Be knowledgeable While it is difficult to keep up with the details of the language in particular bills, try to refer to bills by number as well as by topic, because there may be competing bills on the same subject. Complete information on proposed legislation can be found at the legislature's website . Summaries and UEA positions on bills related to public education can be found on the UEA's website . During the legislative session, DEA will contact members with lobbying information about bills of special concern. Be personal, appeal to the heart Like most people, legislators respond to personal stories and anecdotes more than to statistics.
Public education exists to benefit students, so frame the issues in terms of the needs of students.
If you are a classroom teacher or aide, tell what the students in your room need. Use statistics to expand by showing that needs are widespread. More information on the UEA's message about the need for improved public education funding is is available here . Don't assume a legislator's position on an issue Legislators get very annoyed when people berate them for the failure of a bill that they voted for. If you do not know a legislator's position, don't mention it.