Government Affairs - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact my state legislator?
Communications sent to members of the Legislature while it is in session should be addressed in care of the Senate P.O. or the State House P.O., Main Capitol, Harrisburg, Pa., 17120. In most cases, members may be contacted in their home districts in the latter half of each week. See your local phone book for district office listings. A list of state legislators and contact information also can be obtained from www.legis.state.pa.us.
How do I address written correspondence to my federal legislator?
Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator (last name):
Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative (last name):
You may find your representative's phone number, mailing address and e-mail address at www.senate.gov./contacting/index.cfm or www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html.
Tips on writing letters to your legislator:
The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a legislator's office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve its effectiveness:
Members of both chambers should be addressed by mail as "Honorable (full name)." For House members, the proper salutation is "Dear Representative (last name)." For senators, use "Dear Senator (last name)."
Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, (e.g., House bill: HR ____, Senate bill: SB____ for federal bills; and House bill: HB____, Senate bill: S ____ for state bills).
Be courteous and concise, and include key information using examples to support your position.
Address only one issue in each letter and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.
Tips on calling a legislator:
Remember that phone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the legislator. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue you wish to address.
After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S___/HR___) or (SB ___/HB ___)."
You will also want to state the reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senator's or representative's position on the bill. You also may request a written response to your phone call.
Tips on e-mailing your legislator:
Generally, the same guidelines apply for writing letters to your legislator.
How do I learn the status of a particular bill?
Information about U.S. House and Senate bills can be found at thomas.loc.gov.
Information about Pennsylvania House and Senate bills can be found at www.legis.state.pa.us.
How do I learn the status of a proposed or final regulation?
Federal Register (National Archives and Records Administration)
Published every federal workday, the Federal Register includes presidential proclamations and executive orders, federal agency regulations with general applicability and legal effects, proposed agency rules, as well as documents assigned to be published by law.
Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives and Records Administration)
The compilation and codifications of regulations in force.
The Pennsylvania Bulletin online and the Pennsylvania Code includes the following: statewide and local court rules, the governor's proclamations and executive orders, actions by the General Assembly, rulemakings by state agencies, proposed rulemakings by state agencies and state agency notices.
Where can I find my legislator's voting record?
Information about federal legislation can be obtained from the Office of the Chief Clerks.
Information about Pennsylvania state legislation can be obtained by calling 717/787-5920 or 717/787-2372.
How do I register to vote?
Contact your county's board of elections to request a voter registration application. In Erie County, call 814/451-6000.
For more information, contact Sheila Sterrett at ssterrett@mbausa.org, or call 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.