Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/154758
AT THE CAPITOL Members Lobby Legislators on Education Issues This past legislative session, several local associations organized visits to the capitol over the course of several days in March to meet with state legislators and discuss budget and education issues. Association members took a day out of their spring break week to spend at the Arizona Legislature and learn about the legislative process and how to get involved. The days began with a welcome by AEA President Andrew F. Morrill and then a legislative briefing by AEA Lobbyist Jennifer Loredo. "You're here to talk about the impact of legislation on your students," said Morrill. "The story you bring is of day-to-day expertise with students, what they need, what you need to make them successful. You know more about education than the people here at the capitol ever will." Chandler EA member Jackie Van Epps agreed with Morrill's message. "My main purpose today is to let legislators know what is going on in the real world inside classrooms. This is my third year visiting the capitol, and I feel that it's important just to let them hear from somebody that's actually living in the real world in the classroom because I think it's so easy to be removed and think you're making good choices on some of the legislation you're putting forward, but you're not taking into consideration what some of the repercussions can be." Several legislators came and spoke with members, including Senators Ed Ableser, Kim Yee, Leah Landrum Taylor, Rich Crandall, and Steve Pierce and Representatives Doug Coleman and J.D. Mesnard. Senators Katie Hobbs, Bob Worsley, Steve Gallardo, and Steve Yarbrough and Representatives Tom Forese, Martin Quezada, Eric Meyer, Frank Pratt, T.J. Fall.13advo.indd 7 LEFT: (L to R) Shope, and Lela Alston sat down with members Representatives Frank during lunch to discuss issues impacting Pratt and T.J. Shope students and school employees. Conversations meet with Coolidge covered topics including Common Core EA member Scott Standards, education funding, new teacher Piper and Chandler evaluations, and performance-based funding. EA member Jackie Van This was many members' first time visiting Epps. the Arizona Legislature. Mesa EA member RIGHT: Senator Darlene Moser came to the capitol to learn Leah Landrum Taylor more about what's going on and to be answers questions from supportive of her local association. "I think it's AEA members. important for teachers to get involved because if you don't speak up, then no one will speak up for you." Attendees also had an opportunity to sit in the gallery and watch the "I think it's important for Senate and House floor sessions in teachers to get involved action and watch committee hearings, because if you don't including Public Safety, Health and Human Services, Finance, and speak up, then no one Appropriations committees. will speak up for you." The number one message from — Darlene Moser legislators was that in-person contact makes a difference. Legislators reported receiving thousands of emails but not as many phone calls or personal visits, and when they speak to a constituent in person, it makes a great impact and that person's message is more likely to be heard. AEA believes that regular and personal contact with your elected officials can make a difference in influencing decisions made about your work and your students' academic success, which is why it's important for us as educators to get involved at every level, whether it's at the site, district, state, or national, to ensure our voice is heard on behalf of our students and our profession. 2 AEA Advocate x Fall 2013 7 8/7/13 2:35 PM