Cactus Village Community

Interested in Getting ‘Involved’ with The State Legislature?

Jul 10, 2003

Are ?‘You?’ Interested in Getting ?‘Involved?’ with The State Legislature

Are you interested in making changes to laws? Would you like to participate in the Legislative process? Here are some helpful hints provided by the intergovernmental programs office.

First, the State capitol is located at 1700 W. Washington St, in downtown Phoenix. Next, the Legislature convenes in January and is scheduled to run for approximately 100 days. Both the House and Senate hold committee hearings to discuss specific bills. The state has a comprehensive Web Site, www.azleg.state.az.us that allows you to find any bill to read, or track its movement.

You may communicate with your legislatures via several ways. Visit them at their offices, call them, write a letter, e-mail, or testify at a legislative hearing. For office visits, it is best to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Address the member by their title. Write your comments down and give a copy to the member at the meeting ahead of time. This will insure a better understanding of your concern(s).

When writing a letter, try to type it for clarity. State your purpose in the first paragraph. If discussing a bill, identify it by the bill number and title. Provide factual examples to support your cause. Keep it brief, one page is preferable.

If sending an e-mail, use your name, address, city, state, zip code. Address them by Dear Senator/Representative( last name). To find a members e-mail address go to www.azleg.state.az.us

To testify at a legislative hearing call the AZ State Capitol at 602-542-4221 (House) or 602-542-3559 (Senate) or visit the above azleg web site. Plan to attend the entire meeting as changes in scheduling may occur. Prepare your testimony ahead of time. Try to be brief and clear. Be prepared to answer questions from the members. Address them by Sir/Madam Chair and members of the committee. I am a resident of (your city) I am here today to express my concern about House/Senate Bill ####, I believe this bill should/should not become law because?….

If you are interested in the City of Phoenix governmental process, or you have a City of phoenix concern, call the City of Phoenix intergovernmental Programs Office at 602-256-4257, or e-mail at igp@phoenix.gov

If you are interested in learning more about the legislative process, call, write to the appropriate legislature at one of the above phone numbers or addresses. . . ☺