Address:
     The Honorable (Senator & full name)
     Texas Senate
     P.O. Box 12068
     Austin, Texas 78711

     The Honorable (Representative & full name) Texas House of Representatives
     P.O. Box 2910
     Austin, TX 78769

Before you write, be sure you know the difference between legislation that is before the Texas Legislature and that which is before the U.S. Congress.

Many times, state legislators receive mail regarding issues debated in Washington. The state legislator might forward the letter to the proper U.S. official, and write to you explaining that he cannot vote on the issue. Your letter may simply be filed. However, your letters are not thrown away.

HOW TO INFLUENCE YOUR LEGISLATOR

• Do your part, communicate your opinion on major legislation to your senator or representative during legislative sessions.
• Lobbying - The word “lobby” is often misinterpreted by citizens outside the legislative process. “Lobbying” is simply the attempt to influence the legislative process to accommodate your particular point of view on an issue. There are two ways to “lobby”.
  1. Lobbying from the district
  2. Lobbying in person

Lobbying from the district is probably the most commonly used method.

Many legislators want feedback from their constituents on issues they know will be debated. It is important that they know your opinion and reasoning behind your point of view. Legislators usually will vote according to their district majority on these issues. Remember, your legislator is in Austin to represent you!

**The current ethics law limits your lobbying efforts to YOUR elected officials.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

• Personal letters - This is the most widely used and perhaps the most effective means of communication. It is also the least expensive.
  TIPS FOR YOUR LETTERS
  1. Identify the issue clearly.
  2. Use a bill number if you know it.
  3. If you do not know a bill number, it is better not to use one than to use the wrong one.
  4. State whether you favor or oppose the issue.
  5. Give reasons why.
  6. Be as brief as possible.
  7. Know the facts and present them accurately.
  8. Only write about one or two issues in a letter.
  9. If you have other issues, write another letter.
  10. Be sure to include your name and address on a letter where it can be clearly read, so that your legislator can respond easily.
• Telephone - In most offices, a telephone information sheet will be filled out and given to the legislator. It will include your name, address, phone number, time of your call and your call message.
• Mailing Services - Federal Express and Mail-grams are a speedy means of communication, however are more expensive and usually are not cost effective.
• Faxing - To FAX a message to a senator, use 512-463-0155. To FAX a message to a House member, use 512-463-5408.
• Regular mail deliveries - Deliveries are made to each Senate office approximately three times a day, bringing an average of 200-300 letters daily to some offices during legislative sessions.
• Petitions and form letters - Many groups ask individual citizens to sign a petition or send a form letter. While these are easy and fast, they are not as effective as a personally composed letter. **You may agree with the contents, but 100 form letters sill read as a letter written by one person. Group or chain phone calls are equally as ineffective, as they may irritate the staff with repetitive messages and are time consuming.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN VISITING YOUR LEGISLATOR

• Personal visits - If you do not have a previously scheduled appointment, try to visit your legislator & office. Ask to speak to a staff member who is in charge of the issue of interest to you.
• Scheduled Appointments
  1. If possible, call a week ahead to schedule an appointment.
  2. Try to keep your appointments between 15 and 20 minutes.
  3. Be punctual to your appointments.
  4. Be considerate and professional.
  5. Remember, that you may not always get to meet with your legislator, as many unexpected meetings and events do arise.

DURING THE OFFICE VISIT

• One Page Summary - This is a way to give your legislator important information on an issue that they can review at a later time. The summary should be legible and concise. It will demonstrate your preparation and knowledge on the issue. The detailed information can be given to the staff.
• Legislative Hours - Remember that a legislator’s office hours are not set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Committee meetings are scheduled on a regular basis, with special meetings called as necessary. When the Senate or House is not in session, don’t assume the legislators or staff have free time.