Welcome to the DAV Department of Ohio Legislative Information page. Here you will find our links to important sites and resources which maintain valuable information about veterans' affairs. Other valuable links, some duplicative of this page, are also found on our favorite links page.
We will try to include information about veterans legislation pending in the Ohio Legislature when we get the details.
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Remember that telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask
to speak with the aide who handles veterans issues.
After identifying yourself and the organization you represent, tell the aide you would like to
leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator or Representative (Name) that I support
(or oppose) (S. XXX or H.R. XXX)."
You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your
Senator's or Representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response
to your telephone call.
If you decide to write a letter, these suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:
1) State your purpose for writing in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific
piece of legislation, identify it accordingly.
2) Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position, if this
information is available to you.
3) Focus on only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.
4) Ask that your member of Congress respond in writing to your concerns.
Addressing Correspondence
To a Senator:
The Honorable (Full Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator (last name):
To a Representative:
The Honorable (Full Name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative (last name):
Make an Appointment:
Contact the appointment secretary or scheduler in advance and explain the purpose of your visit
and who you represent. It is easier to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss. Telephone
to confirm the appointment before you visit.
Be Prompt and Patient:
You should be punctual and be patient. It is not uncommon for a member of Congress to be late, or to
have a meeting interrupted. If interruptions do occur, be flexible. Don't be surprised if your
meeting is with a member's staff.
Be Prepared:
Whenever possible, bring to the meeting information and materials to support your position. In some
instances, a member of Congress may lack important details about the pros and cons of a particular matter. It is
therefore helpful to share with the member information and examples that demonstrate clearly the impact or benefits
associated with a particular issue or piece of legislation.
Be Responsive:
Be prepared to answer questions or indicate that you will refer the question to your national staff to
answer or provide additional information, in the event the member expresses interest or asks questions.
Keep in Touch:
Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter that outlines the different points
covered during the meeting. Let your
national staff know of any important matters that were discussed or if they need to follow up with the member of Congress or staff.
-- the legislative area available on the Disabled American Veterans national web site;
-- a link to CONGRESS.ORG a joint venture of two Washington D.C. area firms with expertise in communicating with Congress.
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