Legislative Action Center
MNEA members are represented at our nation's Capitol by the National Education Association, and Missouri NEA's Government Relations department keeps you posted about the politics and legislation affecting Missouri public schools, students, education support professionals and teachers.
MNEA Political Director Leila Medley sends messages via the MNEA Activist listserv to keep members in the know as well as leads the MNEA Political Action Program. MNEA's political recommendations are made by a bi-partisan committee who evaluates and interviews candidates based on their agenda for public education.
Missouri NEA Legislative Director Otto Fajen is a constant presence at the Capitol during Legislative Session as the bills are announced and the votes are tallied. MNEA keeps you informed of the action via Legislative Update, Behind the Scenes podcast and Legislative Action Center.
Members are invited to take part in any or all of the MNEA Capitol Action Days and/or legislative brunches/dinners to meet legislators and discuss issues related to public education. To examine MNEA’s position on issues, read the Legislative Platform or print the Legislative Priorities Brochure for a quick reference.
Legislative Update
Legislative Director Otto Fajen summarizes floor debate and the latest information on action in the legislature relating to MNEA's legislative platform (pdf) and other bills of particular interest. You can receive the Legislative Update by e-mail or find it on MNEA Web site each week. To get both the daily and weekly Legislative Update, sign up (Communications_Media\Listservs\ listservs) for the Legislative Update listserv.
Members receive "action alerts" when their help is needed to pass or defeat a bill before the legislative body. At times, it is crucial that legislators hear from their constituents about bills up for vote on the floor.
Capitol Action Days
Enlist a group of concerned citizens and plan a trip to Jefferson City for one of the Capitol Action Days planned for your governance district, as they are truly an effective method of educating legislators face to face about public education issues. Dates are listed in the MNEA calendar. If you cannot attend on the date set for your governance district, arrange a different time with Judy Glover (judy.glover@mnea.org).
Legislative brunches
Legislative brunches early in the legislative session provide Association members and leaders with the opportunity to get acquainted with area legislators and discuss the Association's legislative priorities. The legislative priorities brochure is a summary of the MNEA Legislative Platform. Attend a brunch in your area. Details…
Podcast
Missouri NEA's second season of the podcast Missouri NEA - Behind the Scenes will begin late January. The weekly podcast features association leaders and staff discussing issues and bills relating to public education. To listen or subscribe, visit http://missourinea.libsyn.com.