August 2000

As Legislative Contact Person for your District, please share this report with all administrators in your district, and if the person and fax are incorrect let us know.

America's Legislators Back to School Day

Sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislators, America's Legislators Back to School Day is designed to teach young people what it's like to be a state legislator: the process, the pressure, the debate, negotiation and compromise. This is a bipartisan event; both Democrats and Republicans will participate. In 1999, six pilot states launched the program and it met with success. For 2000, all state legislatures are participating.

That means Pennsylvania's representatives and senators will be coming to your schools on Friday, September 15, 2000 as Legislators Back to School Day. A media event is being planned to make communities aware of this day. PAESSP is working with the legislative aide who is coordinating PA's day and representatives of the other state education associations.

Here is a brief overview of Legislators Back to School Day:

·        This event gives elected officials in all 50 states the opportunity to meet personally with their young constituents and to answer questions, share ideas, listen to concerns and impart a greater understanding of the legislative process necessary for developing effective public policy.

·        The September 15 date has been set nationally, and our state legislature has agreed upon the date. State lawmakers return to Harrisburg for working session days September 25.

·        There is no specific grade level targeted; many legislators will want to meet with all grade levels.

·        Each superintendent has been asked to have his or her district participate via a letter from PASA.

·        Superintendents are being asked to invite their local lawmakers to the district; we are sure as principals you have been asked to assist in this event. If not, ask your superintendent if you can have a lawmaker visit your school.

·        This event can work in a positive fashion if you plan in advance and make sure the legislators get an opportunity to visit their young constituents and also talk with you and staff.

·        You can have the children/students plan the day - posters, special lunch, questions written in advance.

·        Don't forget to invite the media for coverage of the event.

·        Contact PAESSP if you have additional questions.

Retirement News

·        It still looks good for November to become "retirement sweeps" month. We are still looking at lawmakers moving bills that will:

1.       Increase the multiplier in the retirement formula;

2.     Offer a 30 and out;

3.     Increase the health insurance stipend for retired PSERS; and

4.     Reduce the number of years to become vested in SERS or PSERS.

5.     Some other retirement items may be included.