Unfortunately, the Senate is up to its old tricks again this year. Once again, they are regularly deadlocking themselves in filibusters and voting on little to no legislation. We are in the final weeks of the legislative session, and our bill is still sitting there waiting for them to get some work done. All they have to do is work.
Time is ticking, and we shouldn’t reserve ourselves to just sitting around, waiting on them. So today, we’re starting a coordinated campaign to let them know that we’re watching, and that we want them to do the work they’ve been elected to do. Your state senator represents YOU in Montgomery, so please take the time TODAY to contact them and let them know how you feel. Don’t know what to say? Many people have never emailed their elected officials, but it’s easy. Just write something like, “My name is [name] and I live in your district. I’ve been watching the progress in the Senate this session, and I’m writing because… ” There’s really nothing to it. Remember, it’s their job to represent you. They need to hear from you, and they do read their email.
To find the name and contact information for you state senator, just enter your street address and city OR zip+4 at our legislative page. We do not use the address information entered into that form for any purpose other than making the program work. When you contact your senator, let him or her know that, regardless of their position on our bill, you want to see a VOTE on HB373, the Gourmet Beer Bill. Here are some pointers to keep in mind in your email:
* Urge that they resolve the issues that are slowing business and get our bill, HB373, up for a vote.
* Stay friendly. You may be angry, but a positive tone is more likely to get them to listen to you
* Do this TODAY! Like I said above, we’re approaching the end of the session, and we’re not the only bill on their agenda.
For those of you who are outside Alabama or who are currently without a sitting Senator, please contact any of the following urging them to help break the deadlock:
Lt. Governor: Jim Folsom, Jr. (info@ltgov.alabama.gov)
Senate Pro Tem: Rodger Smitherman (rodger.smitherman@alsenate.gov)
Senate Majority (Democrats) Leader: Zeb Little (zeb@zeblittlelawfirm.com)
Senate Minority (Republicans) Leader: Jabo Waggoner (jabo.waggoner@alsenate.gov)
We want the Senate to vote on the House Bill, HB373, because this will be final passage – the bill’s next stop would be Governor Riley’s desk!
If you get a reply, please let us know. You can email me or Dan Roberts at dan.roberts@freethehops.org. And please do this today. If all of our thousands of members and supporters take this small step, I promise you it will have an impact.
Edit to add: thank you, everyone, for your support! It is very gratifying to see how many people have already contacted their Senators – you’re awesome!
45 Comments
Done.
thanks, Jim!
Done.
awesome
Done.
thanks!
Is there anything that those of us who don’t have a senator (in District 7) can do?
please see my edit to the post
Done.
thanks, Aaron!
Done!
Senator Poole has mail. (Don’t worry, it was a nice one)
everything helps!
DONE!!
Done!
Done.
Done and so have at least 2 of my friends.
good work!
Done.
Done it
Email sent.
I e-mailed my senator, Scott Beason, yesterday. I have not received a response, but will let you know if I do.
done
Sen. Ben Brooks now has an e-mail.
done
Done!
shot Jabbo and Canfield an e-mail @ 1:40
I sent an email to my senator, Mr. Erwin.
done. and I was very nice about it too.
Done, maybe en mass, the voice of the people will soften the ear and heart of Poole. Like you guys said to be, I was positive and honest.
Sent to Mr. Pittman
Done! Hope it works.
Sent to Senator French.
Done
Here’s the letter I sent.
I’m writing you to enlist your support for the Gourmet Beer Bill now languishing in the legislative process in Alabama. Though I’m not currently a resident of Alabama, my entire family still lives there and we visit as often as possible.
When we make our vacation choices one of the factors that helps us decide where to stay is the availability of small comforts that we are used to having on a normal basis. My wife, daughter and I all are interested in gourmet beers not for the alcohol content, but for the rich and interesting flavors. One of my all time favorites is Chimay Red, a Trappist ale from Belgium. But because it contains 6.2% ABV it is illegal in your state. It is available in Florida however so this summer our beach rental will be in the Pensacola area. Obviously this isn’t the only reason we would go to another state but it certainly does enter into our discussions.
In addition my father enjoys trying new beer when he visits us in New Mexico, but he’s discouraged that he can’t purchase those same beers to drink in his own home town in Alabama.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Corky Stewart
done
Just want to comment that, in addition to the replies on here, I am also getting ALOT of email from people saying they contacted their senators. Some have forwarded their responses to me. I’m sure Stuart’s getting a bunch too.
Sent mine yesterday…no response though.
Sent one to Mitchem, Smitherman, Little, and Waggoner. We need to keep this up every week until the bill is passed or the session ends.
done
Both my senator and representative strongly oppose the bill. I sent my concerns just the same.
Sent to Senator Mitchem yesterday around lunch. Would it be of help to also send email to those listed for people without a sitting senator or out of state?
not at this point, Aaron, but it may come to that.
Jabbed an e-mail @ Jabo.
Please support the Gourmet Beer bill. We are way overdue. Thank you
One Trackback
[...] As usual, the senate is languishing and not getting to the bills that need to be covered. The good folks at Free The Hops want everyone to contact their senators. You can find out how to here: http://www.freethehops.org/blog/2009/04/contact-your-senator-today/ [...]