Policy & Advocacy

Subject: Support [Bill Name/Number] to Protect Our Waterways

Dear [Representative/Senator's Name],

I am writing to express my strong support for [Bill Name/Number], which seeks to [briefly describe the purpose of the bill, e.g., "improve water quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits on agricultural runoff" or "invest in green infrastructure to reduce stormwater contamination"]. As a resident of [Your City/State], I am deeply concerned about the health of the Big Sioux River and the impact that water pollution has on our environment, economy, and public health.

The Big Sioux River is a vital resource for our community, providing [list key benefits, e.g., "drinking water, recreational opportunities, and natural habitat for wildlife"]. However, increasing pollution threatens its ability to sustain these essential functions. [Bill Name/Number] offers a critical step forward by [specific action the bill addresses, e.g., "incentivizing conservation practices" or "strengthening monitoring and enforcement measures"].

I urge you to champion this bill and work with your colleagues to ensure its passage. Protecting our waterways is not just an environmental necessity; it is a moral responsibility to future generations who depend on clean, safe water.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to preserving our natural resources. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss this issue further or if I can provide additional information.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

Subject: Oppose [Bill Name/Number]: Protect Our Waterways

Dear [Representative/Senator's Name],

I am writing to express my strong opposition to [Bill Name/Number], which I believe would have a detrimental impact on the health of our waterways, including the Big Sioux River. As a resident of [Your City/State], I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences this bill could have on water quality, public health, and our local environment.

[Briefly explain why you oppose the bill, e.g., "This bill would weaken existing protections against agricultural and industrial runoff, allowing increased pollution in critical waterways" or "The proposed cuts to conservation funding would hinder efforts to reduce erosion and prevent harmful contaminants from entering our river systems."]

The Big Sioux River is a vital resource for our community, providing [mention key benefits, e.g., "clean drinking water, recreational opportunities, and habitat for wildlife"]. Weakening protections for this river not only endangers our environment but also poses significant risks to our economy and public health.

I urge you to oppose [Bill Name/Number] and instead prioritize policies that enhance water quality and safeguard the long-term sustainability of our natural resources. Protecting the Big Sioux River and other waterways is essential for the well-being of our community and future generations.

Thank you for considering my concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this issue further or if I can provide additional information.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

You:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/State]. I’m calling to express my strong support for [Bill Name/Number], which focuses on [briefly state the purpose of the bill, e.g., "protecting water quality by reducing pollution runoff"].

Staff Member (or Representative):
Thank you for calling. Can you tell me why you support this bill?

You:
Certainly. The Big Sioux River is a vital resource for our community. It provides [mention key benefits, e.g., "clean drinking water, recreational opportunities, and habitat for wildlife"]. Unfortunately, pollution and inadequate infrastructure threaten its health. This bill takes an important step by [specific action the bill addresses, e.g., "strengthening clean water standards" or "providing funding for conservation practices"].

This legislation not only addresses immediate issues but also helps protect the river for future generations. Clean water is essential to our economy, environment, and public health. I urge [Representative/Senator’s Name] to support this bill and to advocate for its passage.

Staff Member (or Representative):
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’ll pass your message along to [Representative/Senator’s Name].

You:
Thank you for your time. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide or actions I can take to support this effort.

Staff Member (or Representative):
We appreciate your input, and I’ll make sure it’s shared.

You:
Thank you. Have a great day!

You:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/State]. I’m calling to express my strong opposition to [Bill Name/Number], which I believe would harm the health of our waterways, including the Big Sioux River.

Staff Member (or Representative):
Thank you for calling. Can you explain why you oppose this bill?

You:
Of course. The Big Sioux River is a critical resource for our community, providing [mention benefits, e.g., "clean drinking water, recreation, and habitat for wildlife"]. [Bill Name/Number] would [briefly explain your concern, e.g., "weaken important pollution controls, allow more runoff into the river, or reduce funding for water quality initiatives"].

This bill poses significant risks to water quality, public health, and our local economy. We need stronger protections, not rollbacks, to ensure the river can sustain future generations. I urge [Representative/Senator’s Name] to oppose this bill and instead support policies that improve, rather than jeopardize, our water resources.

Staff Member (or Representative):
Thank you for sharing your concerns. I’ll make sure to pass this message along to [Representative/Senator’s Name].

You:
Thank you for listening. Please let me know if there’s additional information I can provide or actions I can take to further express my concerns.

Staff Member (or Representative):
We appreciate your input, and I’ll share it with [Representative/Senator’s Name].

You:
Thank you for your time. Have a great day!

Let me know if you'd like this refined further based on specific details!

To contact the South Dakota Legislature, you can reach the Legislative Research Council (LRC), which provides non-partisan support to the legislature.

Their contact details are as follows:

Address: Legislative Research Council
Capitol Building, 3rd Floor
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070

Email: LRC@sdlegislature.gov

Phone: (605) 773-3251

For information on individual legislators, including their contact details, you can use the "Find My Legislators" tool on the South Dakota Legislature's website.

Additionally, the South Dakota Secretary of State's website provides a list of current elected officials, including state legislators, with their contact information.

These resources should assist you in reaching out to the appropriate legislative members or offices.