Preparation

• Decide the purpose of your call and list the points you wish to make in the course of the telephone conversation.
• Know the number of the appropriate bill and the printer’s number, the prime sponsor, the general purpose of the bill, and the rationale for your support or opposition.
• Find out when and where the next action is scheduled on that bill. If it is in a committee, find out if your legislator is a member of that committee.

When You Call

• Ask for the appointment secretary or personal secretary if you are calling to make an appointment.
• If your legislator is not available when you call about a bill, ask to speak to the legislative aide (secure and make note of the name of the legislative staff person with whom you speak).
• State your name, your company’s name, position you hold, and the legislative district in which you live.
• As briefly as possible, state PAR’s position on the bill or issue and clearly stress the local support of that position. If you are talking with an aide, request that your message by typed and given to the legislator.
• Do not argue. Do not antagonize.
• Try to determine the position held by the legislator on the bill or issue.
• If the legislator’s position is favorable to PAR’s position, express appreciation.
• If the legislator is undecided, ask: “What kind of information would help you make up your mind?” “How can I assist?” or “Would you like to meet to discuss this issue?”
• Thank the legislator or legislative staff person for their assistance.

Follow-up

• Send a letter to the legislator reinforcing the substance of your call.
• Single out any special assistance given to you by the legislator’s staff and express your appreciation