Identifying & Communicating with Legislators

Identifying your state senator or state representative

Identifying your state senator or state representative is easy. The Ohio General Assembly’s website has a very user-friendly page to help you find your local elected officials.  All you need is your “zip + 4” zip code.  Clicking on your legislator’s name takes you to his or her legislative website, where you will find their biographical information, Committee assignments, bills they have sponsored and all of the contact information that you will need.

Communicating with elected officials

Communicating with elected officials is easy.  There are tips, however, to help you determine the most effective way to tell your legislator how you feel about a particular piece of legislation or an issue.  If you are going to take the time to express your opinion, you’ll want to maximize the influence your input will have on the lawmaker’s decision.

Be an ORA Key Contact

ORA’s lobbyist at the state capitol is important, but nothing matters more to an elected official than hearing from their constituents back home.  We match at least one ORA member with every state representative (99) and every state senator (33).  These are our “Key Contacts” for the members of the General Assembly.  We call or email our Key Contacts when a vote on an important issue is scheduled.  ORA provides the contact information and a simple set of talking points.  If you know, or will get to know, your state legislators, complete and return the ORA Key Contact Form.

 

ORA staffFor more information about ORA's government affairs program, contact me at 614-246-0130 or rmason@ohiorestaurant.org. 

 

Richard Mason
ORA Director of Government Affairs