Legislation

Public Policy efforts to improve child care and early education wouldn’t be possible without you, our advocates. We count on people throughout the state to help us convince legislators and state agencies of the importance of improved child care policies.

General guidelines
  • Personal letters are more effective than form letters, post cards or petitions.
  • Address only one topic per letter. Be brief, pertinent and concise.
  • Your letter will be more effective if you have specialized knowledge on the issue. Be thoughtful and informed – do your homework – evaluate and weigh the issues.
  • Be calm, courteous and reasonable. Offer constructive suggestions. State what you think needs to be done.
  • Express appreciation for work already done — or write a thank you letter when you approve of action taken.
Addressing your letter

Address your letter correctly and if handwritten, write legibly. Below are various legislators who you can reach out to.

How to address your letter 
State Senator
The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
Illinois State Senate
Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706 

"Dear Senator _______"
State Representatives
The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
Illinois House of Representatives
Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706 

"Dear Representative _______"
Governor
The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706 

"Dear Governor _______"
Members of Congress
The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Street Address
Washington, D.C.

"Dear Representative _______"

OR

 The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
U.S. Senate
Street Address
Washington, D.C.

"Dear Senator _______"

For specific addresses, call 202-225-7000 or go to the United States Congress Web site at www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.
President
President John Doe
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500 

"Dear President _______"
Writing your letter

Your letter should consist of three substantive paragraphs:

  1. The first paragraph should state the reason for writing. Whenever possible, identify a bill by number and title. Or, use some descriptive sentence (e.g. “child care standards”) in your letter.
  2. In the second paragraph explain why you are writing – your family, business, or political connection to the issue. Then state your view and your reason for it.
  3. In the third paragraph, state what you think needs to be done such as vote for or against a bill or introduce new legislation.
Sample Letter 
Your Address 

Date 

The Hon. John Doe
State Senate
State House
Springfield, IL 62706 

Dear Senator Doe,
 
I am writing to express my support for (or opposition to) [ bill number ], the [ title of bill ] Law. 

As an employed mother of two pre-school children, [ state your interest in or expertise about this issue ]. This legislation would [ state why you think this legislation is important or problematic ]. 

I urge you to vote in favor of (or against) [ bill number ] so that [ brief summary of why you are for or against the bill ]. 

Sincerely, 

XXXXXXXX 
Public Policy

Child Care Aware of America maintains current information on public policy that impacts children and child care.

Child Care Aware of America | Public Policy
References

League of Women Voters of Illinois. (1985). Legislative Directory of the 89th General Assembly of Illinois . [Brochure]. Chicago, IL

Ranck, E.R., (1995, February). The power of the word: The art of letter-writing. Paper presented at the meeting of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.