Legislative+Day

The following Fellows attended Legislative Day. Read their comments about this library event. Representative Allen welcomed HISD librarians from the house floor and privately in her office agreed to support our agenda. She also counseled us to talk to representatives on the appropriations committee. 2) John Whitmire’s aide, Holly Tippet took notes and the prepared TLA packet and said she would would give the information to Senator Whitmire. 3) Scott Hochberg. His aide took notes and the packet. Representative Hochberg himself spoke to us about the process and the obstacles we are facing in getting extra funding. 4) Sylvester Turner’s aide, Ashley Thomas, took the packet, took notes and was personally very supportive. 5) Senfronia Thompson was very gracious, welcoming and supportive. I believe she will vote to support libraries. || 19. || 21. 22. || 24. ||
 * 1. Glenn Deering - discussed TLA agenda with aides for representatives Elkins, Riddle and Cagliori. ||
 * 2.Cindy Dinneen - discusssed TLA agenda with aides for Senator Whitmire and Representative Sylvester Turner; met directly with Senfronia Paige Thompson. This was an informative day and provided a great deal of insight into the process of lobbying. It was interesting to watch the opening of the House session. ||
 * 3. Michelle Moore - I thoroughly enjoyed my participation in Legislative Day. This was actually my first visit to the capitol building. My group met with several legislators including Senator Rodney Ellis and Representatives Al Edwards and Alma Allen. They all were gracious enough to discuss several key TLA initiatives and to pose for photos for our campus newsletters. I hope to participate again. This was a very hands-on, educational experience. ||
 * 4.Rowena Verdin - This is the first time I participated in Legislative Day. I believe that as librarians we need to seek the support of decision makers in order for us to implement good library programs. I am particularly passionate about getting support for the K-12 Database funding as well as making the necessary changes that will ensure that all students/schools will have libraries and certified librarians. The response we received from representatives and their aides is very encouraging. I look forward to participating again. ||
 * 5.Barbara Rivas- The whole trip was a great experience. We had a full day of meetings with various aides and representatves. It was interesting to see the whole process involved in this type of lobbying. I believe our presence was noted and our issues heard. ||
 * 6.Gretchen Irey - I loved this day (with the exception of 5:00am). Since I had never done this before, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Our group met with 4 reps. They were generous with their time and very positive. I was nervous to speak at first, but by the end I was definitely adding my 2 bits. I can't wait to go back again. AND I got to be within 10 feet of the Governor for about 20 minutes. Too bad I had no idea how to work the camera on my cell phone! ||
 * 7. Cynthia OUbre - Very interesting day. Our group met with 2 aides and 1 representative who actually was enthusiastic about librarians. This was my first time at the state capitol and I found the experience informative and educational. ||
 * 8. Kelli Schuessler- Our group met with the aides from representatives Elkins, Riddle and Cagliori. In addition to the HISD librarians we were with public librarians, high school librarian from rural area, district supervisor of librarians for Klein and a representative from GALE. I think we all have a better understanding of the process of lobbying now. ||
 * 9.VIsited with and discussed TLA agenda with aides for representatives Elkins, Riddle and Cagliori with Glenn Kelli and Stephen. We mostly listened and watched the process but a few times got to comment ourselves ||
 * 10.Lolita Mora- Very interesting day talking to the aides of the representatives. We discussed the TLA agenda and funding for the prgrams that are of interest to TLA and how these programs help all the people of Texas. ||
 * 11. Kelly Patton - 1) Alma Allen and her aide, Dr. Teresa LeNoir.
 * 12. Cynthia Ramos- Gretchen Irey and I teamed up with 3 colleagues in the field, and both of us talked about how the legislators' support for library funding benefit K-12 students. Other team members discussed benefits of library funding to medical libraries, public libraries, and to college and graduate students who use TexShare as a valuable resource. This experience definitely convinced me of the importance of communicating our goals to the legislators to ensure that the libraries will continue to provide crucial services to their patrons. ||
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