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Message from the Lobbyist
Communication with
your Legislators
Many of us wonder about the most effective method for contacting
legislators. Please read the following comments from a legislator on
his
views: At the committee level, I find that e-mail is the best way to
communicate with legislators. In my opinion, if the message is limited to
3 or 4 different bills, it is more effective than mentioning numerous
bills.
Single bill e-mails are even better. The more concise the message, the
better as well. Putting the bill number in the subject line is effective
too. Phone call messages are easier to track when it comes time to vote on
the floor, but e-mail works better for committee members.
Not everyone has a legislator on a committee, so contacts to all
committee members are appropriate. At the floor level, you should
confine your
contacts to only the legislators from your distinct and others with whom
you have a personal relationship. In all communications, you need to
identify
a name and address, so they know your thoughts are coming from a ND
resident
for committee matters and from a constituent on floor matters. The
legislative hotline number is: 1-888-635-3447.
And don't think a committee contact negates the need for a contact prior
to floor action. Often times a bill is amended in committee and
legislators
won't assume that your earlier support/opposition holds true for the
version to be voted at the floor.
Sincerely,
Kyle Blanchfield
President, NDPGOA
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