Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/477223
AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AEA Advocate | Spring 2015 15 AROUND AEA The Annual Legislative Reception honoring southern Arizona's legislators was held on Saturday, January 31, at the YWCA in Tucson. Members from around southern Arizona were invited along with legislators from Districts 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. We were lucky to have eight legislators attend and one proxy. Those in attendance were Representatives Chris Ackerley and Rosanna Gabaldon along with Senator Andrea Dalessandro from LD2. Representatives Sally Gonzales and Macario Saldate from LD3 joined us. Senator Farley was present from LD 9 and Cheryl Cage represented Dr. Friese. Susan Friese was also in attendance. Representative Bruce Wheeler and Senator David Bradley attended from LD10. Approximately 35 AEA members attended the event and a good time was had by all. Many thanks go to the GREAT Team, AEA Retired - Tucson Chapter, the Tucson Education Association, and the AEA Southern Region offi ce who all contributed to the success of this effort. Each legislator was allowed a few minutes to address the group and share issues of importance to AEA members. We are fortunate to have such supportive representatives in southern Arizona defending public education and our retirement. Several legislators mentioned the need for us to show our support and speak out regarding the continued attacks on public education and the pension system. Please continue to carry the message and educate others as to what is occurring in this legislative session. If you have not contacted your representatives, do so today. n Chandler Book Drive By Sara Crismon Chandler Unifi ed School District (CUSD) and Chandler Education Association helped to collected 1,324 books for Elementary students and 119 for Jr. High/High School students. That's a grand total of 1,443 books for children in need! These books will be going to local organizations like: I CAN, Pregnancy Care Center, and CUSD Federal programs. Thank you to all that helped to make this a possibility! Annual Legislative Reception a Success in Southern Arizona By Luci Messing AEA Retired member Luci Messing sitting with Representative Bruce Wheeler. Senator Steve Farley sitting with Tucson EA member Margaret Chaney (left) and Sunnyside EA member Jennifer Flores. Pictured left to right: Cheryl Cage, Senator Andrea Dalessandro, and Representative Rosanna Gabaldon.