You Are A Lobbyist For An Issue You Find Important ✓ Solved

You are a lobbyist for an issue that you find important.

You are a lobbyist for an issue that you find important. 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 in the letter. 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. 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. Must 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)

Paper For Above Instructions

Cover Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Date]

[Congressperson's Name]

[Congressperson's Title]

[Office Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Congressperson's Name],

I am writing to you as a lobbyist focused on public health, with a specific emphasis on advocating for a complete ban on smoking in all federal buildings. Your previous sponsorship of legislation aimed at enhancing public health initiatives highlights your commitment to creating healthier environments for all citizens, which is why I am reaching out to you.

Currently, smoking in federal buildings poses significant health risks not just to smokers but also to non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and can cause cancer (CDC, 2021). Furthermore, recent studies indicate that banning smoking in common public spaces dramatically reduces health care costs associated with smoking-related illnesses (World Health Organization, 2019).

In this effort, I have enclosed a pamphlet that outlines the urgency of this issue, details the impact of secondhand smoke, and provides actionable recommendations for moving forward. I firmly believe that together, we can make a significant impact in favor of healthier federal workplaces.

Thank you for considering this important issue. I look forward to discussing the potential for collaboration on this initiative as we work towards healthier public spaces.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Pamphlet: Smoking Ban in Federal Buildings

1. Defining the Problem

Despite the established dangers of smoking and the growing body of evidence advocating for smoking bans, smoking persists in federal buildings. The presence of tobacco smoke not only compromises the health of smokers but also creates a hazardous environment for non-smokers through secondhand smoke exposure.

2. Urgency of the Issue

The urgency of implementing a smoking ban in federal buildings is underscored by the substantial health risks associated with secondhand smoke. The CDC has found that even brief exposure can be harmful, leading to numerous health issues including heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses (CDC, 2021). Furthermore, the economic burden of smoking-related illnesses costs Americans approximately $300 billion each year, including more than $170 billion for direct medical care and over $156 billion for lost productivity (American Lung Association, 2022).

3. Objective Analysis of the Problem

According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, smoking rates have declined in recent decades; however, approximately 14% of adults are still regular smokers (American Cancer Society, 2022). Within federal buildings, this small percentage can dramatically affect the health of a significant number of employees and visitors. The lack of a comprehensive smoking ban places both employees and patrons at risk while undermining federal efforts to promote public health.

4. Relevant Data

Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights the connection between environmental factors and smoking cessation. Environments that are supportive of smoke-free policies are more likely to foster healthier behaviors (NIDA, 2023). Furthermore, studies have shown that workplace smoking bans have been associated with reduced smoking prevalence and lower healthcare costs (World Health Organization, 2019). This indicates that a smoking ban in federal buildings is not only a health imperative but a financially prudent decision.

5. Recommendations

To effectively tackle the issue of smoking in federal buildings, I recommend the following actions:

  • Implement a comprehensive ban on smoking in all federal facilities.
  • Establish designated smoking areas outside federal buildings that are adequately marked and equipped.
  • Enhance public awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of smoke-free environments.
  • Support cessation programs for federal employees and visitors, facilitating resources to help smokers quit.

Conclusion

Banning smoking in federal buildings is a crucial step towards ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all. With the collaboration and support of Congress, we can pave the way for more effective public health policies that benefit both employees and the general public.

References

  • American Cancer Society. (2022). Cancer Facts & Figures 2022. American Cancer Society.
  • American Lung Association. (2022). State of Lung Cancer. American Lung Association.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke. CDC.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Tobacco Research. NIDA.
  • World Health Organization. (2019). Tobacco and its Environmental Impact. WHO.
  • National Cancer Institute. (2021). Smoking and Tobacco Control Monograph Series. NIH.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). The Health Consequences of Smoking. HHS.
  • CDC. (2019). Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs. CDC.
  • Cohen, M. L., & Schoejahn, N. (2021). Rethinking Tobacco Control Policies. Journal of Public Health Policy.
  • Mackay, J., & Eriksen, M. (2020). The Tobacco Atlas. American Cancer Society.

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