Thoughtful, brief mail most helpful

Let’s start this week with tips on effective strategies to contact a legislator.

The mail most likely to be read will be short, to the point and in your own words. Don’t start out by questioning the intelligence or heritage of your legislator. Don’t mass mail the same narrative under different names or send lengthy missives daily. We truly wish to hear from our constituents, but we want to hear your thoughts in your words.

Mail from my constituents has been thoughtful and brief, although on some issues, such as the prekindergarten bill, I’m getting requests to vote for the bill and against it. When that happens and I have no firm stance, I visit with other senators pro and con, listen to the debate and vote with the best information I have.

The atmosphere is heating up as legislators get anxious to get their bills passed to the other house before it is too late. That translates into more intense discussions in committee or in the hallway or at lunch between legislators or with lobbyists. The expression “there is no free lunch” is proven daily as I accept invitations to lunch from lobbyists. These meetings tend to be light on food and heavy on the meaty issues of a legislative proposal. Most lobbyists work hard to educate on all sides of an issue, though they may be working for a particular point of view.

We are just about finished with budgets in the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee, which means that other legislation can move forward. The great ideas and needs always exceed funds available, and it is challenging when one finally has to split the baby. I look forward to getting to the meaty issues on the floor and hearing some great debate.

I had fun last week with a bill that will allow tires with studs all year because the studs can be retracted when not needed by remote control – really! The technology reminded me of some old James Bond movies.

Best wishes till next time.