Hire a contract lobbyist. A professional that is a known commodity around political circles and has earned the respect of the staff and legislators you are trying to influence. A contract lobbyist will know the best way to present and get your issue to floor of the legislature with a chance for its passage.
Okay, what kinds of issues should you contact your legislator about?
First, determine what level of government has the purview over your issue, or if it is even a governmental issue. If you are having a personal problem getting your Social Security check, contacting your state legislator is going to be futile, as this is a Federal issue. Ditto, don't contact your Congressman with complaints about your property taxes, which is either a city, county, or state issue.
Don't contact your legislature with a request for legal advice. That is what attorneys are for and if you cannot afford an attorney, contact your state Bar Association, as they will generally have a list of pro bono attorneys in your area.
Legislators cannot, by law, give you legal advice. Legislators can tell you about a law, try to amend the law, or try to have the law revoked. Even though the state has oversight responsibilities over utilities, these are private companies and any problems that you may be having with them can only be solved by dealing directly, or through an attorney, with them.
This article was first published at www.witchvox.com and is reprinted with permission.
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