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How long does it take to get a reply from your legislators?

By jgillmanjr, Section News
Posted on Sun May 25, 2008 at 12:15:10 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)

So on 2 May, I sent an email to Sen. Jason Allen regarding HB 5108. This is the bill that passed the house which would allow veterans who have had pistol training in the military to bypass having to take the normally required course in order to get their CCW permit. Well, the only problem is that it specifically mentions those who were discharged, and doesn't include those who are still in (which of course is silly). I asked for him to make an amendment to allow those currently in the military be exempt as well (I never got a reply from Rep. Walker fall of last year when I contacted his office about the amendment).

It's been 3 weeks now and I still haven't gotten a reply (sans the automatic message you get when you send an email). Is this normal? What the hell is going on here if it's not? I included my address so he knows I'm a constituent. Am I gonna have to go downtown to the Captains Quarters and leave a personal note?

So how long does it take for you to get a reply?

< The Weekend in the Sphere | Monday in the Sphere, May 26 >

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How long does it take to get a reply from your legislators? | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)

If it makes you feel any better, I've NEVER (none / 0) (#1)
by Nick on Sun May 25, 2008 at 01:35:14 PM EST

received a reply to ANY correspondence sent to my Rep, Bob Dean.

That said, there are some legislators I'll get replies from the same day. Does that have something to do with the fact that I've gotten to know a few of them personally over the last three or four years? Probably. But a response is a response.

Dean? Nada.

Responses (none / 0) (#2)
by Calhoun Kid on Sun May 25, 2008 at 04:22:40 PM EST

Jason, all legislators seem to be different in how fast they are to reply and it doesn't seem to make much difference whether they are in the House or Senate. My state senator is usually pretty good about replying. My state rep is not so good. This past week, I wrote 12 legislators about partial birth abortion. I only got one real reply and the reply I did get came in less than a half hour.

Regarding your question, I believe that just like law enforcement, current active duty military and military veterans who have been discharged from active duty within the past 30 days do not need a CPL to carry concealed in Michigan. That may be why it is not in the bill. I'm not sure though. You may want to write the sponsor of the bill with your question.

Re how long (none / 0) (#3)
by live dangerously on Mon May 26, 2008 at 07:39:45 PM EST

I will call them up. Usually I'll talk with a staffer. Last was a staffer with Sen. VanWoerkom. He didn't know and said he'd check I said thanks and he actually found out by talking with the sponsor of the bill and called me back the next day. I was surprised. It helps if it's your rep in your district. Just an interesting note I went to a Memeorial Day parade today to pass out candy for Holly Hughes and there were three Republican candidates close together in the staging area and I walked around and introduced myself and you guessed it I ended up talking with the same staffer (Jeff) that I talked with on the phone. Point is I'm glad I called.
Regards, Live Dangerously

Sometimes never or (none / 0) (#4)
by maidintheus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 09:07:37 AM EST

the reply (when it eventually comes) has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic I referenced. So, I guess it's "normal." Otherwise known as B.S.

"Am I gonna have to go downtown to the Captains Quarters..." Good idea.

Suggestion: Write seeking a special tax privilege (none / 0) (#5)
by Angry White Male on Tue May 27, 2008 at 10:24:46 AM EST

I assume you're a constit of Allen's.

If you write him seeking a special tax break for a particular business, or a scheme to grant government more power and more taxing power by creating some new kind of "authority," you'd be more likely to get a response. Assuming you've made the requisite campaign contributions, that is. (But it's not too late - send $$$ now for faster service!)

Finally got a reply today... (none / 0) (#6)
by jgillmanjr on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:17:30 PM EST

While I was busy working on ADSW orders.

May 27, 2008
Dear Cdt. Gillman:
Thank you for contacting my office with your comments regarding House Bill 5108. I appreciate your active interest in this important issue.
As you may know, I chair the Senate Committee on Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs, and have been active in introducing a comprehensive package of legislation concerning veteran benefits. I apologize for the delay in my response, as I was awaiting further information from Senator Wayne Kuipers, who chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, which is currently reviewing HB 5108. The amendment you suggested, and the arguments you make for it raise very good points, and my office, along with that of Sen. Kuipers are working on the legislation.
Thank you again for writing. Please remember that the legislative process is a long and complicated one, and I do place a great deal of value on the input I receive from my constituents. Please do not hesitate to contact me again, if I can ever be of assistance to you in the future.
Best Wishes,
Jason Allen
State Senator
37th District

I'll be quite pleased if this passes, as it means I won't have to spend the extra $125-$175 to get my license (which I think shouldn't be required in the first place, but that's a separate debate).

How long does it take to get a reply from your legislators? | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)

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