How do you write Letters/Emails to Representatives in the state House and Senate??

DECIDE ON THE RECIPIENT.

You have two approached: Write to a member of the committee that will make a decision on your issue or write to a Senator/Representative who’s district your home address is within. You can find the committees by following the links contained within the Bills MAAC is watching page ( Click Here ) or if you are looking for your Senator/Representative ( Click Here )

Watch to make sure that all names are spelled correctly and that you have the proper address. An incorrect name counts against you. An incorrect address may mean your letter might not arrive at all.

OPEN THE LETTER IN AN OFFICIAL MANNER.

If you are writing to an elected official, show respect for the position by using the title of the office, and the official’s full name. In any other letter, use the familiar term “Dear,” the title Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or Dr., and the official’s full name.

Example

January 5, 2008

Title [Name of Representative or Senator]

House of Representatives [OR] U.S. Senate

Office Address

Washington, D.C. 20515

Some sample items to include

EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE FOR YOUR LETTER.

Let your reader know immediately what your letter is about. Tell him/her why you are concerned or pleased that a particular decision is being considered.

Example

The proposed Senate Bill S.2243 will allow antique car owners like myself to restore the licsense plate on my show car to make it as beautiful as the car it is on.

SUMMARIZE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUE/DECISION BEING CONSIDERED.

State the general impact that you expect to occur if a particular decision is made.

Example

The passage of H.3309 will allow people with money to spend on a auction of desirable license plates to purchase plates vs today it is a lottery and fair to all who sign up.

EXPLAIN YOUR POSITION ON THIS ISSUE.

Describe in detail why you feel the decision made will lead to the impact you foresee.

Example

This bill will make people change their registration to a standard plate and that will be bad for the hobby and the environment.

DESCRIBE WHAT ACTION YOU HOPE THE OFFICIAL WILL TAKE.

State specifically what action you (and those you represent) hope the official will take–and by what date, if there is a deadline.

Example

I hope you will support our hobby and make the commonwealth a place where Hot Rods are valued.

CLOSE AND SIGN YOUR LETTER/EMAIL.

Thank the official and sign your full name. Make sure your address, and phone number are included.

CHECK YOUR LETTER FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.

Correct spelling and grammar won’t do the job by themselves, but they can help. Why not give your letter every possible advantage?

Send MAAC a copy

If you are sending an email, cc Mass.Assoc.Auto.Clubs@gmail.com

If you are sending a letter, send a copy of the letter by email or post: MAAC, 23 Oakencroft Rd, Wellesley MA 02482.

Thank you for your support of our hobby – get out there and drive!