Writing Your Legislators

Business organizations often have difficulty trying to counter the volume of letters generated by organized labor, consumer groups, environmental activists, etc. However, there is nothing more effective than a letter from a business person whose ability to do business is being affected by a public policy issue. Whether you use e-mail, faxes or postal mail, these tips will help you make the most of your effort and help the Chamber combat quantity with quality.

Be Concise: Write about only one issue per letter and try to limit your letter to one page.

Be Specific: State your purpose for writing in the first paragraph. Briefly outline your position on the issue and your arguments in support of your position. When referring to specific legislation, use bill numbers and/or the title of the legislation.

Be Direct: Urge a specific action. If you want your legislator to support or oppose a specific piece of legislation, say so. In addition, always request a response explaining their position on the issue.

Be Personal: Explain how the issue affects you and your business. Use your business stationary and refer to your personal expertise when appropriate.

Be Informative: Read background materials or talking points prior to writing your letter. Back up your position by briefly outlining the supporting facts. The Chamber's website, www.mdchamber.org, and weekly Legislative Report contain useful information regarding pending legislative issues.

Things to Avoid

• Don't use abbreviations, acronyms or industry jargon.
• Don't make promises or threats.
• Don't be combative.

Essential Elements
Let your legislators know that you are a part of a larger group. Do write, "As a member of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, I am concerned …"

Include your name, address and phone numbers (both work and home) on all communications. This reminds your lawmaker that you are a constituent and also lets them know how to contact you for appropriate follow up.

Time your letters carefully. Your letter will have the most impact if you contact your legislators prior to legislative action on the issue. The Maryland Chamber's Legislative Alerts will keep you informed as to when to contact your legislator on critical business issues. If you are not receiving Legislative Alerts, or if you have additional staff you would like to receive the alerts, contact Will Burns at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or wburns@mdchamber.org.

Be sure to address your letters properly:

U.S. Congress
To a Senator:
The Honorable John Doe
__(Rm.#)__(name of)Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To a Representative:
The Honorable Jane Doe
__(Rm.#)__(name of)House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

Maryland General Assembly
To Members of the Maryland House of Delegates
The Honorable John Doe
Delegate, District ___
Maryland House of Delegates
Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401-1991

Dear Delegate Doe:

To Members of the Maryland Senate
The Honorable Jane Doe
Senator, District ___
Miller Senate Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401-1991

Dear Senator Doe:

Contact Made Easy

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce's online action center is the fastest, easiest way to contact your legislators. To view the Chamber's active Legislative Alerts, click here. To login and send a letter, click here, and select "Contact Your State Legislators" or "Contact Your Federal Legislators." .

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