Does It Really Matter… Contacting Your Legislators?
Jimmy PorterA Baptist layman tired of the bingo establishment operating the same hours his church was having services, especially since they were so close to one another. The Christian Action Commission (CAC) suggested he contact his state representative about the situation. He did. His representative filed a bill stipulating the hours bingo could operate if within a certain distance to a church. The bill passed both houses and the governor signed it into law. One man made a difference.
President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, said, “. . . and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” President Lincoln stated a relevant truth at a time when our nation stood at the crossroads of survival or extinction. Government is a people business. Our form of government, democracy, is destined to succeed or fail in direct proportion to the number of people willing to participate.
Throughout the course of a year you are often asked to contact your senator or representative to express your opinion on certain legislative issues. Does it make a difference whether you respond or not?
My representative, Mr. Philip Gunn, recently said, “We perceive one phone call represents 10 to 20 people.” Therefore, if he gets forty phone calls about an issue, that could mean four to eight hundred people are passionately concerned. The truth is---your senators and representatives want to hear from you.
Following are a few suggestions as to how to effectively address a bill or issue with your legislators. First, you MUST find out the district in which you live and who it is that represents you. Your county clerk will provide you with this information if you kindly ask. You must also secure the mailing address and phone numbers in Washington, Jackson, and/or area offices if applicable.
The next step is to determine the best way to contact them. You need to know that some do not utilize e-mail. Therefore, sending e-mail or forwarding form letters via e-mail is a waste of time if your representative is one of those. But they ALL talk on the phone, read letters and visit with their constituents---thus the three best ways to contact them.
Before contacting your representatives, do your homework. Know the subject matter, the number of the bill, if applicable, and be able to state your position in two to three minutes. A good rule of thumb is “one contact---one issue,” no matter how the contact is made. Keep it simple and keep it short. A face to face meeting is always the best contact but is not always feasible. A phone call or letter is also very effective. Most legislators will return your call if you will leave name and number, especially when you are a voter in their district.
Also, if you take the time to compose a letter, they appreciate it. On more than one occasion I have written Senator Lott or Senator Cochran, and each time I have received a response. I have never gotten a response from a signed petition or a form letter I forwarded through e-mail. These methods can be effective, but when you take the time to call, visit or write a brief note, it seems to be more effective.
Our elected officials, for the most part, want to do a good job and represent your interests, but you must let them know what your interests are. You don’t have to be an expert; just believe in your point of view and state it. Also, it is important to be kind, courteous and remember to say, “Thank you” for their time.
At the CAC we have found that some issues are very difficult and complex for the men and women at the Capitol to resolve. Therefore, it is our Christian duty to pray for them daily that they have insight and wisdom to make the right decisions. When you contact them on these tough issues and share your feelings, it makes their task easier.
The CAC often speaks on your behalf during the legislative session and throughout the year, but we need your help. When you and your neighbors contact your elected officials, it speaks volumes to them. Every single contact is vital. When you are asked to make a contact and you in good conscience can do so---DO IT. You can make a difference.