Communicating with state senators may seem to be a daunting task.  This article serves to inform voters and provide clear direction on strategies to connect with their district’s elected official. Framing this article’s viewpoint are tips shared by a senator completing eight years of service.

 State Senator Carol Blood representing District 3 answers every email received in her office personally, making her a self-described unicorn.  This type of service has allowed her to build relationships with constituents.  She believes that senators who rely on staff members to handle such communication miss out on the voice of their constituents.  By answering her phone and email, Blood regularly hears from a group of 250 to 300 voters responding to many issues facing Nebraska.

49 state senators represent their districts in Nebraska.  In 1934, the state’s unicameral system was established, consolidating the legislature into a single chamber. This design aims to foster nonpartisan politics as governed by state statutes. The unicameral system of government emphasizes direct representation and remains a one-of-a-kind single senate governing body in the United States.

Blood is running for Congress and just gave her farewell speech to her senate colleagues.  As a freshman senator, she ensured that her bills were introduced on the first day, personally drafted and presented. This approach set the tone for her four year term.

In the fourth grade, when touring the capitol she decided she would be elected as a state senator one day. In turn, she shared with school groups that they can be senators regardless of their family upbringing, education level or economic status.

She has learned firsthand the impact of constituent letters read during debates on the floor of the unicameral. Cut and paste responses to constituents do not yield relationships or letters sent to her that can be shared with fellow senators.  She learned that time sensitive and important information is available because she has chosen to handle constituent communications.

Blood also encourages people to vote from an informed perspective.  If a senator does not respond to communication, then going  to the polls and voting for another candidate is her worldview. “The best term limits are at the polls.”

Seven Tips For Contacting State Senators

Below are educational tips that can be used by citizens for gaining the attention of state Senators.  She emphasizes that citizens do not need to worry about using legal terminology or fancy language.  Her comment to the community is to be yourself when writing letters.

Engaging with Nebraska senators is essential for effective representation. Here are seven strategies to make your voice heard:

1. Research Your Senators: Senators introduce bills that represent their constituents. Understanding key topics makes your communication stand out. Senators are tasked with introducing good legislation and must sell their bills at committee hearings.  Good debaters can excel in this role, using data and testimonies that come from their voters.
2. Focus On Authentic Communication admonishes Blood. While clicking on and sending a pre-packaged digital advocacy email on an issue is tempting where you simply add your name, think twice.  Her research and experience suggests that many of these mass email campaigns are designed by interests outside of Nebraska.  A well written note explaining how legislation hurts or helps your family or Nebraska will often be influential. When a bill comes before her colleagues, she has seen how letters sent to her balance out a vote when there is an equal number of people in her district for and against a bill.
3. Pick up your phone. Phone calls add credibility to your message, especially when   paired with a personal email to your senator. Senators who take phone calls have practical examples to inform their votes and understand how voters see issues affecting their families and communities.  Blood appreciates and accepts such input and votes from what she hears from citizens rather than her personal feelings on a bill.
4. Use personal stories.  Senators are influenced by correspondence that shares how legislation and proposed bills impact their personal lives and pocket book.  Shared details that reflect the needs of Nebraska citizens is powerful.  Emulate senator’s use of data and make your points relevant. Sharing that you are on a fixed income and cannot afford tax increases is one example of how voter communication can influence legislation and the state senator’s votes.
5. Be Clear and Concise: Senators receive numerous messages. Keep yours clear, easy to read, relatively short, and respectful to ensure it stands out.  Senators appreciate constituents who stay informed and communicate.
6. Get Involved Locally: Senator Carol Blood emphasizes local engagement. Participate in town halls and community activities to amplify your message and effect change. She lives her admonition to others, having served as a volunteer and community advocate for decades.  People who are established and informed can better influence a Senator.
7. Social media posting.  While social media is less personal than a letter or phone call, it can be a valuable resource and spark conversation.

Topics To Contact Senators

Legislation debated on the  Senate floor covers a wide variety of economic, political and social topics.  Pick a passion theme and reach out to your Senator.  Here is a list of legislative issues  to connect with elected officials:

• Funding matters for high school and college finance measures
• Accessing healthcare providers and facilities in rural Nebraska
• Reviewing politics tied to agriculture, funding and food processing facilities
• Developing roads, bridges and protecting right-of-ways
• Commenting on legislation relating to economic development and tourism funding incentives
• Conserving the environment, clean waterways and natural resources
• Evaluating the effectiveness and personnel providing public safety and law enforcement
• Funding for job training initiatives in public and private partnerships
• Providing personal testimonies on social issues such as racism, reproductive health and LGBTQ rights.

By applying these tips and engaging actively with Nebraska's senators, constituents can play a significant role in shaping state policies and advancing community interests.  The following link provides contact information for reaching all 49 state senators, photos and background information that will be helpful for reaching out: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_list.php