Whether you are a casual observer or a diehard political junkie, the Utah Education Association wants to keep members informed on education issues. Communications during the 2010 Utah Legislative session will have the following main elements:

UEA ‘Under the Dome’
The “Under the Dome” website (www.utea.org/politics) will be updated regularly with news and links to relevant information. The UEA President and members of the Legislative Team will also provide regular updates on activities and their commentary on happenings during the session and post them to the site.

Educator Day on the Hill
The UEA is continuing its successful “Educator Day on the Hill” activities. On select days during the 2010 session, UEA is inviting educators/UEA members join the UEA Legislative Team on the Hill for a day of sharing information with legislators and exposure to the legislative process.

The 2010 dates for UEA Educator Day on the Hill are:

• Friday, Feb. 5;
• Wednesday, Feb. 10;
• Wednesday, Feb. 17;
• Wednesday, Feb. 24;
• Friday, March 5; and
• Wednesday, March 10.

This is an opportunity to expose our lawmakers to some of our excellent teachers and to provide teachers a deeper understanding of the political process. We always hear legislators say, “I know what UEA thinks, but I want to hear from a ‘real’ teacher.”

If you are interested in participating in the UEA Educator Day on the Hill, please contact your local leader and/or UniServ director. Once we know of your interest and availability, we will assist in securing leave for you to participate.

On UEA Educator Day on the Hill, the UEA Legislative Team will meet with participating educators in the Capitol Building cafeteria from 7:30-8:30 a.m., briefing them on specific bills and general tips about working with the legislature. The Team will then assist teachers with contacting legislators from their respective legislative districts. The group will meet again at noon to “de-brief” the morning’s activities and have lunch.

E-mail
The UEA President will provide legislative e-mail updates on important breaking news. The e-mail will be distributed to all who elect to be included (sign up at www.utea.org/politics).

Capitol Bulletin
Items from ‘Under the Dome’ will be compiled into weekly Capitol Bulletin reports available on the website.

UEA ‘Action’ Update
A summary of UEA activities and results from the 2009 Utah Legislative session will be included in the April issue of the UEA Action delivered to all members.

Take Action!
Take Action! is an online tool allowing easy communication with your elected representatives on important state and national issues. Different issues will be added to the Take Action! link as they surface.