action > contact your State legislators

To find your political district and legislators (who represents you), go to: 

Minnesota District Finder

PLEASE KNOW: The above link lists who represents you at the state level (Minnesota House and Senate) and the federal level (U.S. House and Senate).

Minnesota state legislators vote on state bills, such as H.F. 702/S.F. 462, and Minnesota federal legislators vote on federal bills, such as the P.U.P.S. Act.

Easy to use

The online District Finder is extremely easy to use. Once on the site, you’ll be asked to enter your address, city, state and zipcode. The site will then give your district along with the names, email addresses, phone numbers and a photo of your legislators.

Or, if you're in the metro area, call 1-651-296-2146 (House Public Information Services) and asks who represents you based on your address/city/zip. Out of the metro area, call 1-800-657-3550. The ‘651’ number is the House switchboard and they will connect you directly to your Representative’s or Senator’s office.

What to say or write

Legislators want to hear directly from constituents. All accept calls, emails or letters. (Calls work best because not all legislators respond to emails.)

If you call, the legislator may pick up the phone and you can speak with him or her directly. But, in most cases, you’ll reach the legislator's voicemail (and you can leave a message) or you'll speak with a legislative aide. The aide will take your name and comments. If you haven’t called before, just be yourself. Speak from the heart. Keep it short, yet personal.

If you call to ask support of the Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bill (S.F. 462/H.F. 702), some suggestions:

• To your State Senator you could say: "My name is ______________(full name) and I live in __________ (city). I'm calling about inhumane dog and cat breeding in the State of Minnesota and the fact that Minnesota has no state laws to license or regulate this industry. I'm asking that Senator ____________ (name) support S.F. 462, which will regulate commercial dog and cat breeders. This bill is authored by Senator. Barb Goodwin. Thank you. "
• To your State Representative you could say: "My name is ______________(full name) and I live in __________ (city). I'm calling about inhumane dog and cat breeding in the State of Minnesota and the fact that Minnesota has no state laws to license or regulate this industry. I'm asking that Representative ____________ (name) support H.F. 702, which will regulate commercial dog and cat breeders. This bill is authored by Representative John Lesch. Thank you."
• If there's time or if the legislator asks why, briefly explain why this issue is important to you and your family: Maybe you have a dog or cat that you care about dearly, or have rescued animals from puppy and kitten mills. Maybe you've been sold a sick dog or cat and have seen firsthand the effects of inhumane breeding. Minnesota has no state laws to regulate dog and cat breeders and, as a result, animals are harmed and consumers are sold unhealthy pets.

For further details, review Talking Points and other information on this website.

IMPORTANT: Some legislators have already publicly expressed their support for breeder regulation in past years; some have signed on as authors or co-authors to S.F. 462/H.F. 702. Ask your legislators their stance.

Legislator Responses

All legislators vary in how and when they respond to constituents.

• Some legislators answer their own emails; some do not. Some prefer phone calls or letters. Some respond in days; others take months.
• Many times the legislative aide responds and may send a "form" email or letter to you. Because a legislator or aide may not know the details of every bill at the Legislature, they may choose from a variety of generic responses that have already been written: 1) support; 2) neutral; or 3) against. This is why it's important to get to know your legislators and provide them with information and insight — so they learn to trust you and your opinion and their responses reflect this insight.
• Even though certain legislators express opposition, they cannot ignore constituents with firsthand knowledge and stories that relate to their community.
• Some people and organizations provide legislators with misinformation. Sometimes this is done intentionally (so as to confuse legislators); sometimes it's based on ignorance (they may not have the facts). If a legislator opposes the bill, ask why. Every conversation is an opportunity to  inform and educate.

To review a few statements from last session made by certain legislators or groups who oppose breeder regulation (and responses to those statements), go to Opposition.

If you hear from your legislators, please forward responses to Animal Folks MN.