Communicating with your Legislator

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Communicating with your Legislator | Tips for Kingpin Success | CTA Issues

Communicating With Your Legislator and Establishing a Relationship

Meet With the District Office. Who Are They?

-Chief of Staff - Is responsible for managing the entire legislative office and for advising the legislator on the political and policy significance of an issue.

-Legislative Aide - There is a legislative aide responsible for transportation issues.

-District Director - Manages the district office for the legislator and is responsible for keeping the political “pulse” of the district.

-Scheduling Secretary - Acts as gate keeper to legislators and manages their schedule.

Visit Elected Officials

District Directors, Field Representatives, Legislative Aides are all gatekeepers . If you live in the district it is very likely that a legislator will meet with you.Schedule meeting requests at least a month prior of the meeting date requested. Keep in mind that a legislator's district calendar fills up quickly, so you might have to wait several weeks. If the next available meeting is too far away, offer to meet on a Saturday or Sunday. If you request to meet with the legislator or with staff, you will almost always get staff. Send information related to the meeting to staff ahead of time.

Bring a small group to the meeting.
Bring business cards and materials.
Be prepared, and be short.
Bring materials to the meeting, including a quick summary of your position or concerns.
NEVER mention campaigns or fundraisers during a visit to a district or capitol office.
Have an Action Item for them, like a letter, invitation, tour of your terminal, a promise to return.

Always Follow-up

Send a thank you note to the scheduling secretary, staff or elected official.
Send a summary of the meeting.
Attend local district events put on by your legislators, like open houses, and invite you legislator or staff to local events you are involved in.
Reach out to other elected officials in your area.

Meeting with staff can be just as effective as meeting with the legislator. Become a resource to the legislative staff, both on trucking issues and with your community involvement in civic groups, chambers, etc.

Writing an Effective Letter

Elected representatives are addressed as “The Honorable”, followed by their name.
Identify the author, bill number and subject.
Let the legislator know how the issues will affect your business, your employees, your community and your customers.
Keep your letter short and to the point.
Personalize CTA's sample letters:

Use company letterhead
Company name and location
Products hauled
Number of employees
Avoid threats and always be respectful

Always send a copy of your letter to CTA, by mail, or by fax at (916) 373-3664

Legislative Watch | Kingpin Program | Kingpin Alerts | Current Kingpin Alerts
Communicating with your Legislator | Tips for Kingpin Success | CTA Issues