Contacting And Researching Your Elected
Officials
http://www.congress.org
is the site that gives you all the contact information you need.
Enter your zip code in the box on the right side of the page. You
will find the names of your elected officials in both Washington DC
and in Harrisburg. Click on a name and you will be directed to
contact and biographical information, in addition to committee
assignments.
http://www.usa.gov/Contact.shtml
is the site that gives you all the contact information you need.
Enter your zip code in the box on the right side of the page. You
will find the names of your elected officials in both Washington DC
and in Harrisburg. Click on a name and you will be directed to
contact and biographical information, in addition to committee
assignments.
PennsylvaniaVotes.org
is the state's first and
only web site that provides a layman's description of every bill
introduced in the General Assembly. This site will also allow you to
find and organize the complete voting records of legislators and use
search tools to find currently pending and passed legislation.
www.legis.state.pa.us this
site lists the bills, committee actions, and contact information for
Pennsylvania General Assembly.
People who think members of Congress pay little
or no attention to constituent mail, are plain wrong. Concise, well
thought out personal letters are one of the most effective ways
Americans have of influencing law-makers. But, members of Congress
get hundreds of letters and emails every day. Whether you choose to
use the Postal Service or email, here are some tips that will help
your letter have impact.
Think Locally
It's usually best to send letters to the
representative from your local Congressional District or the
senators from your state. Your vote helps elect them -- or not --
and that fact alone carries a lot of weight. It also helps
personalize your letter. Sending the same "cookie-cutter" message to
every member of Congress may grab attention but rarely much
consideration.
Here's How:
-
Always be courteous
and respectful, but avoid being 'gushy' or overly flattering.
-
Clearly and simply
state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill,
identify it correctly.
-
Identify yourself.
Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct
name, address, phone number and email address.
-
State any professional
credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those
pertaining to the subject of your letter.
-
Keep your letter short
-- one page letters are best.
-
Provide specific
rather than general information about how the topic affects you
and others.
-
Be sure to address
your letter correctly.
-
Use specific examples
or evidence to support your position.
-
Clearly state what it
is you want done or recommend a course of action.
-
Thank the official for
taking the time to read your letter.
-
NEVER use vulgarity,
profanity or threats. Simply stated, don't let your passion get in
the way of making your point.
-
NEVER demand a
response.
TIPS
-
When writing members of the U.S. Congress, it
is usually best to write only to the Representatives and Senators
from your district or state. Mass-mailings to all Members of
Congress rarely have much impact.
-
Each letter should address a single topic or
issue.
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