legislation: what’s important and what to do. what’s important? every major office in state...
TRANSCRIPT
Legislation: What’s Important and What to Do
What’s Important?
• Every Major Office in State Government Is Up For Election This Year
• Voting in the Primary and Primary Runoff Was Low in Most Areas of the State
Texas Legislature
• The next regular session will be January 13, 2015 through June 1, 2015
• During the year prior to each legislative session each standing committee meets to discuss important topics called “charges.” The Lt. Governor and the Speaker assign these topics. The charges are named the 83rd Legislature Interim Committee Charges
What Are the Issues?
Funding
Testing
Technology
Long-term Fiscal impact of TRS
Affordability of
Health Care for
Active Public
School
Employees
?Testing Calendar
Preparing for Tomorrow’s
Workforce
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Contacting Your Senator or Representative
• Determine who represents you
• Decide how to contact
Letter via snail mail
Phone call
• Proper salutation:
To the Honorable (State Representative’s Name)
or Dear Representative (State Representative’s Name)
Contacting Your Senator or Representative
• Be courteous and concise - covering one topic is best
• Conclude you letter with Sincerely (Your Name)
• Include your mailing address, email address and phone number if possible
• Search for examples and further information via the Internet
When to Contact
• Now - Months before the legislative session
Encourage legislation on issues that are important
Try to target one issue such as educational funding
Briefly explain your interest
Stay positive – try not to complain
• When the bills are actually identified – reference the bill from the beginning of the letter/email
• When there is news of a close vote – tell your senator or representative to vote for or against a particular bill
This is when a phone call would be appropriate
Chapter Activities
• Program on legislation
• Frequent updates on issues such as education
• Articles or blips in the chapter newsletter
• Voter registration campaign
• Remind others to vote
What Else Can I Do?
• Get involved in government on the local level
• Get out the vote in your own neighborhood
• Stay informed
•Vote!