Key Contact Program Resources

Our goal is to have a TPTA Key Contact for every member of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.

What is a Key Contact responsible for?

Establishing and maintaining contact with their legislator(s) and staff; and
Relaying information of concern to physical therapists and the practice of physical therapy to their legislator.

Key Contact FAQ's

When does the Key Contact communicate with their legislator?
Continually, but especially in response to Legislative Updates and Alerts. Periodically you will receive information containing brief bullet points pertaining to physical therapy issues (Legislative Updates). All of these resources will give you guidance as to when to contact your legislator and what to tell them. When an urgent matter arises that needs immediate action and requires the activation of your "network" it will come as a "LEGISLATIVE ALERT."

Where do I contact my legislator?
There are several methods of contacting your legislator:

When writing a letter to your Member during the legislative session (January through May of odd numbered years), always use the Austin office address.

If you wish to discuss an issue over the phone, it is best to contact the Aide who handles health care issues.

If you are calling to check on town meetings or local information or between legislative sessions, call the legislator's district office.

When trying to see your legislator in person, it is easiest to contact the district office and make an appointment for when the Member is at home.

Town meetings are an excellent way to visit with your legislator. You may request to be put on a mailing list so that you receive all pertinent information regarding meetings and events that your legislator holds.

How much time should I spend communicating with my legislator?
Because we all have busy schedules, try to do one of the suggested follow up activities monthly. When time is of the essence, a two-minute phone call is all that is necessary. When you have some time to spare, you can attend a town meeting, host a physical therapy meeting for your legislator, or write a letter outlining some specific concerns or just thanking the Member for his/her positive response to a previous situation.

Establishing a good relationship with your legislator takes time. Feedback is essential in the Key Contact Program. The true keys to our success will be those of you who really stick with it and get to know your legislator so he/she will always be a friend to physical therapy.

How can I keep track of all of the information I receive and send to my legislator?
The best way to keep up with all of your communications with your legislator is to use a communications log. By writing down what you do, you will be able to keep track of the issues that you make your legislator aware of, their feelings on the subject, and you will know what documents you have sent or need to send. Additionally, please send a completed copy of the Grassroots Activity Report to the TPTA office following any meetings or communications with your legislator(s).

*Important note: please remember to send copies of all correspondence you send and receive from your legislator to the TPTA office.
Doing this ensures that TPTA follows up with your legislator and knows his/her viewpoint when we need to count votes!

If you are interested in or have questions about becoming a key contact, please contact TPTA staff at [email protected]

Archived Webinars:

Legislator Contact Forms

Use the form below after you have visited with your legislator or legislative staff. All forms should be returned to the TPTA Chapter Office by email to [email protected].

Grassroots Activity Report Form (PDF)

Texas Legislators' Contact Information

The easiest way to get the most current contact information is by using the website "Who Represents Me?" provided by the Texas Legislature. Enter your address and you will be given a complete list of your national and state Senators and Representatives along with their Capitol and District Office addresses.
Click here to locate your Texas representative(s).

Key Contact FAQ's

When does the Key Contact communicate with their legislator?

Continually, but especially in response to Legislative Updates and Alerts. Periodically you will receive information containing brief bullet points pertaining to physical therapy issues (Legislative Updates). All of these resources will give you guidance as to when to contact your legislator and what to tell them. When an urgent matter arises that needs immediate action and requires the activation of your "network" it will come as a "LEGISLATIVE ALERT."

Where do I contact my legislator?

There are several methods of contacting your legislator:

When writing a letter to your Member during the legislative session (January through May of odd numbered years), always use the Austin office address.

If you wish to discuss an issue over the phone, it is best to contact the Aide who handles health care issues.

If you are calling to check on town meetings or local information or between legislative sessions, call the legislator's district office.

When trying to see your legislator in person, it is easiest to contact the district office and make an appointment for when the Member is at home.

Town meetings are an excellent way to visit with your legislator. You may request to be put on a mailing list so that you receive all pertinent information regarding meetings and events that your legislator holds.

How much time should I spend communicating with my legislator?

Because we all have busy schedules, try to do one of the suggested follow up activities monthly. When time is of the essence, a two-minute phone call is all that is necessary. When you have some time to spare, you can attend a town meeting, host a physical therapy meeting for your legislator, or write a letter outlining some specific concerns or just thanking the Member for his/her positive response to a previous situation.

Establishing a good relationship with your legislator takes time. Feedback is essential in the Key Contact Program. The true keys to our success will be those of you who really stick with it and get to know your legislator so he/she will always be a friend to physical therapy.

How can I keep track of all of the information I receive and send to my legislator?

The best way to keep up with all of your communications with your legislator is to use a communications log. By writing down what you do, you will be able to keep track of the issues that you make your legislator aware of, their feelings on the subject, and you will know what documents you have sent or need to send. Additionally, please send a completed copy of the Grassroots Activity Report to the TPTA office following any meetings or communications with your legislator(s).

*Important note: please remember to send copies of all correspondence you send and receive from your legislator to the TPTA office. Doing this ensures that TPTA follows up with your legislator and knows his/her viewpoint when we need to count votes!