ANNOUNCEMENT
March 6, 2002

With a strong united voice we can make our votes heard... Let Legislators hear your voices!

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE DAY 2002

March 6, 2002

The CT PTA Legislative Committee is excited about the day we have planned. We will join with Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) for an action filled day. We will be only steps away from the Governor’s office and the House and Senate Chambers. The legislature is scheduled to be in session and we hope that you will visit with your legislators.

Our program will include legislators, educators and policy makers from around Connecticut. Our mission is two-fold: to educate ourselves and to communicate our concerns and positions to our elected representatives.

Registration is at 9:30 am at the Bushnell. A continental breakfast will be served. Please join us as early as your schedule and travel time allow.

The CT PTA Legislative Committee wants to help you in this endeavor any way we can. We will do the following on your behalf:

In preparation, each PTA should:

1. Schedule a specific time to meet with legislators from your district. However, if the only time you can make an appointment is during the program, it is perfectly acceptable to leave. We ask that you do so as unobtrusively as you can, and if possible, leave one member of your delegation to hear the presentations and share the information with your group later. The reception is another good time to speak with your legislators.
   
   State Legislators are listed in the blue pages of your telephone book.
   
   Senate Republicans (800) 842-1421
   Senate Democrats (800) 842-1420
   House Republicans (800) 824-1423
   House Democrats (800) 842-1902
   
   You can also use the "Legislator Locator" on our web site... CLICK HERE.
    
2. Familiarize yourself with CT PTA’s Priority Issues. We have done extensive research and have based these focus positions on resolutions and position statements of both the Connecticut PTA and the National PTA.
3. Take the time to discuss legislative issues with your membership. There may be other issues of importance to your PTA and community. Doing a bit of “homework” and being informed on the issues will help you be a more effective advocate for children and help you feel comfortable in conversations with your legislators.
4. In addition to the priority issues described in the enclosed tri-fold we will be following bills such as School Bus Emissions, Anti-Tobacco Programs, and Second Hand Smoke. Throughout this legislative session we will follow bills which have not yet been identified, that affect the children of Connecticut. Click on our web site for legislative information or contact us. The legislative committee will also assist you in tracking bills important to your local PTA.

We look forward to welcoming many new faces and greeting returning members. Ours is an important mission - and we can’t do it without you!

Agenda

Legislative Briefings

After a buffet breakfast, participants will receive briefings on the issues. The morning will feature remarks by the leadership of the Connecticut General Assembly.

Education Funding Rally

Also known as “the march”, we will walk from The Bushnell to the North Steps of the Capitol for a rally on education funding.

Lunch on your own

The Legislative Office Building Cafeteria offers reasonably-priced meals ($3-$5 range), or for a list some great places to eat in Hartford, click here.

Visits with Legislators

All participants have the opportunity to visit their own legislators at the State Capitol. We are on hand to help with questions you may have about issues important to PTA and to help with concerns you may have about lobbying.

Legislative Reception

Participants are invited to relax, exchange ideas and talk with legislators about the impact of state education policy on the delivery of good public education and the probable effects of legislation pending in the Connecticut General Assembly. All legislators and state officers will receive formal invitation to the reception, but we strongly urge that you make a personal effort to invite your legislators to attend. You are an important person in your legislator’s life.

For more information, contact

Therese Duncan, CT PTA VP for Legislation

e-mail: kcspta@aol.com

Or contact the CT PTA Office