Guidelines for writing a legislator
- Write your email or letter as an individual, not as a WICPA representative. Legislators want to hear from "real constituents," not organization officials.
- Write and send your letter as soon as possible. Legislation can move quickly and legislators need to hear from you before they vote.
- Keep your letter brief and to the point. Letters should be no more than one page. A paragraph or two is fine.
- Stick to one or two issues and clearly identify them. A one-sentence description is fine. Give a bill number if you have one.
- Open your letter by clearly stating your position in the first paragraph. Follow up by giving reasons why the legislator should support your position.
- Personalize your letter. Let the legislator know how the legislation will affect you and the people and businesses you serve.
- Use a respectful tone in your letter. It's okay to disagree with the legislator, but never attack him or her personally.
- Always put your contact information in the letter. You can use either your home or office address. If either is in the legislator's district, then use that as the return address.
- Always ask the legislator to respond with their position on the legislation you are writing about. We need to know where they stand.
- Conclude your letter by urging the legislator to take action in support of your position and thank him or her for taking the time to consider your views.
- If several CPAs are writing letters together, don't write the exact same letter. Form letters are not effective.