Sample Thank You Letters to Legislators

To Lobby Day Staff

June 11, 2008

Ms. Acacia Salatti, Legislative Assistant
Office of the Honorable James E. Clyburn
United States House of Representatives
2135 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear  Acacia,

On behalf of The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, I am writing to sincerely thank you for taking the time to meet with us to discuss issues facing South Carolina during the National Network to End Domestic Violence's Annual Lobby Day on June 4th. It is obvious that you have a true understanding of the plight of battered women and I deeply appreciate your personal concern.

I hope the written information we provided was helpful.  As we discussed, in order to sustain progress toward ending domestic violence Congress must reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) so that communities can continue providing emergency shelter and other life-saving services for victims and families. The demand for services continues to rise as more victims come forward for help.  To respond to this urgent need, we ask that you support full funding for FVPSA and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and raise the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund cap to $717 million in the FY 2009 Congressional Budget. 

Support from Rep. Clyburn is crucial to our efforts to keep victims safe.  Please let me know if you need any additional information.  We are dedicated to the effort to bring South Carolina out of the top ten in domestic homicides and it is reassuring to know that we can count on the help we always receive from Congressman Clyburn

Thank you again for your time and attention.  If you have any further questions on these issues, please feel free to contact our office at 803-256-2900.  Also, please feel free to contact Monica McLaughlin, NNEDV Public Policy Specialist in Washington, DC, at 202.543.5566.  I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,


Vicki Bourus, MSW, LISW
Executive Director

To a Member of Congress

June 12, 2008

The Honorable James Clyburn
United States House of Representatives
2135 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC  20515

Dear Representative Clyburn:

On behalf of The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, I am writing to thank you for your on-going commitment to eliminate domestic violence.  I sincerely appreciate the effort you made to join us at the Congressional Breakfast on June 4th! Your words were inspiring and certainly indicative of your understanding of the tragedy of domestic violence. I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the serious issues facing South Carolina during the National Network to End Domestic Violence's Annual Lobby Day on June 4th and for considering the actions Congress can take to end domestic and sexual violence.  I know how valuable your time is and I am thankful to you for listening to the needs of victims as we work towards effective solutions to domestic violence. Your personal attention to the plight of the battered and abused and your obvious concern means more than I can say. .

I hope the written information we provided to you and your staff was helpful.  As we discussed, in order to sustain progress toward ending domestic violence Congress must reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) so that communities can continue providing emergency shelter and other life-saving services for victims and families.  The demand for services continues to rise as more victims come forward for help.  To respond to this urgent need, we ask that you support full funding for FVPSA and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs and raise the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund cap to $717 million in the FY 2009 Congressional Budget.  Your support is crucial to our efforts to keep victims safe.  Please let me know if I can answer any questions or provide you with additional information. 

Thank you again for your time and attention.  If you and your staff have any further questions on these issues, please feel free to contact our office at 803-256-2900.  Also, please feel free to contact Monica McLaughlin, NNEDV Public Policy Specialist in Washington, DC, at 202-543-5566.  I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,


Vicki Bourus, MSW, LISW
Executive Director