Tips for Calling Your State Legislators

Okemos Public School District is in State House District 69 and State Senate District 23.

When bills are being discussed in committee, it is not only appropriate but essential to contact those committee members as well as your elected official. If you have friends and/or family members that live in the district of a committee member ask them to also contact their elected official. A contact list for Appropriations Committee for School Aid members is listed in the ‘Call to Action’ section.

State Rep. Mark Meadows, Dist. 69 State Senator Gretchen Whitmer, Dist. 23

(517) 373-1786 517-373-5397

http://069.housedems.com http://whitmer.senatedems.com

Telephone calls are often taken by a staff member and not the actual legislative member. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue to which you wish to comment. If they are not available, you may also leave a message. If you speak with someone other than your legislator, take down their name and title.

Upon reaching your state legislator on the phone, it's easiest to follow these four basic steps:

• Identify yourself by name and the town from which you are calling.

• Explain why you are calling: "I am calling to support/oppose House Bill: HB_____, Senate Bill: SB_____.” Be polite and concise. Creating 1 or 2 talking points will focus the content of your message. Too much information may confuse your message. Ask your legislator his/her position on this issue. Don't assume that your legislator has prior knowledge of your issue. Be calm, respectful, and be prepared to educate, using local examples to accentuate your point.

• Request a written response to your phone call if you did not speak to your legislative member. If the legislator requires further information, provide it as soon as possible.

• Thank the person who took the phone call for their time and consideration.

From MASA Grassroots Toolkit

http://www.gomasa.org/services/michigan-legislative-phone-protocol