Frequently Asked Questions: State Legislaton
Q: How can I get the latest information on
a particular bill?
A: The League tries to keep the state legislation pages updated
for your reference. However each page also has a link to that
state legislature's website. You can search by bill number or
keywords to find the latest legislative action.
Q: What does it mean when I ask my state
legislators to "co-sponsor" a bill. Is this really
important?
A: A "co-sponsor" is a legislator who joins the primary
"sponsor" in supporting a piece of legislation. Although
it is not necessarily true that a bill needs many co-sponsors
to pass, a big list of co-sponsors shows that the bill has a
lot of support.
Q: How can I find who my state legislators
are?
A: Visit www.vote-smart.org.
Look on the left hand side under "Find your Representative."
You will need your 9-digit ZIP code, which you can find on the
USPS Web site here.
Tips for Writing Your Legislators
Your legislators pay attention to their mail. A member knows
your vote can be won or lost by his/her response to an issue
of significant concern to you. The most effective letter is
a personal one. It should be concise, informed, and polite.
Some specific tips:
- Try to stick to one typewritten page, two pages at most.
Lengthy letters tend to wind up in the bottom of the pile.
If writing longhand, take care to write legibly.
- It is important to stick with one issue. State your purpose
for writing in the first paragraph. Support your position
with the rest of the letter.
- Find out the name and number of the bill you are writing
about, then use this information in the letter.
- Stick to the facts. Then support your position with information
about how legislation is likely to affect you and others.
Avoid emotional, philosophical arguments.
- If you oppose legislation, say so, indicate the likely adverse
effects, and (if appropriate) suggest a better approach.
- Thank the legislator for reading your letter and ask when
you may expect a response.
- Be sure your name and return address are legible.
- The suggested address style is:
The Honorable (first and last name)
(State) House of Representatives / Senate / Assembly
Address
City, State ZIP
Dear Representative / Senator / Assemblymember (last name):
