for the impossible.  Don't threaten.  Don't say, "I'll never vote for you unless you do such and such."  That will not help your cause; it may even harm it.
• Be constructive.  If a bill deals with a problem you admit exists, but you believe the bill is the wrong approach, tell what the right approach is.
• Send your association a copy of your letter and a copy of the response you receive from your legislator.
• Address all letters in the following manner, unless you are on a first name basis:

            State Legislature:
                   Assembly Member

                    The Honorable Joe/Jo Doe
                    California State Assembly
                    State Capitol
                    Sacramento, CA  95814

                    Dear Assemblyman/Assemblywoman Doe:

                   Senator

                    The Honorable Joe/Jo Doe
                    California State Senate
                    State Capitol
                    Sacramento, CA  95814

                    Dear Senator Doe: