And Other Tips for Contacting Legislators
From sending an email to face-to-face lobby efforts, you should feel comfortable communicating with elected officials.
Know your Issue, Make it Personal
Explaining how an issue specifically impacts your business or your employees can really help influence a legislator’s opinion. If a legislator understands the real costs associated with a mandate and knows you are seriously concerned, they will often take notice.
"When I go into their offices, they don’t often realize how the restaurant business works and are amazed to see the margins and the costs.”
- Mary Rowley, Goose Blind in Green Lake |
Numbers Count
One contact from a citizen can represent one thousand opinions. Multiple contacts on an issue from one district really gets attention. The more times the legislator hears about an issue, the greater the likelihood of swaying their vote.
Make the Contact
Don’t be afraid. Most lawmakers want to hear from people in their district; staff members often make recommendations to the legislator.
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 Email
WRA provides form letters that can be personalized and sent off to representatives on various issues. Just type in your name and address and hit send — it's easy!
Phone Calls
Make the call. Personal phone calls carry more weight (and are more effective) than emails alone.
Calling Tips:
- Feel comfortable speaking on the issue.
- Provide your name and business name, then briefly explain how the issue impacts your business.
- Ask for the legislator’s position on the bill.
- If you speak to an aide, request a response to your phone call.
- Thank them for their time.
Writing Letters
Writing an actual letter has its merits. It can show officials that you are interested enough to set the time aside to write and mail in a letter.
Letter Writing Tips:
- Keep your letter short; one page is best.
- Use your own words. The more personalized, the more like legislators will remember it.
- Stick to one issue and be specific on how the legislation could affect your business, especially in terms of jobs.
- Try to identify bills by number, name or sponsor.
- Make it known that you appreciate your politician and especially their tough job.
- Ask a direct question and request a response. For example: “Please let me know if I can count on your support.”
- Be sure to include your return address in the letter (or use letterhead). Envelopes get thrown away.
- Follow-up after action has been taken. Let your legislator know that you monitored how he/she voted.
Face-to-Face Meetings
Meetings in legislative offices are a great way to discuss questions and concerns with lawmakers. Participate in group events like Restaurant Lobby Day or schedule a one-on-one meeting with your elected official.
Tips for Visiting Lawmaker’s Offices:
- Make an appointment. Meetings should last no longer than 15 minutes.
- Introduce yourself with brief background information: who you are and where your restaurant is located.
- Identify the legislative issues that concern you. No more than three (3) issues.
- Keep the message simple and back up statements with facts. Briefly describe an issue's impact on your business.
- Ask your legislator their position on the issue. Be polite, direct and specific: “Will you vote for SB-100?”
- Follow up with a thank you letter. Briefly restate your opinion and enclose extra information as appropriate.
Use Their Titles
- Address members of the State Senate and U.S. Senate as "Senator".
- Address members of the State Assembly and U.S. House of Representatives as "Representative".
Additional Ways to Make Your Voice Heard
- Letters to the editor
- An opinion piece (for an Op-Ed page)
- Radio call-in shows
- Distribute action flyers in your community
- Attend or speak at a hearing
- Enlist the help of other groups you belong to
- Join the WRA membership and ask others to join – the more members we have, the stronger our results in helping create positive legislation for small businesses
 
 WRA representation helps you make your opinions known and carry weight. WRA provides legislative notices as they’re happening, access to government and regulatory agencies and protection for your business as a whole.
Make an impact in government.
  
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