&VIEWS

you some of the experiei:",t in the past two years that I have been active and why I am pclive Firsl I doing what I thought they were doing, at least mosl of the time. Second, the managers of our company thought it was important now, more than ever before, that one of us monitor state and national legislation as to the effects upon our business and upon us as individuals.

Over the past few years alone, we businessmen have experienced hundreds of state and national legislative bills and bureaucratic regulations which affected not only our businesses but our own life styles and cost us many millions of dollars. You know the ones I mean. Pollution controls and OSHA to name two. More recently the final portion of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and RARE II.

Many of these bills would not have passed or at least would have been signihcantly changed if all of us had taken the time to communicate with our legislators. Time and time again I have heard from legislators that, on a given piece of legislalion, they have received little or no input from the business people. Why? Because we spend so much time running our businesses that there is little enough time left to be with family and friends and have a liltle recreation, too.

So where will you get the time to be involved in politics? Out of your business time. Two to three hours per week is about what it takes. And it is not as difficult as you might think and it even has some humorous moments.

Here are some ways for you to communicate with your legislators. The best way is a handwrilten nole or lelter on your business stationery. Next best is typewritten on your letlerhead, but sign your name over your typed signature. If you just can't wrile now, telephone him and tell him or his staff how you feel. From the West, before 8 a.m. lhe cost is 210 for the first minute and 160 for each additional minute and it's a few minutes before I I a.m. in Washington, D.C. -

Printed cards sent by various organizations to you to send to your legislator are just slightly above "better than nothing." If, you know your legislator and he knows you, that's great. If you don't know him, rnake it a point to meet him at the very next opportunity at home, or even better, in his capitol office.

A few closing tips. Identify your subject clearly, state your reasons, your personal experience and above all, how you think it would affect you or your business. Never be unreasonable nor threatening. Be constructive. Communicating is best when a bill is first introduced, referred to committee, and during committee review. After that, anytime before a vote on the floor of the legislative body.

For the best guide to the foregoing, write or phone the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Publications Fulfillment Department, 1615 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20062, (301) 468-5728. Ask for a Letterwriter's Guide to Congress, May ll, 1979. Cost: 1-99 copies, 100 eachl 100 or more, 80 each; minimum order, $1.

Start doing these things today and you will be glad you did. And so will your children and grandchildren.