Public school employees form strong lobbying force for students
State Reps. Joan Bauer (D-Lansing), seated, and Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) attend the Lobby Day luncheon. Byrum chats with Lansing teacher Victor Celentino.
Teachers and support staff employees form a strong and respected lobbying force for public education and the students they serve.
That was the message from NEA Midwest Regional Director Dennis Friel to 200 MEA members attending Lobby Day in Lansing on Feb. 20.
The teachers and support staff heard updates on legislation impacting their students and work life and then lobbied lawmakers at the Capitol before hosting them at an MEA-sponsored lunch.
Delton-Kellogg teacher Connie High confers with state Rep. Brian Calley (R-Portland).
“You’re here willing to take a day away from school to do a job that doesn’t come naturally—asking for things for yourself,” Friel said. “I know many of you might feel lobbying is a bit self-serving, but if teachers and public school employees will not stand up for public education, who will?”
Friel said legislators listen when they hear “the 156,000 members of the Michigan Education Association backing up what your lobbyists have been telling them” on education issues.
“You have visibility for MEA at the Capitol today,” Friel said, but “one day is not enough time to do the job you need to do.”
NEA Midwest Regional Director Dennis Friel at MEA Lobby Day: Use this experience to make something good happen for your students back home.
Friel advised them to lobby legislators in their home districts and enlist other teachers and support staff to become involved in political action.
“Write your legislators—tell them what you need,” Friel said. “Stay on top (of education issues) by reading the MEA Votes electronic newsletter…Take this experience and make something good happen for your students.”