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How to Talk to Legislators

To identify your incumbent legislator, access http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/home.aspx and enter your home address.

Contacting Legislators

The most effective methods of communicating with Legislators include:

  1. Face-to-Face Individual or Group Visits;
  2. Testify before a Committee;
  3. Personal Letters;
  4. Telephone Calls;
  5. Emails;
  6. Resolution Passed by an Organization;
  7. Petition;
  8. News Report of Group/Individual Position; and
  9. Form Letter.

 

When writing to or speaking with a State official, keep the following in mind:

Governor
1. Writing:
The Honorable (Full Name)
Governor of Texas
State Capitol
PO Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711
Dear Governor (Last Name):

2. Speaking: “Governor (Last Name)”

Lieutenant Governor
1. Writing:
The Honorable (Full Name)
Lt. Governor of Texas
State Capitol
PO Box 12068
Austin, Texas 78711
Dear Governor (Last Name):
2 Speaking: “Governor (Last Name)”

Speaker of the House
1. Writing:
The Honorable (Full Name)
Speaker of the House
Texas House of Representatives
PO Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768-2910
Dear (Mr./Madam) Speaker:
2. Speaking: “Mr./Madam Speaker”

State Senator
1. Writing:
The Honorable (Full Name)
Texas State Senate
PO Box 12068
Austin, Texas 78711
Dear Senator (Last Name):

2. Speaking: “Senator (Last Name)”

State Representative
1. Writing:
The Honorable (Full Name)
Texas House of Representatives
PO Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768-2910
Dear Mr./Mrs. (Last Name):
2. Speaking: “Mr./Ms. (Last Name)”

Letters: When to Write

Letters: Length and Style

Letters: Content

Telephone Calls: When to Make

Telephone Calls: Length

Telephone Calls: Style

Telephone Calls: Contact

Personal Visits: When to Make

Personal Visits: Length

Personal Visits: Style

Personal Visits: Content

Public Testimony: Length

Public Testimony: Style

Public Testimony: Content

Having completed this primer, you are now an expert. Make contact with your legislator…your voice will make a difference.

Excerpts from United Way of Texas Public Policy Handbook.

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