Click here for a complete list members of the General Assembly.

Beginning January 13, 2010 the Virginia General Assembly is in session!  Thousands of bills will be introduced during the session that will involve legislation affecting every Virginia citizen.  These bills will be discussed and voted on by the House of Representatives and the Virginia Senate. 

When Lawmakers consider their votes on specific legislation, they get input from many directions including large companies and interest groups.  Lawmakers also want to hear the concerns of their constituents!  It is important for you to be familiar with the legislation that impacts you and to make your voice be heard! 

You may find out what bills the VALAC is tracking by visiting the Legisaltive Tracking Chart and the Legislative Alerts and Updates on this site.  Additionally, you may go to the General Assembly home page.  If you know the number of a particular bill, you can call it up directly.  If you aren't sure of the bill number, click on "session tracking" and search by subject or patron.  When you read the text of a bill, be aware that only the words in italics are new.  Old language may be crossed out.  Remember to track the bill as it moves through the session. 

If you would like to make contact with someone at the General Assembly, start with the bill's patron.  Then find out which committee the bill has been referred to and who is on the committee.  The most important people to contact are your representatives, because they know that you can help keep them in office, see below for tips when contacting your representatives, and remember your voice does make a difference!

Effective Communication Techniques

Making a Visit

• Be prepared to state your views clearly
• Have appropriate materials to leave
• Be on time
• Be friendly, positive, and constructive
• Be specific about desired actions
• Be brief

Writing an E-mail or Letter

• Write to your delegate and senator; legislators want to know what their constituents think.  Most are not interested in the concerns of people from other areas of the state
• Write a personal letter; avoid form letters
• Keep each letter brief; try to limit the subject matter to a single issue
• Be positive and avoid criticism.  If possible commend the legislator on some recent action, vote, or publish speech
• Come to the point quickly, clearly, and concisely
• Whenever possible five specific bill number or title
• Tell whey you hold a particular position, and if an organization that you belong to has taken action on the issue, refer to their decision
• Raise a question--many times a well formulated question will get a personal response
• Point out the shortcomings of a particular bill, and offer suggestions for correcting them
• Make your letter timely
• Spell names correctly, write legibly, and use correct salutations

Using the Telephone

• Be well informed and prepared
• Call at a strategic time; for example just before a vote in committee
• Always be calm and courteous; venting your anger will not help in your efforts
• If you have previously written or visited with a legislator, remind him or her of that contact
• If the legislator is not available, speak with the legislative assistant