The Mississippi State Legislature is currently in session, and the legislative session moves quite quickly.
Introduction: The Mississippi State Legislature is currently in session, and the legislative session moves quite quickly. January 16th was the deadline to file general legislation for 2023, and more than1,900 bills were introduced. These bills were then assigned to committees and are now at various stages- some are waiting to be debated and voted on in the chamber they were introduced, and others have been already been passed in one chamber and sent to the other chamber for a vote.
Directions:
Review the bills that were assigned to either the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee or the House Public Health and Human Services Committee.
Select a bill that interests you and review the full text of the bill as well as the history of actions (where it is in the legislative process).
Write a letter to your state (not federal)representative or senator (whoever is going to vote on the bill next) either in support of or in opposition to the bill. You can find your legislators here. You may use Oxford, MS as your location if you are not from Mississippi.
Send your letter before the bill goes up for debate! This is optional, but I recommend it. You can find contact information for legislators at http://www.legislature.ms.gov/. For quicker delivery, send your letter as an email attachment.
Letter Format:
Minimum of one page, maximum of two pages
Single-spaced, one-inch margins
12 pt. Times New Roman font
Content Recommendations:
Introduce yourself, the bill you are referencing, and the stance you support
Clearly explain why they should support your view
- Potential benefits if the policymaker supports your view
Potential consequences if the policymaker does not support your view
Weave together facts and personal narratives that support what you are asking
Include references if appropriate
Ask for a reply and thank them for their time and attention
Be polite, professional, and positive
Sample letters here (your letter should be a bit longer and more detailed)
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