PHONING YOUR LEGISLATORS

Phone calls are a relatively effective way of communicating your concerns to your legislators. Phoning is especially important when a bill is moving quickly through the legislative process and time is short. The opportunity cost is that issues need to be relatively simple to be communicated well. Below are some suggestions.

Be simple -- Call about one issue at a time. If possible, refer to the bill number and what the bill would do.

Be brief -- Introduce yourself, state how you feel about a particular bill or issue and ask for the legislator's support. If the legislator is undecided, ask to be updated on his or her stance after a period of time or ask for a meeting where you can argue your position.

Be logical -- Call your own representatives before you call any others. Your local legislators are always your first priority. They owe their political fortunes to you and your neighbors.

Be connected -- Always leave your name and address, particularly if you're a constituent. Legislative offices, to keep track of how the constituency feels on certain issues, often log phone calls. Usually phone inquiries are responded to by letter after a period of time. If you phone to express an opinion but refuse to leave an address, you are wasting your breath.

Be smart --  Always say thank you. Never be abusive or threatening. 

SAMPLE PHONE CALL:

Car Club Member/Hobbyist: Hello, I'd like to speak to Assemblyman X about A.B. 3299, the pro car enthusiast Inoperable Vehicle Bill. 

Legislative Staff Member:  Sorry, Assemblyman X is voting right now. May I take a message? 

Hobbyist:  Yes, my name is John Q. Public, with XYZ Car Club. I'd like to ask Assemblyman X to support A.B. 3299 because it would stop local areas from enforcing an ordinance or land use regulation that would keep automobile collectors from working on their cars. 

Legislative Staff Member:  I will give the message to Assemblyman X and ask him to respond to you. Can I have your address? 

Hobbyist: (GIVE ADDRESS) 

Staff member:  Thank you. 

Hobbyist:  Thanks for your help.