How to Engage with Your Legislators and Support H.3211
Advocating for policy change can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Elected officials work for their constituents, and your voice matters. When legislators hear directly from business owners, community leaders, and professionals, it strengthens the case for change.
Step 1: Identify Your Legislators
Before reaching out, it’s important to know who represents you in the South Carolina General Assembly. Your state representatives make key decisions about workforce policy, and hearing from local businesses and professionals directly influences their priorities.
Find Your Legislators
- Visit scstatehouse.gov and use the “Find Your Legislators” tool.
- Enter your home or business address to see your state senator and representative.
- Click on their name to get their email, phone number, and office address.
Step 2: Craft Your Message
Option 1: Send an Email
Legislators receive hundreds of emails and calls—but personal, well-crafted messages stand out. Here’s how to structure your outreach. When reaching out to your legislator about H.3211, it’s important to craft a message that is clear, professional, and compelling. Start with a strong subject line that immediately communicates your purpose, such as “Support H.3211 – Strengthening South Carolina’s Workforce.”
Begin your email by introducing yourself. Share your name, where you live, and what you do. If you’re a business owner, employer, healthcare professional, or trade worker, mention it—your perspective as someone directly affected by workforce shortages will carry more weight.
Next, explain why H.3211 matters. Be specific. If you’ve experienced difficulties hiring skilled workers, seen labor shortages impact your industry, or know trained professionals who can’t obtain licenses due to outdated policies, share those details. Personal stories make the issue real and relatable for legislators.
After outlining the issue, ask for their support. Clearly state that you want them to vote in favor of H.3211 when it comes up for discussion. Legislators are often balancing multiple issues, so a direct request ensures they understand what action you’re asking them to take.
Finally, offer to connect. Let them know you’d be happy to answer any questions, provide insight from your industry, or meet to discuss further. This keeps the conversation open and shows that you’re engaged, informed, and willing to collaborate.
By following this approach, your message will be concise, impactful, and more likely to resonate with decision-makers.
Sample Email to Legislators
Click to download a Word document
Subject: Support H.3211 – Strengthening South Carolina’s Workforce
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
I am writing to urge you to support H.3211, a bill that will help address South Carolina’s growing workforce shortages by ensuring that legally authorized residents can obtain the professional licenses they need to work.
As a [business owner/healthcare professional/trade worker], I see firsthand how workforce shortages are impacting our state. For every 100 open jobs in South Carolina, only 43 workers are available—and this gap is affecting vital industries like healthcare, construction, and education.
Our state is full of skilled, legally authorized professionals who are ready to work but unable to do so because of outdated licensing restrictions that prevent them from filling critical roles. H.3211 is a common-sense, business-friendly solution that expands workforce participation without lowering standards.
This bill will:
- Help fill vacancies in healthcare, education, and skilled trades
- Allow trained professionals to contribute to our economy
- Support South Carolina’s business growth
I encourage you to support H.3211 and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further. Please feel free to reach out at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number].
Thank you for your time and leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Business Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Option 2: Make a Phone Call
If you prefer a more direct approach, calling your legislator’s office is a powerful way to ensure your message is heard. Be polite and concise. Legislators (or their staff) are busy—a 1-2 minute call is enough to make an impact. Be sure to state your name and where you live/work, mention H.3211 and why it matters, and ask them to support the bill.
Sample Call Script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City, SC]. I’m calling to ask [Legislator’s Name] to support H.3211, which is a bill that will help address South Carolina’s workforce shortages by allowing legally authorized professionals to obtain state licenses.
In my role as a [business owner/healthcare professional/skilled trade worker], I see firsthand how difficult it is to hire qualified employees. Many trained workers are ready to fill critical roles, but licensing restrictions prevent them from doing so. H.3211 is a common-sense solution that keeps existing hiring standards in place while removing unnecessary barriers to employment.
I urge [Legislator’s Name] to support this bill and help strengthen South Carolina’s workforce. Thank you for your time.”
