Lobbying

The "Bread and Butter" of Our Work!

  "Always Be Pleasant!"

SCSEA must have members willing to contact legislators in support of SCSEA positions if employment and retirement gains are to be made. Just like membership recruitment, numbers count, and many times legislators vote according to the number of constituents they hear from. If no one contacts them, they feel there is no reason to be interested in that issue. But if MANY of their constituents contact them, they WILL be interested in the issue, and very likely, vote the wishes of those who contacted them.

Legislators and other elected officials want information and want your input. Don't expect them to agree with you on all matters..they won't. But treat them with respect so your views will always be welcomed and appreciated.

Here are some helpful hints on lobbying. Follow them, and have your fellow workers and retirees use them. The manner in which a House member or Senator or other elected official is contacted is mighty important!

 If you can make personal visits to legislators, that is the best lobbying effort of all. Many times, however, that cannot be done, so we must rely on personal letters and telephone calls. Petitions aren't very effective, nor are copied form letters with a signed name.

For legislative members and information, please visit http://www.scstatehouse.net

(for information on who your legislators are, go to that website and click on "Citizen's Interests")

When you write personal letters:

1.  Use your own stationery; DO NOT use AGENCY stationery or postage.

2.  Include your return address; most legislators want to reply.

3.  Be positive and direct, but DON'T threaten.

4.  Be as brief as possible; state your point as concisely as you can.

5.  If you write on a particular legislative proposal, identify the bill by its number and its subject--then provide your recommendation; use SCSEA legislative reports to acquire bill numbers and subjects.

6.  Don't use form letters or petitions, if at all possible. Use good, personal letters.

 Common address in Columbia for all House members:

Representative______________________
S. C. House of Representatives
P. 0. Box 11867
Columbia SC 29211 

  Common address in Columbia for all Senate members:

Senator__________________________
S. C. State House
P. O. Box 142
Columbia SC 29202

Common phone numbers for Senate members while Senate is in session:

          803-734-2311 or 803-734-2323

You can write the Governor at:

The Honorable
Governor of South Carolina
P. 0. Box 12267
Columbia SC 29211

When you call:

1.  Be brief.

2.  Identify yourself.

3.  Be positive and direct, but again, DON'T threaten.

4.  Know your information; include bill number and subject.

5.  Give the legislator the opportunity to call you back after research, as it is impossible for legislators to be familiar with, and conversant on, several hundred bills.

6.  If you promise during your telephone conversation to send information to the legislator, follow through on that.