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Legislative Updates

Legislative Update No. 27, Session 81
By Tim Lee, Executive DirectorPrinter Friendly ||| Print as PDF

April 21, 2009

TRTA Day at the Capitol

Supporting Education Retirees Through Action

 

TRTA Day at the Capitol is just one day away.  So much planning has gone into this event and TRTA members are to be congratulated for their efforts!  TRTA expects a crowd of as many as 500 people to rally in Austin and urge the Texas Legislature to pass a benefit increase for retirees this session.

Below is some important information for those coming to TRTA Day at the Capitol.

A BIG Change-- TRTA originally planned to host every aspect of this rally inside the Capitol Complex (except for the ice cream social on the Capitol’s east lawn). Due to scheduling conflicts, the TRTA press conference will now be held on the Capitol’s south steps at 1:30.  ALL TRTA ATTENDEES ARE WELCOME TO THIS EVENT (and we hope you come as TRTA has invited key media outlets to cover the event!) TRTA will be presenting awards to Senator Robert Duncan, Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Representative Jim Pitts and Representative Craig Eiland. Also attending will be Representative Vicki Truitt and a number of her House colleagues. All legislators are welcome to come to this event.

Timelines-- are very tight.  TRTA anticipates the House Chamber recognition ceremony is likely to occur around 10:30 or 10:45 a.m. Please remember that the Capitol elevators are very slow and the added security checkpoints to get into the House or Senate galleries are likely to cause you some frustration.  There are stairs that take you to the 3rd floor galleries; they may be a faster alternative for some.  TRTA volunteers and staff will be near the stairs and elevators to help guide you throughout the day.  If you arrive between 9:30 and 10 a.m., TRTA strongly recommends that you proceed to the House Gallery as quickly as possible for the morning’s activities.( Early arrivers may awant to attend the House Pensions, Investments and Financial Services meeting in E2.030.

TRTA Materials-- TRTA materials will be available in many locations. The primary point of distribution will be the TRTA Tent on the East Lawn. TRTA volunteers will also distribute materials at each of the Capitol building’s primary entrances. (

Pictures-- TRTA has reserved the Old Supreme Court Courtroom on the 3rd floor for any member who wants to have a picture taken with their legislators.  TRTA will also have photographers on the 2nd floor in the event that legislators are called off the floor to meet your delegation, but may not be able to go to the 3rd floor courtroom. (
Bus Traffic-- Several buses are coming to the event.  Many of these bus companies have pre-planned routes for where to go and how to get there.  If your bus driver is asking for additional information, TRTA members need to be dropped off at the Capitol Complex East Gate. Bus traffic to this gate is off of San Jacinto and 13th Street. San Jacinto runs one way (south) and is accessible off of I-35 from the 15th street exit. (

Forecast: Hot and Sunny-- TRTA members attending the press conference on the Capitol’s south steps should know it will be very warm and sunny.  TRTA will have bottled water and ice cream to help, but please remember to dress comfortably.(

Grassroots Lobbying Tips

There are many opinions on how to effectively lobby. TRTA believes that some things are just better the less complicated you try to make them. Below are some suggestions on how to deliver your message when talking to elected officials.

*Make sure that your legislators know you are a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and that TRTA is the largest organization of its kind in Texas communicating directly with more than 70,000 retirees.(

*Always be personable, polite, and just be yourself! Make your comments as personal as you may be comfortable telling. Legislators want to know how their decisions and actions may impact you.(

*It never hurts to remind your legislators that you are in communication with other retirees “back at home” and that you  look forward to sharing with them the information you gain at this TRTA rally.

*If a legislator asks you a question that you may not have the answer to, please assure them that though you are not sure, a TRTA staff member or a member of the TRTA State Legislative Committee will get them the information.(

*Legislators need to know why you wanted to see them. TRTA members are promoting a pension increase for all public education retirees. We need their support to get something passed this session.

*Always try to follow-up by sending a short “Thank You” note or a letter of appreciation, but also take a moment to restate the purpose of the rally...to encourage legislators to support a benefit increase for public education retirees.


Conclusion

I know that many of you are making final preparations for tomorrow. TRTA is ready for a very fun and active day. Thank you for your support in coming to this event.

Remember, if you are not able to attend the event, you can always click here and send a pre-drafted email to your legislators asking them to support the TRTA Legislative Agenda.

Tim Lee
Executive Director
Texas Retired Teachers Association

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