Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/426191
8 Winter 2014/15 x AEA Advocate AT THE CAPITOL Pension reform Although voters shot down Prop 480 this past election, we expect to see more attempts to pass legislation threatening the retirement security of those who have dedicated their lives to public service. This legislation could impact new employees, which would impact the financial stability of the current pension system. Vouchers Last year we defeated many attempts to expand the state's private schools voucher program, known as Education Savings Accounts (ESA). This program, like the corporate tuition tax credits, drains money from public schools to send students to private religious schools. This program has no accountability for taxpayers' money and weakens the state's public education system. In addition, we expect to see legislation furthering the corporate takeover of our public schools by allowing for-profit charter schools to acquire public school buildings closed due to budget cuts and by allowing for- profit virtual online schools to receive public funds without accountability. AEA will need pro-public education friends at the legislature to stand together in support of keeping our public schools public. This means educators, parents, and community leaders must stay connected with their elected officials your support or opposition to proposed bills throughout the legislative session. Sign up for the AEA Legislative Update to receive information and ways to take action on bills moving through the legislature that impact education funding and policy. 2 The next legislative session, cont. from page 7 AEA Legislative Update Get connected to Arizona's largest and most effective cyberlobbying network supporting children and public education. How to join the AEA Update: 1. Any public education supporter can enroll by visiting the AEA website at www.arizonaea.org. 2. From AEA's website, find the link on the right-hand side. 3. Fill out the form with your information so we can connect you to the elected officials in your legislative district. 4. Provide your home email address rather than school email address. 5. You will receive a confirmation email. Respond to this email to join the network. How it works: • By joining AEA's cyber-lobbying network, you will be provided opportunities to connect with and influence your elected officials through email and phone. • You will receive the AEA Legislative Update every Friday during the Arizona Legislative Session and periodically when the legislature is not in session. • You will also receive the NEA Inside every Friday while Congress is in session and, when necessary, while Congress is in recess. • These e-newsletters are brief summaries of issues and bills that affect our schools and allow you to send email responses to your legislators or congressional representatives with the click of a button. • Sample email content, tips for writing effective messages, background links on issues, and links to other resources are also at your fingertips. • Information about how to deepen and strengthen your influence through attendance at lobbying events, local legislative hearings, and other grassroots lobbying activities are also included for those who want to get more involved.