How to stay informed, get involved this legislative session
This legislative session is poised to look like no other. While final details on exactly how the session will run are being worked out, Education Minnesota still wants as many members as possible engaged in the process.
With the pandemic still affecting teaching and learning and a large budget surplus, educators need to have their voices heard more than ever before. Your voices help our priorities of strong public schools and support for students remain priorities for our legislators. Educators are the most effective advocates for public schools.
Share your story at a lobby day
Lobby days will be held virtually during the 2022 session. Local union and intermediate organization lobby days can be scheduled through your union and IO leadership and Education Minnesota staff. We will be hosting several issue-based lobby days, in addition to local lobby days, which are open to all active members. Issue lobby days will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays during the session. Topics to be determined. Go to www.educationminnesota.org/advocacy/at-the-legislature/lobby-days to learn more and see a schedule when announced.
Meet with legislators when they are back in their district
Even with the pandemic, we expect legislators to be back in the districts they represent during session. Watch your legislators’ schedules to see when they are in the district and if they are having any public meetings. Invite your local legislator to your school, campuses and classroom, in a safe way. The more they can see and hear about what is going on in their local schools, especially during COVID-19, the more likely they might be to fight for what you need. If locals or members want to schedule a formal meeting with the legislator, contact your Education Minnesota field staff.
Raise your voice by testifying at a hearing
Committee hearings are a focal point of the legislative process at the Capitol and give educators the chance to share their stories and make their voices heard. While they may be virtual this session, we still believe we will have many opportunities to testify. Contact Education Minnesota’s lobby team at lobbyteam@edmn.org if you’re interested in testifying. The team can help you prepare your remarks and make sure you are where you need to be.
View our legislative agenda online, connect with our lobbyists on issues you care about
Education Minnesota has lobbyists who spend their time fighting for public education and educators every day. But we still want to hear from you! Contact lobbyteam@edmn.org if there is something you care about that you would like us to fight for. Education Minnesota’s legislative agenda is an overarching vision of what the organization believes the Legislature should do to ensure Minnesota has the best learning and working conditions in its public schools. Read our full legislative agenda at www.educationminnesota.org/advocacy/at-the-legislature.
Read the Capitol Connection e-newsletter
Every Monday during the legislative session, Education Minnesota sends an e-newsletter called Capitol Connection to all members. Capitol Connection summarizes the most recent actions affecting public education at the Legislature, and looks ahead to upcoming activities. If you’re a member and don’t receive Capitol Connection once the session begins, contact webmaster@edmn.org and put Capitol Connection in the subject line.
Connect with Hustle text alerts
Education Minnesota uses Hustle, which is a peer-to-peer mobile texting app. If you have given Education Minnesota your cellphone number, you may start receiving texts in regards to legislative issues that need your attention or action. If you receive a text, you will be able to write back and engage in a conversation about how to get involved and active.
