A primary focus for AEA has always been its legislative program, since so many issues that affect the education profession require action by the state and federal governments. Planning time, health insurance, salaries and benefits, class size, retirement issues – all of these and more depend on laws passed by our legislators.

"Every meaningful decision in education is a political decision, either at the local level, the state level, or the federal level," said Richard Hutchinson, AEA's director of Government Relations and Instructional Issues.

The 88th General Assembly convenes in January 10, 2011. AEA's lobby team and legislative committee regularly review and update the  legislative program they will follow during each legislative session. The program is divided into three tiers, based upon the level of involvement and action AEA must maintain with legislators in order to accomplish its goals.

Education adequacy – determining what is needed to make sure the state's public school system continues to meet children's needs – will also be an important topic during the upcoming session. Although this is not strictly a fiscal issue, state law requires that the legislature's education committees meet to discuss programs and funding, and then conduct a full adequacy study before the next regular session in 2011. Some issues that fall under the adequacy umbrella include school facilities, technology, salaries, student services, and health services.

The importance of communication – with our legislators and among our members – cannot be emphasized enough if we are to successfully influence our state and national leaders on education issues.

AEA's Web sites also provide various links and resources to help you keep abreast of current political issues, including daily legislative alerts and a bill tracker that provides the most current information about where individual bills are in the legislative process.

"Right now we have an administration in Washington, D.C. that we can work with," Hutchinson urges everyone to communicate, discuss issues among yourselves, be responsive to AEA's requests for legislative action, and maintain regular contact with your state officials and United States congressmen. With open lines of communication and a united front, AEA will better be able to achieve its goals for great public schools.