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TCTA provides you with an array of tools to make being involved and affecting an outcome as simple and time-efficient as possible.

GAIN - TCTA’s Grassroots Action and Information Network (www.tcta.org/gain) is a great place to start for information. From here you can identify your legislator, find his/her contact information, learn more about legislative proposals, check on your legislators’ voting records, and be alerted to current bills that might require action.

Capitol Connection - TCTA’s Capitol Connection allows TCTA members to call legislators toll-free. Call 1-888-ASK-TCTA (1-888-275-8282), select option 8 and simply follow the instructions to be connected directly to your House or Senate member’s Capitol office.

Bill analyses - We analyze and summarize hundreds of education bills each session, providing valuable and concise information on the proposals that could affect you.

Daily Update from the Capitol - The TCTA website is updated each day during session, often within minutes of legislative action, to bring you the most current information available.

Week in Review - We compile and edit the daily Updates from the Capitol into a review of the week’s activities. This review is e-mailed to all TCTA members for whom we have a working e-mail address, and is also featured in a prominent spot on the TCTA website. This is by far the most efficient means for our members to remain up-to-date on legislative and agency activities.

Assisted e-mailing and phone calls - When TCTA issues a call to action, we will include tips and substantive suggestions for composing your e-mail or phone call. Though form letters are popular among those sending them, they are virtually ignored by the legislator; individualized communications are infinitely more effective. But recognizing your limited time, we will often provide specific language that you can adapt to suit your own situation and communication style.

Capitol visit - Join the TCTA Board of Directors as we descend on the Capitol on March 1, 2007, in conjunction with the TCTA Annual Convention. This fun and productive activity is coordinated through the Convention, but is also open to any members who wish to deliver our message to their own legislators. You’ll be briefed on current events before heading over to the Capitol with scores of other TCTA members on a mission!

Other resources

Texas Legislature Online

www.capitol.state.tx.us
(for a copy of a bill or bill status)
Texas House www.house.state.tx.us
Texas Senate www.senate.state.tx.us
U.S. Congress www.congress.gov
Texas Education Agency www.tea.state.tx.us
Texas Teacher Retirement System www.trs.state.tx.us
Texas Teachers Vote www.texasteachersvote.org
(for legislative votes on some education-related bills)

Posted: 01/03/07