"The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America says that people have the right to petition their government. I firmly believe this is one of the strengths of our nation and our democratic republic.
There are many examples where constituents have alerted me to issues that I was not aware involved the federal government or where the federal government needed to improve the way it handled an issue. These have involved me sponsoring legislation or contacting the government agency involved.
Without constituent contact, I would not have the confirmation that I was doing the job I have been elected to do." -Congressman John Shimkus, Ill.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
What Makes NWYC Unique
"What makes National Write Your Congressman unique is we are not just a computer screen, a Blackberry application, a high tech do-it-yourself, push-a-button, impersonal organization. We are in the people business. We always have been, and we must always be in the people business. Face to face, eyeball to eyeball, heart to heart. Most people need to be moved to take action. We are unique in that we care enough to move our Members through personal communication, personal interaction, and personal relationships. We should never move away from this God given mission and responsibility." -Dotti Zimmerman
Friday, July 9, 2010
One Voter's Voice
"One of my proudest legislative achievements is the Child Support Recovery Act of 1992 which is the direct result of a constituent's personal experience. After a town hall meeting in Alabama, I was struck by the story of a financially struggling single mother whose husband avoided paying child support by moving out of the state. As a result of her story, I authored legislation that makes it a federal crime for parents to cross state lines to avoid paying child support. Her voice made a difference and vastly changed the legal consequences for fathers who leave the state in hope of evading their child support obligations. This law clearly illustrates the vital impact individuals can have on the legislative process." -Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Founding Fathers Creation...by the people and for the people.
"The importance of constituent feedback is a top priority for my staff and I. All too often, Members of Congress and their staff become insulated from what is going on across the nation. I pride myself on being able to read and respond to a large amount of constituent requests, and although we may not always agree, it is important that my constituents know their opinion matters, and their concerns are not being properly considered.
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. believe they have all the answers, but in reality it's their constituents back home who frequently have some of the best ideas. The reason is simple. The people of the United States, and my constituents, are the ones who work in the industries, teach in the schools, and protect our loved ones from harm, and more often than not they have unique insight of how proposed legislation will affect their jobs and families.
Our founding fathers created a government founded by the people and for the people, and with our government citizens participation is not only inherent, it is vitally important, and I am always happy to entertain the thoughts and suggestions of the American people."
-Congressman John Campbell (R) 48th Dist. California
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. believe they have all the answers, but in reality it's their constituents back home who frequently have some of the best ideas. The reason is simple. The people of the United States, and my constituents, are the ones who work in the industries, teach in the schools, and protect our loved ones from harm, and more often than not they have unique insight of how proposed legislation will affect their jobs and families.
Our founding fathers created a government founded by the people and for the people, and with our government citizens participation is not only inherent, it is vitally important, and I am always happy to entertain the thoughts and suggestions of the American people."
-Congressman John Campbell (R) 48th Dist. California
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
My Constituents
"Every day I hear from hundreds of Minnesotans from Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs. The opinions that they share with me encourage, inform, and challenge me as I represent them in Congress.
As a Member of Congress from the 5th Congressional District, this is important to me so that I better know the concerns of the communities I serve. This understanding is reflected in an active conversation between my constituents and me. I, along with my staff, am committed to read and respond to every call, letter, and email we receive. I set aside time to call constituents and listen to their priorities. During session, I enjoy meeting with families and groups that visit the office in Washington, DC. Speaking with them, I am reminded that this is their office. I am honored to serve them. As I spend weeks back in the district during District Work Periods, I am able to spend time with my constituents in their own neighborhoods. Their input is always invaluable as I return to Washington to represent them."
-Keith Ellison (D) 5th MN
As a Member of Congress from the 5th Congressional District, this is important to me so that I better know the concerns of the communities I serve. This understanding is reflected in an active conversation between my constituents and me. I, along with my staff, am committed to read and respond to every call, letter, and email we receive. I set aside time to call constituents and listen to their priorities. During session, I enjoy meeting with families and groups that visit the office in Washington, DC. Speaking with them, I am reminded that this is their office. I am honored to serve them. As I spend weeks back in the district during District Work Periods, I am able to spend time with my constituents in their own neighborhoods. Their input is always invaluable as I return to Washington to represent them."
-Keith Ellison (D) 5th MN
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Importance of Constituent Opinion
"I appreciate the shared sense of importance we assign to the individual letters and e-mail that travel from our Missouri home to Washington, DC, where I am charged with representing our district in the best way possible. These messages contain the important thoughts, opinions, questions and concerns of the people who it is my duty to serve (whether they voted for me or not).
Let me explain the significance of the many correspondences I receive daily from Missouri. During the debate over any important article of legislation, my staff and I are deluged with materials on both sides of the issue from special interest organizations and advocacy groups, most of which are headquartered in Washington, DC. It is the letters from home, with real-life examples of how the proposed law would affect them, that provide the best and deepest insight into a bill for me. I think descriptive, personal letters and handwritten testimonials are some of the most valuable resources a representative can use in the decision-making process over a vote."
-Jo Ann Emerson, (R) 8th Dist. Missouri
Let me explain the significance of the many correspondences I receive daily from Missouri. During the debate over any important article of legislation, my staff and I are deluged with materials on both sides of the issue from special interest organizations and advocacy groups, most of which are headquartered in Washington, DC. It is the letters from home, with real-life examples of how the proposed law would affect them, that provide the best and deepest insight into a bill for me. I think descriptive, personal letters and handwritten testimonials are some of the most valuable resources a representative can use in the decision-making process over a vote."
-Jo Ann Emerson, (R) 8th Dist. Missouri
Friday, July 2, 2010
Independence Day
Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor and the Declaration, 2-Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided, and New Your abstained.
To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!"
The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The "Province Bell" would later be renamed "Liberty Bell" after its inscription - Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof
Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of the United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4, 1777. By early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday.
This 4th of July make it your resolution to read the Declaration of Independence.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor and the Declaration, 2-Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided, and New Your abstained.
To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!"
The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The "Province Bell" would later be renamed "Liberty Bell" after its inscription - Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof
Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of the United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4, 1777. By early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday.
This 4th of July make it your resolution to read the Declaration of Independence.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Congressional Communications
"It's not unusual to see David Berry and Cissy Palomares on Capitol Hill. In past years, they have gathered letters on the importance of constituent opinion. But this year's campaign is different.
NWYC'S Congressional Communications Director, David Berry, is adding another dimension to the Customer Service Task Force program. He and Cissy Palomares, Manager of Congressional Communications, are approaching Capitol Hill with a new objective; that is to gather stories from Congress about how constituent opinion has actually influenced legislation. The results to date have been extremely impressive, and many letters are already on file." -The Banner
-"In my over thirty years in Congress, constituents, through written correspondence, town halls, telephone calls, and meetings have directly affected my voting record and legislative priorities. I believe my vote is your voice in Washington and I work every day to ensure the interests and principles of Alabama voters are reflected in my work on behalf of our great state and nation."
-Senator Richard Shelby (R) Alabama
NWYC'S Congressional Communications Director, David Berry, is adding another dimension to the Customer Service Task Force program. He and Cissy Palomares, Manager of Congressional Communications, are approaching Capitol Hill with a new objective; that is to gather stories from Congress about how constituent opinion has actually influenced legislation. The results to date have been extremely impressive, and many letters are already on file." -The Banner
-"In my over thirty years in Congress, constituents, through written correspondence, town halls, telephone calls, and meetings have directly affected my voting record and legislative priorities. I believe my vote is your voice in Washington and I work every day to ensure the interests and principles of Alabama voters are reflected in my work on behalf of our great state and nation."
-Senator Richard Shelby (R) Alabama
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