Calling Your
State Senator or Representative
Some Calling
Tips:
- Don't expect to be able
to reach your Senator of Representative directly. It's okay to talk
to one of their aides. Remember, you are a voter and your opinion counts.
The legislative aide will be sure to convey your message to you Senator
or Representative.
- Remember to say your full
name and tell the person answering the phone what town you live in.
It really matters to them that you are a voter!
- Remember to say you are
calling about Senate Bill 1530 that is currently in the Senate Ways
and Means Committee.
- Remember to say why you
think it is important to restore and properly memorialize cemeteries
at state hospitals.
- If there is a state hospital
in your area, say that to the aide. Let them know if you have visited
the cemetery. Tell them what it looks like. Tell them how you feel about
the graves being marked with numbers instead of names.
- Ask if the Senator or Representative
is aware of the bill. Ask if the Senator or Representative is supporting
the bill.
Sample of what to say when
you call:
"Hello, my name is _____________and
I live in ________________. I am a registered voter and I would like to
speak to Senator X. I am calling about Senate Bill 1530. That is a bill
that calls for fixing up the forgotten cemeteries at state hospitals and
other state institutions. Did you know that in our area, there are over
1,000 people buried at the old Grafton State Hospital? They are buried
with numbers, no names. I think it's a disgrace. Animals in pet cemeteries
are buried with more dignity than former patients at Grafton. Grafton
is in Senator X's district. He/she should be aware of this. Is Senator
X aware of Senate Bill 1530?
Cleaning up the cemeteries
and giving these former patients a dignified resting place will not cost
the taxpayer more money. The bill proposes using .5% - that's just one
half of one percent - of the sale of old state hospitals and other institutions,
to pay for the upkeep of the cemeteries. I want Senator X to do the right
thing and vote for Senate Bill 1530. Is he planning on supporting that
bill?
Thank you."
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