You Are A Lobbyist For An Important Issue ✓ Solved

You Are A Lobbyist For An Issue That You Find Important F

You are a lobbyist for an issue that you find important. For example, you would like to see the banning of smoking in federal buildings. You are going to make an informational pamphlet to highlight your points to prominent members of Congress. Research members of Congress that you will target in your lobbying. Explain why these members are critical to your goal. Make a plan of action and produce a pamphlet supporting your cause.

Who will you be reaching out to? Why? Write a cover letter to a Congressional member and include your reasoning for reaching out to them in particular. Remember a lobbyist is only as good as the information they provide. A lobbyist who provides incomplete or unreliable information will soon be unemployed, or lose access to officials.

Cover letter should: Follow a standard business format Correctly address your Congressperson Use the correct postal address Explain your choice to write to this representative in particular, and provide your pamphlet. For example, maybe your research showed that this representative sponsored legislation on this issue in the past. Pamphlet should: Define the problem. Tells us exactly what the problem is. Detail its urgency and provide data.

Be objective. Analyze the problem. Provide relevant data. Tell us how to make sense of the data. Provide any findings Offer a recommendation.

Do not generalize. Be specific. Be persuasive. Cite four scholarly sources Submit your cover letter and pamphlet for grading. Writing Requirements (APA format).

Length: Cover letter to Congressman should be only 1 page Pamphlet should be 5 pages in length 1-inch margins 12-point Times New Roman font Reference page (minimum of 4 scholarly sources)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Cover Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

Honorable [Congressman/Congresswoman] [Full Name]

[Office Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

Dear [Honorable Last Name],

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and advocate regarding the urgent need to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in federal buildings. Your past sponsorship of legislation related to public health and the environment, notably the [specific bill name], indicates your commitment to promoting safer and healthier public policies. Given your influential position on the [relevant committee], your support could be pivotal in advancing this critical initiative.

The health risks associated with secondhand smoke are well-documented, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating over 41,000 deaths annually due to secondhand smoke exposure (CDC, 2020). Federal buildings often host vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Despite existing prohibitions in many states and municipalities, federal buildings remain a significant site of exposure, necessitating federal leadership in eliminating such risks.

This pamphlet outlines the severity of the problem, provides data on exposure risks, and proposes specific policy actions to support the enactment of a federal ban on smoking within these facilities. I respectfully request your support and collaboration to champion this public health measure that aligns with your legislative priorities and constituents' well-being.

Thank you for considering this critical issue. I welcome the opportunity to discuss further how you can help lead this important change.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Pamphlet: Addressing Smoking in Federal Buildings

Introduction: The Problem of Smoking in Federal Buildings

Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death globally, and secondhand smoke exposure poses serious health risks, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2020). Despite comprehensive bans in many state and local jurisdictions, federal buildings have lagged in adopting strict no-smoking policies. This inconsistency underscores the need for federal leadership to establish uniform standards that protect all individuals within federal facilities.

The Urgency of the Issue

Research shows that over 41,000 deaths annually are attributed to secondhand smoke exposure (CDC, 2020). Federal buildings, including courthouses, administrative offices, and military facilities, frequently host employees, visitors, and vulnerable populations. The presence of smoking within these buildings exposes individuals to harmful toxins, often in enclosed spaces where smoke lingers and disperses slowly. The health consequences are immediate and long-term, stressing the importance of swift policy action.

Analyzing the Data: Health Risks & Current Gaps

Studies indicate that secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 are known carcinogens (U.S. EPA, 2019). This pollutant persists in indoor environments, creating a health hazard for all occupants. Despite the U.S. Surgeon General's directives advocating for smoke-free environments, federal buildings have not universally adopted comprehensive bans (Surgeon General, 2020). The inconsistency in policies leaves room for health disparities and ongoing exposure risks.

Recommendations: Toward a Federal Ban

  • Implement a uniform, enforceable federal ban on smoking within all federal facilities.
  • Establish clear signage and designated non-smoking zones to promote compliance.
  • Provide educational campaigns to inform employees and visitors about the health hazards of secondhand smoke.
  • Incentivize local and federal agencies to adopt and adhere to smoke-free policies.
  • Monitor and evaluate compliance regularly, with penalties for violations.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Enacting a comprehensive federal ban on smoking within federal buildings is a necessary step to protect public health, reduce healthcare costs, and set a national precedent. Leadership from Congress and support from key legislators like yourself can expedite policy implementation, ensuring healthier environments for all federal employees and visitors.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Secondhand Smoke and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/surveys/osh/children/secondhand-smoke.html
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/respiratory-health-effects-passive-smoking
  • Surgeon General. (2020). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/2020-smoking/index.html
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (2020). The Health Consequences of Smoking – 2020 Report. https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/tobacco.html
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). Report on Indoor Air Quality. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality

Related Assignments