In the Know: Legislators on What Moves Votes at the Capitol

Representative T.J. Shope, Torri Anderson, and Eric Meyer

Geoff Esposito, ASBA Governmental Relations Analyst– Introduced the political agenda for the Arizona School Boards Association. Those agenda items include, advocating for inflation funding and ESA vouchers. He then introduced a panel to discuss the best ways to “get things done” and how to successfully advocate on behalf of education and your school district. The panel included:

• T.J. Shope, Arizona State representative and board member for Coolidge Unified School District
• Torri Anderson, board member for Maricopa Unified School District 
• Eric Meyer, Arizona State legislator and board member for Scottsdale Unified School District

The best way to communicate with your legislature is by email. The key is to introduce who you are in the subject line of the email for the fastest response. Also, it was recommended by the panel that you show up to events at the Capitol to speak with your legislator in person, or contact their assistant to schedule a face-to-face meeting. Lastly, take the time to ask your legislator what the best way to reach them is.

The panel and Mr. Esposito introduced and passed out a “Request to Speak” form to the audience. The purpose of the form is to sign people up with an account through ASBA to create an open dialogue between you and your legislator. To find an electronic copy of the form, visit http://www.azsba.org/take-action/

Emily Broome

Isaac School District No. 5