Be creative! After you write your letter send it on to legislators and follow-up with a phone call, post it on a your personal Web site, e-mail your friends to have them send one as well, blog about your experience and even paste your letter on your favorite Web site’s message board. Be loud and clear about the needs of Minnesotan’s with disabilities. To find more information on local media, contact your area Chamber of Commerce.
Sample Letter
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To the editor: Second paragraph (one or two sentences): What makes you an “expert” on the issue? For example, are you a caregiver yourself? Are you a professional who has seen an issue come up time and time again? Also be sure to reference the bill you are writing on as it adds credibility. For example: My husband and I have been married for 34 years and since his MS has progressed, I have chosen to act as his caregiver instead of having him live in a nursing facility. As a caregiver, I support the inclusion of a tax credit sponsored by Sen. Rest and Rep. Fritz in the 2007 omnibus tax bill. Supporting paragraphs (three or four, each one sentence): Here is where you explain what the bill calls for. Refer to the position papers for key facts about the bill. For example, one point for the MA position could be: The bill calls for the income standard be raised to 100 percent of poverty over the next four years and double the asset limits to $6,000 for a single adult and $12,000 for a married couple. Supporting fact Supporting fact Conclusion (one sentence): Now is where you state your support of the bill and urge others to support the issue as well. For example: I strongly believe that raising the income standard and asset limits for seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medical Assistance should be a top priority for Minnesota legislators in 2007. [Your name here] |