Step 1: Include your address at the top of the letter.
Step 2: Identify your Legislator. Be sure to address the Legislator appropriately by using “The Honorable” in the address line and “Representative” or “Senator” in the salutation. A colon follows the Salutation.
Step 3: Introduce yourself. State your connection to the legislator. Identify if you are a constituent of the Legislator. The other characteristics are, “I am a taxpayer, citizen, and voter who resides in the ____________________ School District.”
Step 4: Note any relevant facts you wish the Legislator to consider.
Step 5: Let the Legislator know what you are asking for. For example, “I am requesting that the state use a portion of the Rainy Day Fund to support public education.” (Keep this to one or two points.)
(For Steps 4 & 5: You may use the Community Legislative Committee’s Legislative Priorities, available on their website.)
Step 6: Thank the Legislator for his or her time and support. Close the letter with “Sincerely,” “Yours truly,” or “Respectfully.”
Extras:
If you wish to contact others, please consider contacting the Chairs and/or the other members of the key committees: House and Senate Education Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
Download Sample as a Word Document →
Letter Writer’s Name
Street Address
City, PA and Postal code
Honorable __________
Street Address
Suite number
City, PA Postal Code
Date
Dear Representative or Senator _______________,
I am writing you about ______________________. I know you share my commitment to _____________________. I have lived in your district for the past ___________ years. Through my work in _______________ area I see first-hand the need for _________________. I am convinced that ______________________ will help. I ask for your support regarding_______________________.
As a clinician, I recently ________________________ ( add a personal story if able here relating to your request.)
I understand that the ___________ committee will be hearing about the ___________________ bill this session. I urge you to support this measure when it comes before you. I would be happy at any time, to provide you with more examples of _______________. I hope we can count on your support. Thank you for your work on behalf of our district and the State of Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Your name
