Tips on How to Contact Officials
Government affects your life every day and government actions can have either a positive or detrimental impact on your business. It is critical for your lawmakers to understand what it is like to run a small business, and no one can tell them about the pressures and problems about entrepreneurship better than you can.
Small-business issues like the rising cost of health care can be devastating to small business. It only takes a moment to tell your lawmakers how your business is impacted by these issues. The most effective way to contact your legislator is by personal letter on your business letterhead. To reach them by e-mail, follow the links indicated by their names in the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Roster and/or access their web page. A well-written letter or a detailed phone call will often help them understand the implications of pending legislation.
No matter how you contact your legislator, please copy the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce so we can reinforce your message when we talk to lawmakers. Refer to our Legislative Advocacy and Public Policy Education here.
Tips on Writing a Persuasive Letter
State and federal legislators are addressed as "The Honorable..." and the Governor is addressed as "His/Her Excellency..." in any written correspondence.
The only address needed for federal legislators (Congress) is:
"U.S. House of Representative, Washington, D.C. 20515" or
"United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510."
When writing legislators, use this format:
1. The Honorable (Name)
2. Position (U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, State Senator, or State Representative)
Sample of a Letter Format: 10 Tips
Dear Representative (or Senator) (Name)__________:
1. If possible, write your letter on your company's letterhead.
2. Try to keep it to one page - anything longer may be ignored.
3. When you write or speak to officials, be persuasive and concise. Get to the point. Let them know if you favor or oppose the legislation and why.
4. Let them know what you would like them to do - oppose a legislation, vote in support of it, or propose an amendment change.
5. Always ask for a reply that clearly states what action the member plans to take. Since you've taken the time to contact your elected official, you're entitled to know where he/she stands! Let him/her know that you are following the issue closely.
6. There are thousands of bills that are being filed in the state legislature and in Congress each year. When calling, be specific. Refer to the specific bill you are writing or calling about, using the official bill numbers (Example: House Bill XXX or HB XXX). The bill number will help the legislator know which bill you are referring to.
7. Never write about more than one issue per letter. Write a second letter if necessary if you want to say more.
8. Explain who you are, what business you represent in the community, and what you and your business do. make sure to mention if you are a constituent and voter in their district. Indicate about your important business's role in the community and if you employ peoples, indicate how many people working for you. Employees are also voters!
9. Always state clearly your position, the opposing arguments, and the reason your position is better for your business and their legislative district. Always use facts to strenghten your stated position by providing specific examples of how a piece of legislation or a regulation impacts your business, your employees, and the region. The more local you make the argument, the more persuasive it will be.
10. Always be friendly but business-like. Know your facts. Be organized. Mention your membership in the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce. This connection will reinforce the message to the legislators.