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One aspect of any trade association is its responsibility to represent its
members' interests at all levels of government. This is a responsibility
that the Associated General Contractors takes seriously at both the national
and state levels of government.
In the aftermath of Watergate, legislation was enacted at the federal and
state levels that severely restricted the amount of money individuals and
corporations could contribute to political campaigns. As a result, political
action committees (PACs) came into being. These are tools that special
interest groups, labor unions, and trade associations use to raise money for
political campaigns.
AGC has two PACs -- national and state. Both of these committees go by
the achronym AGCPAC. The laws that govern these two PACs are vastly different.
For instance, you may only contribute to the National PAC by personal check.
The State PAC, however, can accept both personal and corporate checks. From
time to time, you will be asked to contribute to both PACs.
Although our PACs are important, politicians also listen to the individual
voice as well. Click the links on the left under Legislative Info, you
will find the names of the people that represent you at both the state and
national levels. These are here for you to use when a personal contact is
needed. When you are asked to call or write your elected officials please do
so.
Remember...nothing gets a politician's attention, not even money, like a
call or a letter from "Back Home."
WRITING A MEMBER OF CONGRESS
The letter is the most popular choice of communication to a congressional
office. If you decide to write a letter, here is a list of helpful suggestions
that will improve the effectiveness of the letter and help you avoid red tape:
Addressing Correspondence: List of Political Contacts
To a Senator:
The Honorable (name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator...
To a Representative:
The Honorable (name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman or Congresswoman...
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the
House, it is proper to address them as:
Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman or Dear Mr. Speaker:
Your purpose should be specifically stated in the first paragraph of the
letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify
it accordingly (House bill: H.R._, or Senate bill: S._).
Be courteous, to the point and include key information using examples to
support your position.
Address only one issue in each letter and, if possible, use only one page.
REMEMBER...
Address the members of congress properly, identify the bill, be
polite and be specific. Also, limit your correspondence to one
topic, and if possible, use only one page.
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