Sample Letters
Sample Letter to a Legislator
Date
The Honorable
Rosa Sanchez
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator
Sanchez,
(Who you
are, name of the bill and your position) I am a resident of Westchester,
IL and a member of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby and
am very concerned about the funding for the Social Services Block Grant
(SSBG). This block grant has been scaled back several times since the
early 1980s, and the $2.4 billion available each year is essential for
states to continue programs that help the poorest and most vulnerable
children, elderly, and disabled people in our society.
(Explain
your position using personal experience) In many ways, Title XX is the
glue that holds our community programs together. I volunteer at an agency
that relies on SSBG funding to teach people with disabilities necessary
life skills. Without the programs, people with disabilities will be particularly
hurt because the SSBG is the only federal program to provide them with
social services. Once these effective programs are diminished or gone,
there will be a gaping hole in their recipients’ abilities to live
independently.
It would
be irresponsible to deprive vulnerable people, who have so little, of
the funds they need to live independently in order to improve the lives
of those who already have so much. It is a mistake to deny these people
vital services even if it is for inarguably justifiable projects. We can
find another way to pay for the latter.
(Thanks
for listening, praise for good work, request for response, brief restatement
of position) Thank you, Senator Sanchez, for your time and for support
on similar issues in the past. I look forward to hearing your position
on this matter. I challenge you to continue to uphold the high standards
reflected in your voting record and urge you to support the restoration
of funding for SSBG to its authorized level of $2.38 million.
Sincerely,
Veronica
Clark
2901 Mayfair
Westchester, IL 60154
Sample 90-Second Letter
Date
The Honorable
Rosa Sanchez
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator
Sanchez,
(Request
specific action and legislation) I urge you to support legislation that
maintains the entitlement status of Medicaid.
(Give a
reason) Taking away its entitlement status reverses a long-standing commitment
by the federal government to partner with states to provide services to
our nation’s most vulnerable population.
Sincerely,
Veronica
Clark
2901 Mayfair
Westchester, IL 60154
Sample Telephone Lobbying Script
Choose the
appropriate questions for the flow of your conversation and the status
of the legislation (e.g., if the bill needs co-sponsors, supporters or
speakers for a floor debate, etc.)
“Hello,
my name is Maria Juarez and I’m calling as a constituent. I am also
a member of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby. May I speak
to the person working on the minimum wage issue?”(note the person’s
name for your next call)
“I’m
calling in regard to the Fair Minimum Wage Act (S 192/HR 325). Are you
familiar with this bill?”
“Great.
I believe that this legislation helps people in poverty is at least a
step towards providing a living wage.”
-or-
“Okay, well let me tell you about the bill. It will increase the
minimum wage by $1.00 over the next two years and is sponsored by Senator
Kennedy (if you’re calling the Senate) and Representative Bonior
(if you’re calling the House).”
“Does
the Congressperson support this bill? Will he/she be a cosponsor of the
bill? Is your office working to get other legislators to cosponsor or
support the bill? What could we do to help gain more support for it?”
“I
would appreciate the Senator’s (Representative’s) support of
this bill very much.”
--or--
“Is there something specific you object to? Is there more information
I can provide for you?”
“Do
you have any questions?”
“Thank
you for your time.”
|
