April 2005 Letters
Dear Dolly,
I have a 23-year-old daughter
with a developmental disability
who lives at home, attends a day
program, and participates in an
evening recreational program operated
by a community agency.
She loves the program’s activities
and has made many friends there.
I heard from a staff person that
the state is cutting funding to
services for people with developmental
disabilities, including this
program. How do I let legislators
know how important continued
funding is to the well-being of my
daughter?
- Concerned in Oak Park
Dear Concerned,
You can be effective in the
legislative process without even
going to Springfield! Call or write
directly to your legislators and
explain why the funding to developmental
disability services is
important you. Legislators are
impressed by their constituents’
personal stories. Even if there is
no specific bill that you are concerned
about, it is important that
your elected officials hear your
views on the issues. To find information
on your local legislators,
call the State Board of Elections
at (217) 782-4141, or look online
at http://www.illinois.gov/government/gov_legislature.cfm.
Talking face-to-face is sometimes easier and makes a more lasting impression. Call your legislators at their local district offices and explain that you are a constituent and would like to meet on a particular issue. Answer any questions politely but be firm in the fact that you want a meeting. Politicians rely on these meetings for input on pending legislation and to maintain credibility with voters. A politician who does not meet with his or her constituents simply won’t stay in office very long! Be prepared for the fact that it may be difficult to meet with your Representative when the General Assembly is in session. Legislators are busy people and may not have a great deal of time to spend with you. Remember that as important as your issue is, it is only one of many issues that competes for attention in a legislative office. It is critical that you make your issue stand out while maintaining your credibility.
Once the meeting is scheduled, prepare! Determine what you will say and how you will answer any anticipated questions. Focus on your message. The better prepared you are, the more credible you will seem. After the meeting it is good practice to send a note to your legislator thanking him or her for the meeting. Restate the points that were raised and any agreements that were reached.
Besides meeting with your elected officials, you can be proactive on your daughter’s behalf by getting involved with organizations that advocate for people with disabilities. Look for parents and other caregivers that have the same concerns as you. You can also meet as a group with your legislator – numbers can be powerful! Good luck!
