Rogers Group Experts in Crushed Stone, Aggregates, Gravel, Asphalt Paving, Road Construction, Quarries for 100 Years

Write to Congress

At Rogers Group we feel it's important for congressional legislators to have a clear understanding of your position on the issues.

If you would like to send a message to your congressional legislators, click http://www.congress.org/ or use the ARTBA information Highway Action Hotline at 1-888-448-2782.

Here are some helpful hints to use
when contacting congressional legislators:

Be Brief — Keep your letter to one page if possible, but no more than two. Attach material that supports your position (newspaper editorials, articles, etc.) rather than including it in the body of your letter. Talk about only one issue per letter. Send a separate letter for each issue.

Be Direct — If you are not a constituent, say why you are writing. If it's because the legislator is on a committee considering a bill affecting you, say so. Be sure to mention any connections (family, friends, business associates) in their district (you might get those connections to write letters on their own while you are at it).

Be Specific — Identify bills by name and number. Give the legislator one good reason why they should support or oppose the bill in question.

Be Courteous — Write thoughtful, friendly letters. Don't threaten or engage in name-calling. Legislators are aware that they could lose your vote, so stick to trying to persuade them to accept your position on the issue. Use neutral terms or "buzzwords" that will appeal to them. Avoid terms that are offensive or may provoke an undesired reaction.

Be Yourself — Don't send a form letter or copy someone else's "sample" letter word for word. The legislators are interested in how you feel about the issue; make sure they know you took the time and effort to learn about the issue firsthand. Never mention another group as the source of your ideas. Tell them that you will be reporting back to your local Chamber of Commerce or mining association on his reply. That makes it clear that there are other perhaps a lot of others -- concerned besides yourself.

Ask For Answers — Ask for replies to specific questions. "Will you support [such-and-such] bill? In not, would you please explain why?" This pressures the legislator to be specific in their response, and may cause them to seriously think about the issue for the first time.

Keep Writing — Be sure to thank legislators for their support or favorable vote, even if the "good guys" lose. A well-placed pat on the back can stiffen a congressional backbone for the next difficult fight - and it lets legislators know that you are watching what they are do. Keep writing those who don't support you, too -- thank them for considering your concerns, and keep trying to change their minds.