Take action
Ask your local news to cover it
The Star Act has about 340 House cosponsors and about 80 Senate cosponsors, from both parties, but we’ve found local news coverage in only 16 states so far. Local stories reach lawmakers’ own constituents, and congressional staff read them closely. Pick your state and what you want to send; we’ll draft it with your state’s local angle, and you send it from your own email.
This list isn’t complete. It includes only the stories we’ve been able to find and confirm ourselves. Coverage behind paywalls, on broadcast or radio only, or in print editions may be missing, so a newsroom that isn’t listed may well have covered the discharge petition or the clean, standalone Star Act. Before you ask a newsroom why it hasn’t covered the story, take a quick look at its website.
Finding where to send it
- Story ideas: most newspapers and TV stations have a “Contact us” or “Submit a news tip” page. Search for the outlet’s name plus “news tip.” If a reporter there covers veterans or the military, write to them directly.
- Letters to the editor: look for “Letters to the editor” or “Submit a letter.” Papers usually want 150–250 words, your full name, and your town, and they reject letters that are copied word for word.
- Follow-ups: wait about a week after your first message. One polite follow-up is plenty.
A few tips
- Keep it short and local. Newsrooms want to know why their readers or viewers should care.
- Only share your own story if you want to, and never your Social Security number, VA file number, or medical records.
- Be courteous, even when asking why something hasn’t been covered. Reporters juggle a lot of stories.
- Speak for yourself. Don’t say you represent this site or any organization.