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Legislative

Political Committee

Political Committee Notes

Sepember 26, 2009

Present-Sue, Evan, Cindy, Mary, Christina, Bruce Campbell, Jeff Erickson

Not-Greg, Angie and Pat Gangl  

Bruce presented survey that he did in Alexandria 

Cindy- Moorehead members feel healthcare and NCLB are important. Locally the referendum at the school and county for charging some residents for flood device. 

Christina: DOTH with AFSCME 65-they will be meeting on October 2.They are looking at making lobbying by classification so everyone has the same issues. 

Christina passed out last year’s committee legislative agenda. Discussion on what this year’s agenda would be.  State:  Minnesota Health Act --SF 118 / HF 135. Education funding:  Readjust taxes.  Federal:  Employee Free Choice Act, Education Funding, Federal Healthcare Reform.  Local:  Help where needed, provide resources, staff could come and help organize them with:

• School board elections levy, referendum
• City council

Discussed how to educate members:

• WebsiteNewsletter
• Action alerts via email

Discussed if there was a service that would track legislative bills for us. Christina will have a conversation with 65 on what we expected and what we received for our money when we contracted with them to get legislative updates. Committee should check the MSEA website for legislative options and see if that is what we want.  DOTH Discussed options on MSEA paying for hotel rooms for members for the night before lobbying. Decision was if a person lived 250 miles or more MSEA will provide 5 rooms with 2 people per room.   Sue will bring the following to the Board: Political Committee will recommend that the Board and committee attend the political networking reception the night before DOTH. Five rooms will be available for members who live 250 or more miles away on a first come first serve basis. MSEA guidelines apply for sharing rooms.    

November Meeting:

• Housekeeping  -  DOTH planning
• Websites