lettertemplate

(Date)

The Honorable (Full Name

of your Representative or Senator

)

Michigan House of Representatives

(or)

Michigan State Senate

P.O. Box 30014 (

for your Representative)

(

or)

P.O. Box 30036

(

for

your

Senator

)

Lansing, MI 48909

Re: HB 1234 (for House Bill) (or) SB 123 (for Senate Bill)

Put in Correct Number!

Using a topic reference line

in bold face

such as this example immediately draws attention to the purpose of your letter. An alternative way

to do this would be to immediately state your position on the proposed legislation,

for example:

Re: OPPOSE HB 1234

Dear Representative (or) Senator (Insert Last Name),

The first paragraph should get right to the point.

If you use the above indicator line referencing the

particular bill, don't waste

more time and space restating "I am writing to you about HB 1234." Since

you will list your contact information at the end of the letter

you don't have to give your name and

address here.

HOWEVER

, if pertinent, you could state something such as

"I have lived in Lapeer

County for 18 years

the elected official know you are his/her constituent. It is also important

to briefly list either your professional credentials on the

topic and/or your experience with dogs, such

"I have been breeding purebred English Setters and competing in hunting trials

since 1978."

Your

final sentence in this paragraph should state the particular issue in the bill that concerns you. For

example

"I am particularly concerned with Sec. 2 of the proposed HB 1234."

Keep it short and keep

them reading! The first paragraph should be no more than 3-4 sentences.

The second paragraph gives the details and examples of why you either oppose or support a

bill.

you are citing personal

experiences, don't ramble. Stick to the point and be succinct.

not exaggerate or give incorrect facts, dates, or irrelevant details.

REMEMBER - All politics

local.

Relate your position to how the bill will effect the Representative's or Senator's district. It is

extremely important to indicate economic impact on the district, if possible. For example

"Each year the

Up North Kennel Club attracts over 1,500 entries from throughout the United States and Canada. Forty

percent of our entrants indicate they stay overnight in hotels in our county and spend an average of $492

over the

weekend. In fact, the Up North Kennel Club spends over $21,000 per year to hold this event,

much of it with local

businesses. If HB 1234 were to become law, we would lose at least 50% of our total

entry and our show would become

cost prohibitive.

And don't forget to restate your position based upon

your examples

"For these reasons I oppose HB 1234."

If you can give two or three related examples,

depending on the complexity of the issue, you can write an effective letter to support

your position.

Keep in mind you want to limit your letter to one page. Five to eight sentences should be enough.

he third paragraph is the call to action

Tell your elected official the position you expect them to

take, restating the bill number.

Again, hit economics or local quality of life if you can,

"Because HB 1234

would have a negative economic impact on our county I

urge you to oppose HB 1234,"

or,

"Because HB

1234 would make it virtually impossible for a law-abiding citizen to own a

quality purebred dog, I urge you

to oppose HB 1234."

You've said your piece. Now, gracefully exit by thanking the elected official for their

time and service and

URGE

him/her or the elected

official's staff to contact you if they would like to

discuss the topic further.

Be sure to include your phone number, as some legislators

ill actually call you.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Address

Telephone Number

e-mail address (optional)

WRITING A LETTER
TO YOUR
ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIALS
LETTER TEMPLATE

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