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 83 rd 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 ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

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, 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/ 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!