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

2. Vote!

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Vote!

9. Vote!

10. Step 1: Know your legislators
Example:
3001 Oak Tree Ave., Norman, OK, 73072
State House – Emily Virgin
State Senate – John Sparks

11. Step 2: Contact your legislators
Call
Facebook, social media
Snail Mail (leave an impression)

12. 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”

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

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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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!

19. Resources
CEC’s Legislative Action Center
OK Election Board