Policy & Politics

Direct and In Person Lobbying are always the best approach, however the media can be a useful tool for communicating –or lobbying—on an issue with a lawmaker. If one thing is certain, everyone reads the editorial pages. This is a great page for you to make your position known on an issue.

When to use the media?

Not every issue will require you to use the media as a way to lobby lawmakers, but sometimes this is one of the best outlets. 

Consider using earned media (media you didn’t have to pay for—like a letter to the editor) on a hot topic issue where you want not only the lawmaker to know your position, but you also want the community to understand your position as well.

Writing a letter to the editor

Elected officials and their staff monitor newspapers for two reasons: to understand public reaction to issues and to understand how their stance on an issue is being portrayed.

When you write a letter to the editor, it is important to check with the paper you plan to submit the letter to on word limits.  Typically, letters to the editor are 150 words or less. (Click here for a list of daily papers in the state. This site also provides you an opportunity to directly send a letter to the editor.)

Here are a few tips to be sure to follow:

• Stick to one issue.
• If possible, respond to a recent news story (this helps raise the chances of your letter getting published).
• Mention the elected official’s name (this will help ensure the lawmaker sees the letter).
• Mention a local connection or use a personal story on what this issue is important to your company (and be sure to reference your company by name).
• When you submit the letter to the paper, be sure to include your name and contact information. The paper will need this to verify you wrote it before they publish it. And, don’t be afraid to sign the letter with your name and title.