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• To find out who represents you and how
to reach them, go to www.legis.state.wi.us.
• Include your home address on your letter. It’s
important for legislators to know that you are their constituent.
• Clearly
state your reason for writing at the beginning of your letter: “I am writing to encourage you to support the Working
Lands Initiative included in the proposed 2009-2011 State Budget,
AB75.”
• Make your communication as personal
as possible. Letters sent through the mail are the best. Email
should only be used as a last resort.
• If you have any personal relationship
with your legislator, mention it ("Nice to meet you at Rotary last week", "Uncle
Bill sends his regards", etc.)
• Keep your message simple and
direct.
• Tell why you personally support the Working Lands
Initiative rather than focusing too heavily on facts and figures.
(“Our
farm has been in my family for five generations…we want
to keep farming but we’re worried about encroaching development…”)
• If
you have information on the economic benefits of working lands
in your area, use it. Emphasize that protecting working farm and
forest lands is an economic investment.
• Request a meeting with your
Legislator (either in Madison or back home in their district).
You may also wish to invite him or her to an upcoming event, tour
of your property, etc.
• Follow-up with a phone call. Ask directly
if your legislator supports the Working Lands Initiative.
• Send
copies of your letter to members of the Joint Finance Committee,
the senators and representatives who put the Legislative Budget
for 2009-2011 together for the full Legislature to vote on. See
list of Joint Finance Committee members
and their contact information »
• Send
copies of your letters to Vicki Elkin of the Campaign for Wisconsin’s
Farm and Forest Lands at vicki@gatheringwaters.org or
211 S. Paterson Street, Suite 270, Madison, WI 53703
Sample
letter to legislators »
If you have any questions or need extra assistance,
please contact Vicki Elkin at 608-251-9131 or vicki [at]
gatheringwaters.org.
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