In a few short weeks the sound of gavels striking atop
podiums will fill statehouses across the country as work gets underway to
change, and in some instances improve, state rules. To many people this is a
welcome opportunity to make their voice heard on issues that affect their daily
lives, or livelihoods.
While the majority of people who are intent on contacting
their lawmakers view the start of the legislative year as the “right time” to
open a line of communication, you should not delay in getting your message
across. There is no bad time to make your views known.
In fact, getting in touch with your legislators in the weeks
before the 2012 regular session begins is a great opportunity to stand out. Taking
action now allows you to communicate with your lawmakers about relevant issues before
they are knee-deep into their legislative work.
Examples of states where it would be a good idea to start
making phone calls, sending emails or writing letters about particular issues
are Missouri and Pennsylvania. Legislators in both states are expected to
discuss handing over state assets to private groups.
Officials in the Show-Me
State will decide whether to move forward
with a possible deal to lease Interstate 70 to pay for upgrades on the 250-mile
stretch that links Kansas City and St. Louis.
In the Keystone
State the ball has already started rolling at
the statehouse to allow for deals on any existing roadway.
Elsewhere, one of the leading topics of the Maryland session is expected to be whether to increase the
state’s fuel tax rates.
Whether you live in one of the states mentioned above or
elsewhere, it is essential to have a line of communication with your elected officials year-round.
Lawmakers cannot be prepared to address your concerns if they don’t know what
they are. Help yourself and clue them in.
In addition to the traditional methods used to communicate
and stay in touch with lawmakers, social media sites are growing in popularity
with elected officials. Learn more about getting connected with them here.
I believe the politicians play the winning and losing game in a way to take advantage hard working voters whose principals get perverted to their detriment. To have a seat at the table the tax voters agree to will make them losers in order to give the lobbiest the win with for the law makers. How can the time ever be right? If the golden rule is he who has the gold makes the rules.
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