Teachers’ voices are critical to the policymaking process. Whether you are a casual observer or a diehard political junkie, the Utah Education Association wants to keep members informed on education issues.
Like many other things during COVID-19, the 2021 Utah Legislative Session will look very different than in previous years. While there are no planned in-person Educator Day on the Hill activities at the Capitol, there are still plenty of opportunities to stay informed and for your voice to be heard. UEA communications during the Utah Legislative session will have the following main elements:
UEA ‘Under the Dome’
Read daily updates from the UEA Legislative Team, follow the progress of education-related bills and view comprehensive legislative resources at UEAUnder the Dome (myUEA.org/Legislature). The site is updated regularly with news and links to relevant information. The UEA President and members of the Legislative Team also provide regular updates on activities and their commentary on happenings during the session.
Weekly Briefing
Join the UEA Legislative Team for a UEA Capitol Insights Zoom briefing each Thursday at 4:30 p.m. during the legislative session. You’ll hear the latest updates on important education issues and have the chance to ask questions of the UEA lobby team. Register here (register once and you can use the link to join each week). Persons needing reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary communicative services, should contact Shawnie Thurgood, shawnie.thurgood@myUEA.org, at least two full business days prior to the meeting.
Watch for regular Facebook Live updates from your UEA Legislative Team at the Capitol. Follow the UEA on Facebook atfacebook.com/UtahEducationAssociation.
‘Why Educators Lobby’ Video
Wondering why UEA encourages educators to get involved in the legislative session in the first place? Hear Utah legislators and fellow teachers explain how policy and budget decisions are made, how these decisions impact educators and why educators should get involved.
With fewer opportunities for personal meetings this year, watch for opportunities through your local association to participate in virtual townhall meetings with your representatives and senators.
UEA Policy Ambassadors
Every year dozens of policy changes affect Utah’s public schools but these changes don’t always result in the best outcomes for students and educators. Learn how YOU can influence policymaking to achieve better outcomes for students and the education profession by joining the UEA Policy Ambassador program.
The UEA will provide legislative email updates on important breaking news through the UEAAction Bulletine-newsletter.
UEA Action E-mail Newsletter
A summary of current happenings is shared with all members in each monthly issue of theUEAActione-newsletterduring the Legislative session.
UEA Action Digest
A summary of UEA activities and results from the Utah Legislative session is included in the April print issue of the UEA Action Digest delivered to all members.
Questions?
Please feel free to reach out to any member of theUEA Legislative Teamif you have any questions.
