For the second year, all 100 legislators have state-owned laptop computers. Many can be seen working on the computers during committee hearings and floor work. I would guess in the House, there's probably 65 percent are hands-on users. In the Senate, a lower percentage, maybe 50 percent. Citizens and lobbying groups are catching on, too.
Several groups list legislators' e-mail addresses on their Web sites.
Gun bills, I received a ton. Of course, that can be a downside. Still, he sees more advantages than disadvantages to using his computer. It's less formal, so you can have conversation. I can work on responding to my e-mail while doing other stuff, like working on the floor, when I can't really work on letters or return phone calls.