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RTK.NET Mail 150333 May 13 12:52:39 1996 Yes, we definitely need all of you, especially if any of your own representatives are not yet cosponsors, if other members of your states delegations are not cosponsors, or if your already cosponsoring rep's serve on important committees and can help get the bill moving. These next two months are likely the two most crucial, so call PAN today and let Michael know what you are willing to do and what information you need: (707) 544-1994 or 800-850-4726. The biggest impact is had by going to meet personally with your representative or their legislative assistant. Call PAN and let them know of your interest, and they will hopefully be able to connect with others in your state. In *many* areas, no one from the representatives' constituent base has taken this step. Letters and calls are also important, especially if you keep up the effort, rather than just sending a note and hoping they listen. One way contact with PAN and/or the activists on this list can most help you is to answer your questions when you get an unacceptable response to your early contacts. Another tactic begun at this year's forum was to get people who couldn't make it to D.C. to ask their rep's to make an appointment with PAN forum participants, in effect asking their rep. to allow some of us to meet with him or her on their behalf. If anyone in your state's delegation is on an Appropriations, Senate Labor and Human Resources, or House Commerce one of the most experienced activists would likely be very happy to do this if you feel making a personal visit on your own would be too overwhelming. When I first got started, I sort of assumed their were lots of people in my state already working on this issue and was afraid of repeating their efforts but in most areas there has not been consistent efforts made throughout the state. If there has, you probably have lots of cosponsors already, but even the most active people, like Jim and Deborah Cordy in western Pennsylvania, still know of nearby rep's who need more visits and follow-up work. Make those calls today, or let the list know what you need. Sherri Cave [log in to unmask]