Legislative Process -101 Getting in touch with your representatives What can I do? Identifying your representatives Communicating with legislators Driving directions to the Capitol Important Phone Numbers C.A.G.E. homepage   What can you do? Being actively involved in the legislative process is easier than ever. Citizens have a wide range of options available, these include: CCK's Legislative Advocacy Program; writing letters; telephone calls from home; or working the web.  Once you decide which action is right for you, CCK encourages you learn about the issues and take action. Listed below are the details for getting in touch with your representatives. Identifying your representative     The first step in acting as a faithful citizen and communicating your to legislative issues is to figure out who your representatives are and how to find them. If you know your representatives name, or what legislative district you live in (you can also search by county) you can search the LRC website at: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/whoswho/whoswho.htm  If you are not certain who your representatives are or in which district you live, you can call your local Board of Elections or county clerk and ask for assistance. In Jefferson County, call the Board of Elections at 502-574-6100.       Communicating      There are more ways than ever to effectively communicate your message to members of the General Assembly. The first and most important rule in all forms of communications is that you always identify yourself.  Legislators want to hear from their constituents, but you must identify yourself as one in phone messages, letters and e-mail. Always include your full name and street address in all communications.                     Telephone Messages     Members of the General Assembly pay close attention to their calls during a session and your telephone can be an effective advocacy tool. You can always leave your message if the member is not available (remember its a busy time and your representative is not likely to be available).   Important Phone Numbers Speak directly to a legislator (LRC Switchboard) 1-502-564-8100 Leave a message for your legislator  1-800-372-7181 (7:00 A.M.- 11:00P.M.) Send a fax to a legislator in Frankfort 1-502-564-6543 Legislative Committee meeting schedules 1-800-633-9650 Leave a message for a citizen attending the session 1-800-592-4399 Check on the status of pending legislation 1-888-701-1488 Reach the TTY Message Line 1-800-896-0305 Public Bill Room (To request a copy of legislation) 1-502-564-8100  ext. 323   Governor Paul Patton Phone: 1-502-564-2611 Fax:  1-502-564-2517 Postal Delivery A personal letter still counts in the ever expanding world of communications. When writing a letter to your representative, remember to keep your message simple and sincere. Correct spelling, punctuation and style still matter.  The following formats for addressing your envelope and salutation are generally acceptable:  Dear Senator (insert name):    Dear Representative (insert name):   Senator (insert name) Representative (insert name) Legislative Offices Legislative Offices Capitol Annex Capitol Annex Frankfort, KY 40601 Frankfort, KY 40601 Governor Paul E. Patton State Capitol Frankfort, KY 40601   Work the Web     The Legislative Research Commission's (LRC) home page is the mega-site of information and contains (literally) all your legislative information needs. The address is www.lrc.state.ky.us/home.htm (bookmark it and use it!). For other Cabinets and Branches go to the Kentucky Government web site at www.state.ky.us       E-mail Sending electronic mail to a legislator is just a few clicks away. Most members of the General Assembly view e-mail as a convenient and effective means to communicate with constituents. As with postal mail, e-mail is yet another method for expressing your concerns. To find your representative's e-mail address, access the LRC website at Legislative Research Commission - email index.     Driving Directions     For those coming to Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, these driving directions have been road-tested and CAGE approved. For a map, click here. From the East:  Exit I-64 at the second Frankfort exit ramp (U.S. 127 North) (53-B); proceed north on U.S. 127; turn right at the intersection of U.S. 60 (Louisville Road); drive 1/2 mile and turn left onto Lafayette Drive; at the bottom of the hill you will see the Capitol building on the left and the Capitol Annex on the right; proceed into the complex and follow the signs to the parking garage. From the West (or Bluegrass Parkway):   Exit I-64 at the second Frankfort exit ramp (U.S. 127 North) (Exit 53-B) proceed north on U.S. 127; turn right at the intersection of U.S. 60 (Louisville Road); drive 1/2 mile and turn left onto Lafayette Drive; at the bottom of the hill you will see the Capitol building on the left and the Capitol Annex on the right; proceed into the complex and follow the signs to the parking garage.

Special thanks to Scottw@ccky.org for the creation of this web page. Copyright © 2001 Catholic Conference of Kentucky Last modified: May 16, 2000

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