Contacting your Legislator

RIDPAC/ADPAC

Dentists can support state legislators who favor dentistry's issues by contributing to the Rhode Island Dental Political Action Committee, RIDPAC. The only state political action committee that represents and promotes the interests of dentistry, RIDPAC is a voluntary non-profit committee. It is politically non-partisan. RIDPAC is separate from the Rhode Island Dental Association, but works closely with the RIDA in supporting its professional objectives.

RIDPAC is governed by a board of directors comprised of three members of the RIDA Executive Committee and by the eight component dental societies. Prior to each election, the RIDPAC board evaluates candidates within the context of dentistry's issues and makes contributions to the election campaigns of deserving candidates. RIDPAC is solely funded by dentists.

At the Federal level, the American Dental Political Action Committee, ADPAC, performs a similar function by making contributions to candidates for national office who support dentistry's interest.

The most successful legislative program is a partnership between the RIDA lobbying efforts and the work and dedication of the many dentists who volunteer their time to let legislators know dentistry's position on the issues. These efforts can be as simple as making a phone call or writing a letter. You should always feel comfortable contacting your legislator. Members' opinions are a vital element of the RIDA legislative program. Following are some effective ways to structure your letter to a legislator:

Be brief, specific and discuss only one issue per letter; Identify a bill by number if possible.
Use your own words and stationery; Your most effective argument is how an issue affects you.
Include you address and sign the letter legibly; This will serve as an identifier for the legislator.
Be courteous and reasonable; Address the issue and the legislator in a formal, rational tone.
Lobby at the proper time; Contacting your legislator when the bills being considered for action is the best time.
Write when your legislator does something you approve of; This will help your legislator favorably remember you the next time.
Take the opportunity to maintain your involvement in the legislative process beyond the ballot box.

Senators in Congress
Sen. Jack Reed (D)
728 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4642

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D)
502 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2921

Representatives in Congress
Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D)
First District
407 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4911
(202) 225-3290, fax

Rhode Island (District) Office:
249 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 200
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 729-5600
(800) 392-5772
(401) 729-5608, fax

Rep. James R. Langevin (D)
Second District
Washington, D.C. Office:
109 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2735
(202) 225-5976, fax

Rhode Island (District) Office:
300 Centerville Road, Suite 200 South
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 732-9400
(401) 737-2982, fax