Grassroots: The Key Person Network

For the CPA profession to have a voice in the political process, individual CPAs must become players in that process. As a member of the VSCPA, you have a unique opportunity to impact the future of your profession by joining the VSCPA Key Person Network.

To participate, you must be willing to contact your legislator to discuss issues affecting the CPA profession. The VSCPA will provide you with information about important legislative issues and the political process. On average, participants devote 10 hours per year to the Key Person Network. If you have any questions, e-mail VSCPA Technical Services Manager Emily Walker or call (800) 733-8272.

Already a Key Person? Update your information at least once a year to help ensure an effective network.

Key Person Responsibilities | Top

  • Maintain a personal or professional relationship with a Virginia legislator.
  • Keep in touch with your legislator to foster your relationship.
  • Stay abreast of legislative issues.
  • Read VSCPA legislative news and bulletins.
  • Call, visit or write your legislator when needed.
  • Present VSCPA viewpoints regarding the accounting profession to your legislator.
  • Invite and bring your legislator to special chapter and VSCPA events.
  • Deliver CPA Political Action Committee (PAC) of Virginia checks when asked.
  • Update chapters on important legislative news.
  • Attend legislative fund raisers and functions on behalf of the VSCPA.

Every CPA Can Make a Difference  | Top

Each year, thousands of bills are introduced in the Virginia General Assembly. All CPAs must get involved in the political process to communicate important issues to our legislators. If we do not speak up, we will be left out of the process. It's that simple.

It's easy to become involved. To a large extent, legislators base decisions upon communications they receive from consituents. Legislators' decisions are fueled by a want and need to effectively serve constituents — and increase chances of re-election.

In some cases, CPAs need to communicate with officials from other branches of government, including the Virginia governor's office, U.S. Congress and regulatory agencies like the Virginia Department of Taxation. The same principles used to communicate with state legislators are used with these lawmakers.

After reviewing this guide, you'll be prepared to take action on issues important to the CPA profession. It's simple, it's fun and it's our responsibility to let legislators know where we stand. If we don't, no one else will!

Writing Your Legislator  | Top

Writing a brief letter to a legislator urging him or her to support a VSCPA position is extremely easy and effective. Legislators closely monitor incoming mail and are sensitive to the wishes of those constituents who take the time to write. They know these constituents are likely to vote and be active in the community. Reinforce the effectiveness of your letters by following up with a phone call to your legislator's district office.

Follow these guidelines when writing legislators:

  • Write your letter as an individual, not as a Society or Chapter representative. Legislators want to hear from "real constituents," not organization officials.
  • Write and mail your letter as soon as possible. Legislation can move quickly and legislators need to hear from you BEFORE they vote.
  • Keep your letter brief and to the point. Letters should be no more than one page. A paragraph or two is fine.
  • Stick to one or two issues and clearly identify them. A one-sentence description is fine. Give a bill number if you have one.
  • Open your letter by clearly stating your position in the first paragraph. Follow up by giving reasons why the legislator should support your position.
  • Personalize your letter. Let the legislator know how the legislation will affect you and the people and businesses you serve.
  • Use a respectful tone in your letter. It's okay to disagree with the legislator, but never attack him or her personally.
  • Always put your return address in the letter. You can use either your home or office address. If either is in the legislator's district, then use that as the return address.
  • Always ask the legislator to write back to you with their position on the legislation you are writing about. We need to know where they stand.
  • Conclude your letter by urging the legislator to take action in support of your position and thank him or her for taking the time to consider your views.
  • If several CPAs are writing letters together, don't all write the exact same letter. Form letters are not effective.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: E-mail or mail a copy of your letter and any correspondence you receive from the legislator to Emily Walker, Technical Services Manager, P.O. Box 4620, Glen Allen, VA 23058-4620.

How to Address a Legislator  | Top

Please address your legislators and other elected officials in the following manner:

STATE SENATORS:
The Honorable Joe Smith
District Office Address
Dear Senator Smith:

STATE ASSEMBLYMAN/WOMAN:
The Honorable Chris Jones
District Office Address
Dear Delegate Jones:

GOVERNOR:
The Honorable Mark R. Warner
Statehouse address
Dear Governor Warner:

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE:
The Honorable James Saxton
Washington Office Address
Dear Congressman Saxton: (use Congresswoman for female members of Congress)

U.S. SENATOR:
The Honorable Frank Lautenberg
Washington Office Address
Dear Senator Lautenberg:

Tips on Writing to Legislators  | Top


  • Use your business letterhead.
  • Clearly state the reason for your letter early in your correspondence.
  • When you are writing about a specific piece of legislation, a House bill is identified as HB and a Senate bill as SB.
  • Ask your legislator for a reply that states his or her position.

Sample letters will be provided to legislative Key Persons when you are requested to contact your legislator(s) on specific issues. Please keep in mind these samples should be used as a guide only; you should personalize your letters with your own comments and experiences to have maximum impact. Legislators can spot a form letter a mile away!

Please be sure to e-mail a copy of your correspondence to Emily Walker at (800) 733-8272. If you called your legislator in lieu of writing, either jot down a note indicating your legislator's thoughts on the issue of concern, or contact Emily Walker at the number above. This will help the VSCPA to identify where to target efforts for the passage or defeat of a given bill.

Letter-Writing Guide  | Top

Dear Senator/Representative Smith:

Mention in your first paragraph:

  • You are writing in support of an issue.
  • You are a constituent/your business is in their district/you are a chapter officer, etc.
  • The issue is very important to you/your family/your business/clients, etc.

Mention in second and third paragraphs:

  • Examples of how the issue has affected you, your clients or your business.

Mention in last paragraph:

  • Urge them to vote for the bill.
  • Ask them to write you back, letting you know how they plan to vote.

Sincerely,

Your Name, CPA

Sample Introductory Letter  | Top

Joseph Smith, CPA
12 Oakridge Street
Anytown, Virginia 00000

September 25, 2005

The Honorable James L. Jones
35 Pleasant Valley Way
Anytown, Virginia 07632

Dear Assemblyman Jones:

I am a CPA in your district with [name of your public practice], which has served our community for more than [five] years. I am writing you to offer my services as a consultant in all matters of fiscal policy in the Commonwealth. I am also a member of the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA), the leading professional association in Virginia dedicated to enhancing the success of all CPAs and their profession. On behalf of the VSCPA, I will contact you from time to time to talk to you about issues concerning fiscal policy and the CPA profession.

I will be available to you as a resource on any issue that you need counsel from a CPA. Feel free to contact me at any time. I thank you for your service to our community and to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Joseph Smith, CPA

Sample Issue Letter  | Top


Joseph Smith, CPA
12 Oakridge Street
Anytown, Virginia 00000

September 25, 2005

The Honorable James L. Jones
35 Pleasant Valley Way
Anytown, Virginia 07632

Dear Assemblyman Jones:

A bill to protect the rights of Virginia's taxpayers, A-3767, deserves your support. This bill, known as the "Taxpayers Bill of Rights," strengthens the right of taxpayers to fair treatment.

Some of the problems my clients encounter in the tax filing process would be resolved more quickly and fairly if A-3767 was enacted into law. This bill will improve communications between state government and taxpayers and will also enhance the tax collection process.

Twenty-one other states have a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and in 1989 Congress passed a federal law providing the same safeguards for federal tax filers. Once again, I urge you to support A-3767 and would appreciate it if you would write back to me with your position on this matter.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph Smith, CPA

VSCPA • 4309 Cox Road • Glen Allen • Virginia • 23060
Phone: (800) 733-8272 • Fax: (804) 273-1741• E-mail: vscpa@vscpa.com • RSS
© 2005. Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. All rights reserved.