Use talking points and this sample letter as a starting point for your own message. Letters with a personal angle are always compelling. Ask yourself how the Trial Lawyers Tax legislation and the resulting higher insurance costs will affect you, your family or your business.

Be concise

Keep it brief and to the point. Letters under 250 words in 3-5 paragraphs are much more likely to be published.

Make specific references

While some newspapers will print general commentary letters, many prefer letters that respond to a specific article. Be sure to mention the title and date of the article you are responding to within your first two sentences. For example: "Dear Editor, Your recent coverage of the “Trial Lawyers Tax” legislation ("TITLE OF ARTICLE," Date) was a thoughtful piece..."

Be factual

Highlight aspects of the issue that have not been previously addressed. Utilize the Fact Sheet and FAQ pages for fresh messages that newspapers may have failed to cover.

Tie the letter to your legislator

Editors are interested in printing letters that relate to the community. Speak directly to your legislators in your area.

Stay calm

Use no more than one exclamation point per letter. Do not attack anyone personally. Stick to the facts, and keep the letter respectful.

Include your contact information

Many newspapers will only publish a letter-to-the-editor after verifying the author’s contact information. When printed, the letter will usually only include your name and city.

[DATE]

Dear Editor,

As a citizen of the beautiful state of Minnesota, I am deeply troubled by the proposed hidden Trial Lawyers Tax legislation that was recently introduced. If this legislation passes, I, and every consumer or business in our state, can expect to pay higher insurance premiums on virtually ALL lines of insurance. We can also expect more fraudulent insurance claims and perhaps worse, we can expect our state to become a litigation capital.

This legislation represents all that is wrong with politics. Written by personal injury lawyers to benefit themselves, these laws would allow guaranteed additional attorneys fees on cases against insurance companies. The lawyers supporting these bills stand to make millions of dollars, forcing consumers and their insurance companies into huge out-of-court settlements to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation. These bills are all about enlarging the wallets of the personal injury lawyers, rather than the good of the people.

These bills are all about enlarging the wallets of the personal injury lawyers, rather than the good of the people.

I encourage [your legislators] to reject the Trial Lawyers Tax legislation. It’s time to put a stop to fraud and higher insurance costs!

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME] [YOUR CITY], MN

Media Contacts

For a list of media contacts to send letters to, click here.