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How to write your legislators

Who represents you?

You should write the legislator who represents you.  You can find out who represents you by clicking HERE.

Sample Letters

Legislators pay little or no attention to mass mailed post cards or form letters. Use these letters as a starting point, but tell your story in your own words, as this will have the biggest impact.

The best way to get your legislator's attention is with a short, well-reasoned letter.

Some suggestion when writing:

• Make letter neat and easy to read (type or print).
• Identify the issue at the top of the letter and if possible, identify the specific piece of legislation by House or Senate file number before writing.
• Be brief; never write more than one page. Get to the point quickly i.e., "I hope you will support (oppose) House File___________"
• Succinctly state your reasons for supporting or opposing the bill. Use terms they will understand and avoid abbreviations. Be polite and reasonable.
• Finally, say "thanks" and sign your own name in handwriting. Include your home phone number and address so the legislator can verify you are a constituent, and hopefully, respond.

Here is a sample letter you can use to help get you started writing to tax committee members:

Together We Can Stop the Spread of AIS in Minnesota

Dear Sen. or Rep. (Name here):

I am writing to ask you to support efforts to stop the spread of zebra mussels, Asian carp, and other aquatic invasive species in Minnesota; the closing of appropriate locks and dams until redundant systems like electrical barriers can be put in place to stop Asian carp, an AIS surcharge increase on three year boat registrations, the increase in penalties for scofflaws and increased authority for peace officers.

And finally, it is critical that these measure be in place for ice-out 2012:

Too much is at stake - we must stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, AIS in Minnesota.

And finally, the explosion of lakes infested with zebra mussels last fall was a signal that we have reached a tipping point.  Unless we make real gains on the problem this year, far too much of Minnesota's water heritage and resource will be lost.

Local property owners, desperately imposing Lake Improvement Districts, LIDs - essentially taxing themselves, to stop this threat.  They spend as much or more than the state each year.  They cannot continue to go it alone.  The state must step up to protect our Lakes.

Please support they two critical elements of AIS legislation. Create a reliable funding source and empower law enforcement to do what must be done.

Thank you for all your hard work on my behalf.  I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

(your name, address, phone number)

Or pick from the ideas below, and write your own letter:

Minnesota needs to preserve our heritage of "Land of 10,000 Lakes" - too much of our economy and jobs depend on healthy lakes.

Or

Minnesota depends on fishing for jobs. Bait shops, boat companies, dock companies, sporting goods stores all
depend on the 2+ million anglers in Minnesota. Fishing generates $3 billion in revenue and 43,800 jobs. Please vote in favor of protecting Minnesota lakes from aquatic invasive species, and
especially the spread of zebra mussels.

or

Please support a vote for increased penalties for not abiding with laws that prevent the transporting of aquatic invasive species on
watercraft. Citizens need to be reminded by hefty fines in fishing just like in hunting. Minnesota needs to protect our Land of 10,000 Lakes that we have been known for so long.

or

Tourism in Minnesota is an $11+ BILLION dollar industry. We cannot afford not to protect MN lakes from
aquatic invasive species infestations. Zebra mussels cannot be allowed to be spread to any more lakes and rivers in Minnesota. Please support bold and robust legislation to halt the spread! Lakes are our lifeblood and our heritage.

or

In 2008 Minnesotans voted to support the Legacy Amendment designed to restore and protect Minnesota lakes. A very small amount of the monies are spent in protecting Minnesota lakes. Aquatic Invasive Species, and especially zebra mussels, are spreading rapidly, creating a crisis. Zebra mussels will destroy our fisheries and make beaches impossible to use. Please allocate a large portion of those monies for protecting Minnesota lakes and rivers from further invasive infestations. Minnesotans voted YES and I ask you to please do the same for our lakes!

or

There is a critical emergency. Minnesota's lakes,rivers and streams are not being protected from aquatic invasive species, primarily the zebra mussel. This is a nasty creature that has invaded many of our lakes already. Please pass legislation that will mandate the DNR to be required to step up the pace and do more to stop the spread!

Or

Many Minnesota lakes have become infested at a rapid rate with aquatic invasive species - namely with zebra mussels. This prevents the enjoyment of our natural resources for generations to come. Please support robust laws protecting
Minnesota lakes from the spread of zebra mussels, including transport into the state at major Interstate Highway entrance points.

Property Tax System Out of Control

Dear Rep. :

The property tax system is completely out of control. Enclosed is a copy of my 2011 proposed property tax statement. Shocking, isn't it? Particularly in this down real estate market.

I see little connection between my taxes and the services I use and no connection between the tax and my ability to pay it. For folks that on a fixed (or declining) income like retirees, the problem is particularly acute.

Board of appeals meetings are usually held mid-week and mid-day. If I can make it and present my case they tell me, "If you don't like it, sell." I feel very strongly that the game is rigged against me.

Please take a stand for property owners this session.

Thanks again for all the work you are doing.

Sincerely,

(your name, address, phone number)