AFI members have done a great job of speaking out against the Byrd Amendment but we need to ask you to do so one more time – at the greatest level yet. The next two weeks present our best chance to date to repeal the Byrd Amendment. Even if you sent letters to your senators in response to our request earlier this month, we need you to do so again. For those that didn’t, we need you more than ever. We’re also throwing a new wrinkle into things. The attached template we’re asking you to use as a basis for your letters can also be sent to your customers, other business partners and other business owners you know. If your company has an office or affiliate in another state, please have someone from that office/affiliate send letters to their senators. It’s important as many letters be sent as possible, so please encourage as many people as possible to send letters.

While it’s important as many senators as possible are contacted, the following states have been listed as key states. While we don’t want you to disregard other states, please pay particular attention to: Alabama; Arizona; Georgia; Idaho; Kentucky; Louisiana; Mississippi; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; Ohio; Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Click on the link below to download the template. To get the name and contact information for your senator, go to http://www.senate.gov. At the top of the page, there’s a place that quickly lets you find the names and contact information for your senators. You can actually cut and paste the text from the attached template into a form and instantly send an e-mail. (Please make sure you insert the information on your company first.) If you need assistance, please contact the AFI office.

As always, it’ll be very helpful if you send us a copy or at least let us know when you contact your senator.