Advocacy Training and Capitol Tour
Not even snow, slippery roads, nor freezing temperatures could keep The Community Legislative Action Team away from its Advocacy training program and tour at the Capitol Saturday morning January 26th.
Parents, community members, representatives of the teachers’ association and others braved the frigid weather to first learn from John Cacciatore, who is with the school district, what 2019 legislative priorities are supported by Des Moines Public Schools. There are four:
Expand support for our English Language Learners
Expand Pre-School Funding for Children in Poverty
Extend SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) Sales Tax for Schools
Change Per-Pupil Funding Allocations
Cacciatore explained the process of getting a bill from step one, introduction of the bill, to the last step, the governor’s desk.
House Representative Ako Abdul Samad explained how to successfully communicate with our elected representatives. He was also gracious enough to provide us the opportunity to visit the House and take photos. He said, “the Capitol belongs to us, the people.” He also said that every student should visit the Capitol and not to let funds stand in the way, he would pay for it.
The day was wrapped up with a tour of the Capitol.
What is the Community Legislative Action Team?
CLAT exist to engage parents and community members in advocacy for state policy to elevate the success of students in Des Moines Public Schools.
Everyone is welcomed to attend Second Saturday Coffee Forums with Legislators from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
February 9 North High School
March 9 East High School
April 13 Lincoln High School
May Yet to be determined
Submitted by Anita Fleming-Rife, Ph.D.
Education Committee Co-Chair