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MSEA Day On The Hill Recap

2.12.10.  MSEA, in conjunction with AFSCME Council 65, held its Day on the Hill, Thursday, February 11.  28 members of MSEA throughout the state of MN attended this successful event!  In the morning at the St. Paul Crowne Plaza Hotel, members met as a group to hear from a variety of speakers, including our President of MSEA, Evan Mapes, and MSEA Executive Director Christina Clark.  Members were provided information on how to "lobby" with their respective legislators, to discuss our issues, and reminded to keep in regular contact with their respective legislator during this session. 

After our morning meetings and lunch, we bused to the capitol to begin our day of fun and lobbying!  Representative Tom Rukavina started off the day for MSEA and AFSCME Council 65 members in a rousing manner, enlightening the crowd with his wit and humor. Members were treated to a great surprise visit from Speaker of the House Margaret Kelliher Anderson, who addressed members about the upcoming legislative session and uphill battle ahead of legislators, who will have to balance a $1.2 billion deficit, without any foreseeable tax increase approval from the governor AND not cutting educational funding to schools.  Representative Roger Reinert voiced his concern about lack of tax solutions being sought to help reduce budget deficits.  Representative Tom Huntley shared with members that $400 million dollars originally to be used for GMAC will be able to be used to help reduce the budget deficit.  At 1:00, members had the opportunity to listen to Representative Mindy Greiling discuss legislation that would repeal the state withholding money from school districts.  Representative Greiling briefly reviewed legislation about the "New Minnesota Miracle" on how school districts should be funded.  Representative Tom Anzelc was the final representative from the MN House to visit with and answer questions from MSEA members regarding educational issues. 

Members, after the briefings from the various legislators, went on to visit with their legislator to share their story, to remind the legislators that funding education is more than just about teaching!  Members also participated in 45-minute guided tours of the captial.  Not having to worry about transportation to and from the capitol, members boarded the bus from the capitol back to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the trip back home after a very busy, but productive day.

Day on the Hill was an awesome day for MSEA members!  It was important for MSEA members to visit with legislators and share their concerns regarding education and health care. It was fantastic to see members wearing the maroon t-shirts with MSEA printed on the front, getting our name out on the political landscape as a very viable and important player in Minnesota politics.  Please help build our presence by contacting your local legislator (House of Representatives and Senate) telling them who you and we, MSEA, are, sharing your concern and your story.  Thank your legislator for the service they do for our state.  Finally, plan for doubling the number of members who attended DOTH this year for DOTH in 2011!  Members, we need your voice now and in the future!