Josh Fearing Oklahoma Transition Institute 2016 Legislation and You Josh Fearing Oklahoma Transition Institute 2016

Vote! https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDXvzgAWYUXZCOUQXjLobxZsLFORkP8V4mblQ7MrvzO4erWgYn

What is this? Why shouldn’t I skip and go get coffee? A brief introduction to the basics of Legislation and how to stay informed You will learn: How to identify your legislators Basic bill search Resources for more (and better) information

Who are you and why do I care? I am a teacher I have an interest in local politics (and you do too!) I am someone who wants to be involved You should care because (prior to this election season) education was underrepresented in politics

Education in Oklahoma is perfect, so don’t worry about it. Never mind Education in Oklahoma is perfect, so don’t worry about it. Session over Go get coffee

How to get involved – 5 steps Step 1: Know your legislators Step 2: Contact your legislators Step 2.5: Contact your legislators (again) Step 3: Support your legislators in their causes and not just yours

How to get involved Step 4: Get involved with local communities Ie: OTI (good job!) ODDC, OK People First, OKDCDT Step 5: Attend local events that are related to your interest

Vote! https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.truthdig.com%2Fimages%2Fcartoonuploads%2Fvote.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.truthdig.com%2Fcartoon%2Fitem%2Fvote_20131105&docid=HZFpzVHs4uPGUM&tbnid=KFjOdNw5H8ok3M%3A&w=1000&h=806&client=safari&bih=811&biw=1440&ved=0ahUKEwixyOueoZrPAhVC5oMKHaP6A3MQMwg8KAwwDA&iact=mrc&uact=8

Vote! https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1nHRD7IAAAuIo7.jpg

Step 1: Know your legislators http://www.oklegislature.gov/FindMyLegislature.aspx Example: 3001 Oak Tree Ave., Norman, OK, 73072 State House – Emily Virgin State Senate – John Sparks

Step 2: Contact your legislators E-mail Call Facebook, social media https://www.facebook.com/RepEmilyVirgin/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/SenatorSparks/?fref=ts Snail Mail (leave an impression)

Talking to legislators Tell your story They can Google statistics Tell them how the issues affect you and your family Be respectful (obviously) Do not antagonize, you want their help! Send a “Thank You” card Always address as “Representative” or “Senator”

Step 3: Support Support your legislators in their causes, not just yours. Be an active constituent

Step 4: Local Organizations Get involved with local organizations, advocacy groups and professional communities OK-DCDT (meeting tonight!) OEA CEC ODDDC

Step 5 Attend Events Be active! Autism Insurance Reform Disabilities Awareness Day How to find events? See step 4

Bill Search http://www.oklegislature.gov/BasicSearchForm.aspx HB2962 (Autism) SB238 (A-F Report Card) HB3214 (Teacher Pay Raise) HB1969  (Employment First)

Legislative Summit February 7th and 8th at Metrotech – Spring lake Campus 1st day: planning 2nd day: meet with legislators See OK-DCDT for more information

Most of these groups are here today! Key Organizations Developmental Disabilities Council Council for Exceptional Children Partner’s In Policy Making Disability Law Center Most of these groups are here today!

Resources CEC’s Legislative Action Center OK Election Board