How to Write to the Connecticut State Legislature
Engaging with the Connecticut State Legislature is an important way to make your voice heard on proposed legislation. Whether you wish to support or oppose a bill, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to communicate effectively:
1. Identify the Bill: Before reaching out, make sure you know the bill number (e.g., HB 1234 or SB 5678) and its content. This helps legislators understand the specific legislation you’re addressing.
2. Decide Who to Contact:
- Committee Members: If the bill is being reviewed by a specific committee, address your letter to the members of that committee. You can find committee contact information on the [Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) website](https://www.cga.ct.gov).
- Your Legislators:** Contact your local State Representative and Senator. Use the [Find Your Legislators tool](https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp) to identify them.
- Entire Legislature: If you want to address all members of the legislature, you can send your letter to both the House and Senate leadership.
3. Write Your Letter or Email
Here’s how to structure your message:
- Introduction: State your name, where you live, and the bill you’re addressing. Mention whether you are supporting or opposing the bill.
- Body: Clearly explain your reasons. Share personal experiences, data, or examples to support your position. Be concise and respectful.
- Conclusion: Thank the legislator(s) for their time and consideration. Encourage them to take action aligned with your stance.
Sample Email or Letter Template to support or oppose a proposed bill
Subject: Input on [Bill Name and Number]
Dear [Legislator’s Name] or Members of the [Committee Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your Town/City], Connecticut. I am writing to express my [support/opposition] for [Bill Name and Number], which addresses [brief description of the bill’s purpose].
I [support/oppose] this bill because [explain your reasoning in 1–3 sentences, such as how it affects you personally, impacts your community, or aligns with/contradicts your values]. For example, [share a personal story or relevant data to back your position].
I kindly urge you to consider my perspective when reviewing this legislation. Thank you for your time and for your dedication to serving the people of Connecticut.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample Testimony for a Public Hearing
Subject: Testimony on [Bill Name and Number]
Dear Members of the [Committee Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on [Bill Name and Number]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your Town/City]. I am writing to [support/oppose] this bill because [reason in 1–2 sentences].
This issue is important to me because [personal story, experience, or data].
I encourage you to [take action in line with your position, e.g., pass or reject the bill] because [summarize your key points]. Thank you for considering my testimony.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
4. Submit Your Letter or Email ( NEVER PUT YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER AS THIS BECOMES PUBLIC INFORMATION)
- Email: You can email individual legislators or committee clerks. Their contact information is available on the CGA website.
- Mail: If sending a letter, address it to the legislator’s office at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
5. Participate in Public Hearings: When a bill has a public hearing, you can also submit testimony in writing or testify in person. Instructions for this process are typically provided on the CGA website. Taking the time to contact your legislators and participate in the legislative process can make a real difference in shaping Connecticut’s laws.
1. Identify the Bill: Before reaching out, make sure you know the bill number (e.g., HB 1234 or SB 5678) and its content. This helps legislators understand the specific legislation you’re addressing.
2. Decide Who to Contact:
- Committee Members: If the bill is being reviewed by a specific committee, address your letter to the members of that committee. You can find committee contact information on the [Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) website](https://www.cga.ct.gov).
- Your Legislators:** Contact your local State Representative and Senator. Use the [Find Your Legislators tool](https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp) to identify them.
- Entire Legislature: If you want to address all members of the legislature, you can send your letter to both the House and Senate leadership.
3. Write Your Letter or Email
Here’s how to structure your message:
- Introduction: State your name, where you live, and the bill you’re addressing. Mention whether you are supporting or opposing the bill.
- Body: Clearly explain your reasons. Share personal experiences, data, or examples to support your position. Be concise and respectful.
- Conclusion: Thank the legislator(s) for their time and consideration. Encourage them to take action aligned with your stance.
Sample Email or Letter Template to support or oppose a proposed bill
Subject: Input on [Bill Name and Number]
Dear [Legislator’s Name] or Members of the [Committee Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your Town/City], Connecticut. I am writing to express my [support/opposition] for [Bill Name and Number], which addresses [brief description of the bill’s purpose].
I [support/oppose] this bill because [explain your reasoning in 1–3 sentences, such as how it affects you personally, impacts your community, or aligns with/contradicts your values]. For example, [share a personal story or relevant data to back your position].
I kindly urge you to consider my perspective when reviewing this legislation. Thank you for your time and for your dedication to serving the people of Connecticut.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample Testimony for a Public Hearing
Subject: Testimony on [Bill Name and Number]
Dear Members of the [Committee Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on [Bill Name and Number]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your Town/City]. I am writing to [support/oppose] this bill because [reason in 1–2 sentences].
This issue is important to me because [personal story, experience, or data].
I encourage you to [take action in line with your position, e.g., pass or reject the bill] because [summarize your key points]. Thank you for considering my testimony.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
4. Submit Your Letter or Email ( NEVER PUT YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER AS THIS BECOMES PUBLIC INFORMATION)
- Email: You can email individual legislators or committee clerks. Their contact information is available on the CGA website.
- Mail: If sending a letter, address it to the legislator’s office at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
5. Participate in Public Hearings: When a bill has a public hearing, you can also submit testimony in writing or testify in person. Instructions for this process are typically provided on the CGA website. Taking the time to contact your legislators and participate in the legislative process can make a real difference in shaping Connecticut’s laws.