Law enforcement and prosecutors have had a hard time getting active prison time for meth manufacturers. Under current state law, these manufacturers who have no past criminal record generally receive a suspended sentence with probation. Current state law provides stiffer penalties for those who sell meth than for those who actually manufacture it.

“We have to write the laws that fit the problems.”
Roy Cooper
N.C. Attorney General

Who do I contact?

N.C. Senate

Andrew C. Brock (Rep)
Work address: 1101 Legislative Building,
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
Email: AndrewB@ncleg.net
Work phone: 919.715.0690
Home address: 2207 Farmington Rd,
Mocksville NC 27028
Home phone: 336.998.3166

Fletcher L. Hartsell (Rep)
Work address: 518 Legislative Office Building,
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Email: Fletcherh@ncleg.net
Work phone: 919.733.7233
Home address: P.O. Box 368,
Concord NC 28026-0368
Home phone: 704.786.5161

House

Lorene T. Coates (Dem)
Work address: 633 Legislative Office Building,
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Email: lorenec@ncleg.net
Work phone: 919.733.5784
Home address: 1345 Gheen Road,
Salisbury, NC 28147
Home phone: 704.636.6976

Representative Fred F. Steen, II (Rep)
Work address: 514 Legislative Office Building,
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Work phone: 919.733.5881
Home address: 317 Daybrook Drive, Landis,
NC 28088

Tips for letter writing

Make the letter just personal. Avoid form letters. Legislators are impressed with a personal note or letter.

Keep letters short and on point. A page or less is optimal. State your purpose for writing in the first paragraph and be sure to reference the short title or bill number.

Provide factual information to support your point(s).

REMEMBER, you must be a registered voter in order for your opinion to count. They will check.

How to write an effective letter
1. Address it properly.
2. Identify yourself.
Be sure to mention the state, congressional or legislative district, city or county in which you are a voter. Mention any local union affiliations as well.
3. Be specific.
When writing about legislation, use the bill number (H.R. xx, S. xx) or the title (ex. Labor Law Reform bill); if you know them. If not, briefly describe the issue that concerns you.
4. Be timely.
Write when the issue is current, not after a key vote has been taken.
5. Explain your position.
It doesn’t take an expert to predict the impact of legislation. As a worker, a taxpayer, or a consumer, say in your own words, how the bill or amendment will affect you.
6. Ask for a response.
Urge your legislator to take action-support or oppose a bill, co-sponsor an amendment or whatever action you would like taken. Request (don’t demand) a reply to your letter. This information will be helpful to lobbying efforts.

Sample Letter to Your Legislators

DATE

Lorene T. Coates
N.C. House of Representatives
633 Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925

Dear Rep. (Coates),

RE: Bill Topic, Number

Dear Senator/Assembly Member (Legislator's last name):

(Explain your title in your profession and/or area of expertise if it applies).

I am writing to you in (support/opposition) of (bill number and subject). As a constituent in your district, I thought I should bring the (positive/negative) effects of this bill to your attention.

If passed, (bill number) will (explain positive/negative effects the bill will have on you/your community, your profession, your services, etc., and why you believe your legislator should support/oppose it).

I thank you for taking the time to consider my opinion on this matter. I hope that my expressed concern will make a difference in your decision.

Sincerely,


(Your Name)
(Address)
(City/State/Zip)
(Telephone - include area code)