Tips on Calling Your Legislator

Telephone calls can be an effective means of communicating with legislators if the calls convey a meaningful message with helpful information and are made in a timely manner. Before you place a call, write down notes about the points you wish to make. That way you won't forget anything, and the call will flow well.
During the legislative session, legislators usually are busy attending committee meetings, meeting with staff, drafting legislation, preparing to present a bill, lobbying other legislators, or participating in formal lawmaking on the House or Senate chamber. Therefore, it is likely that a legislator will not be available to take your call. If that is the case, leave your message with a staff person. Trust the staff to get your message to the legislator. If you do need to speak with a staff person, be sure to ask for the person who covers your issue area (i.e. education, human services, etc.)
If you request a return call, you can usually be assured of getting one if you are a constituent. Others may get a return call. Remember that there simply are not enough hours in the day for legislators to return all calls, particularly if there is an organized campaign of phone calls.
Make your call brief and come to the point quickly. Always be polite. In your phone call, make sure that you identify yourself with your name and your city or town. If your call concerns a specific bill, give the bill number and subject matter and state your position on the bill and a brief reason for that position. Be sure to state specifically what action you want your legislator to take. Let him/her know that you are available to discuss the issue further and don't forget to leave your telephone number. Be sure to thank legislators for their time and response to your concerns.
A call has the most impact when received when an issue is being heard in committee. If your legislator serves on the committee discussing the issue, that is especially important. Telephone calls that are part of an organized blitz campaign may not have the same impact as a personal call from a constituent. Whenever possible, explain how the issue affects you and what the legislator can do to help you or your family member.

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Public Policy Public Policy News TCDD Public Policy Input Advocacy 101 Texas Legislature TCDD Public Policy Priorities Position Statements Public Information Act Federal Policy Update Sunset Review	Tips on Calling Your Legislator Telephone calls can be an effective means of communicating with legislators if the calls convey a meaningful message with helpful information and are made in a timely manner. Before you place a call, write down notes about the points you wish to make. That way you won't forget anything, and the call will flow well. During the legislative session, legislators usually are busy attending committee meetings, meeting with staff, drafting legislation, preparing to present a bill, lobbying other legislators, or participating in formal lawmaking on the House or Senate chamber. Therefore, it is likely that a legislator will not be available to take your call. If that is the case, leave your message with a staff person. Trust the staff to get your message to the legislator. If you do need to speak with a staff person, be sure to ask for the person who covers your issue area (i.e. education, human services, etc.) If you request a return call, you can usually be assured of getting one if you are a constituent. Others may get a return call. Remember that there simply are not enough hours in the day for legislators to return all calls, particularly if there is an organized campaign of phone calls. Make your call brief and come to the point quickly. Always be polite. In your phone call, make sure that you identify yourself with your name and your city or town. If your call concerns a specific bill, give the bill number and subject matter and state your position on the bill and a brief reason for that position. Be sure to state specifically what action you want your legislator to take. Let him/her know that you are available to discuss the issue further and don't forget to leave your telephone number. Be sure to thank legislators for their time and response to your concerns. A call has the most impact when received when an issue is being heard in committee. If your legislator serves on the committee discussing the issue, that is especially important. Telephone calls that are part of an organized blitz campaign may not have the same impact as a personal call from a constituent. Whenever possible, explain how the issue affects you and what the legislator can do to help you or your family member.
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