How to Voice Opinion on Bills to Legislators
The following information can be used to assist you in writing a letter to your legislators. I have also included a sample letter for you to use as a guide. I believe that it is better if you rewrite the letter to reflect your own personal tone but letter may also be used as is. Just be sure to insert your state name and the appropriate Bill number where indicated. Use complete bill number (HB number; SB number…). Also, use the Bill’s short title in your first paragraph.
If you need help with a rewrite or would like me to look at it please contact me.
- Keep letters short about 4 paragraphs; max 1 page.
- Sample letter provided below (but reword to sound personal).
- Be sure letter is short, calm and respectful.
- First paragraph – state opposition to bill and brief reason (Include bill number).
- Second paragraph – explain that you have websites and you advertise on them.
- Third paragraph – explain lost income, that terminations that will happen..
- Fourth paragraph – summarize opposition, thank for time, offer to discuss more.
- Give full name and full contact information (address, phone & email)
Sample letter:
Dear Assemblyperson (or Senator) _______
I am writing to express my opposition to Bill ____, the Internet sales tax bill (change this to the bill’s short title). I strongly oppose this bill because it will put me out of business. The state will not gain sales tax revenue and will lose additional revenue as a result of my business closing.
I currently earn my income by advertising on my websites. I maintain a couple of websites and on these websites I write about ______ (Describe your website in 1 or 2 sentences). On these sites I also include advertising links to some merchants. I work from home because (explain primary reason – so you can be home with children, are unable to work outside home, need to supplement income, are retired…. Again, limit to 1 or 2 sentences).
If Bill _____ passes, out of state merchants will terminate their advertising relationship with me. I will be unable to continue generating sufficient income to support my family. Many merchants terminated advertising relationships in states where similar laws have passed. They have already said they will do the same if the law passes in our state. I will be forced to close my business. (Add 1 or 2 short sentences explaining what the lost income means. If you employ others be sure to mention you will reduce staff/fire.)
As a resident of (state name) I request that you vote against Bill ___ because it will not generate additional revenue and will destroy thousands of business like mine. I would be happy to discuss this if you need additional information.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Name & full contact info – (postal address, phone and email)
