FACT SHEET | Plain Language Examples

Better Government for a Better Minnesota

Governor Daytons Plain Language initiative directs all state agencies to use commonly understood language, write in clear and complete sentences, and reduce the use of jargon and acronyms that make state government nearly impossible to understand. The following are some examples of how using Plain Language can turn dense jargon into easy-to-understand language.

Example #1
BEFORE
Dear Mr. Sheldon: A billing in the amount of $43.68 was rendered to you to cover service from August 15, 2012 to September 15, 2012. The billing is incorrect, due to the September read being estimated. Your account has been corrected and we are enclosing the revised billing Dear Mr. Sheldon: You recently received an estimated bill and asked us to check your meter because you thought the bill was incorrect. We sent a representative to your home and got a reading of your electric meter. You are right. The meter shows you used.

AFTER

Example #2
BEFORE
In order to ensure that license renewals are processed promptly and efficiently, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industrys website to renew a license online: www.dli.mn.gov. At the home page, select the DLI ReNew icon (image of a crescent wrench) to begin your renwal. Personal licenses Online renewals for personal licenses are quick and automatic. Once youve completed your continuing education (if required), simply go to the DLI

AFTER
What do I need to do? Complete all required continuing education hours. Go to www.dli.mn.gov. Click on the picture that says DLI ReNew. Follow the instructions and make any changes to your information. Pay your renewal fee with a credit card. Relax, your license is renewed!

Example #3
BEFORE
We intend to file a claim with the U.S. Treasury Offset Program for this amount. This federal program allows the Department of Revenue to claim your federal tax refunds and federal non-tax payments and apply them to your debt. Some nontax payments, such as social security are ineligible for offset. The U.S. Treasury will only send us your payments that are offset by federal law

AFTER
Because you still owe us an income tax debt, we intend to file a claim against payments you receive from the federal government. We will use those payments to reduce or pay the debt shown below. This is called an offset. What if I have a payment agreement? To collect your debt, we will file this claim even if you have a payment agreement. You must