Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/637605
February 2016 isea.org • ISEA Communiqué 12 LOBBY DAY The Iowa State Capitol played host to 80-some public education professionals from eastern Iowa on January 26th who came by bus and auto to talk to their elected officials – as well as party leaders – about their priorities. The group included current and retired teachers, education support professionals, school board members, administrators and interested parents. The Iowa State Education Association's government relations professionals are some of the best in the business. They track legislation, analyze financial data, develop and maintain relationships with lawmakers, advocate for public education students and professionals in the committee rooms and hallways of the Statehouse and organize But they don't have the first-hand stories from the classroom and the school building that lawmakers need to hear. Only those who work in our public schools do. That's why it's critical to reach out to your legislators either at their local weekend forums or by traveling to the Iowa Capitol. Tell them how you feel. Listen to their responses. Do they represent your views? Do they deserve your vote? To set up a lobby day at the Capitol for your local or UniServ unit contact Brad Hudson, brad.hudson@isea.org and/or Melissa Peterson, melissa.peterson@isea.org. The tour breaks for lunch in a Capitol committee room with State Rep. Patti Ruff, D-McGregor, and Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, who are the ranking member and chair of the, respectively, House Education Committee and the Senate Education Committee. Wilkins Elementary School teacher Miranda White listens to a speaker on the first floor of the Iowa Capitol at the start of the eastern Iowa lobby day. White is a first-year teacher. Northeast Iowa UniServ Unit Director Shelly Staker (left) and school nurse Susan Prouty Buchanan get ready for a day of lobbying at the Capitol