District I Legislative Committee: 2007-2008

Vicki Rogers, Chairman

Wanda Caldwell, Recording Secretary

Committee Members:

Salient Points of Agenda / meeting:

1. Individual introductions to group by committee members.

2. Discussion of lobbying efforts in last legislative session: too little, too late!

3. Needs Assement: Focus needed on 3 salient points established by concerned parties for prioritization in future lobbying efforts for NCRSP. Need for representatives from both parties and larger numbers of voters, represented by the total membership, to be involved in lobbying efforts to achieve successful results.

4. Idea exchange on successful grassroots efforts to provide information on pertinent educational issues being voted on to Raleigh decision-makers. Present process relies, oftentimes, on those persons available with specific agendas in mind. Examples mentioned: regular lunches with stakeholders and elected officials. One-on-one contacts with leadership and local elected officials. NCAE meetings and Legislative Breakfasts MUST require:

5. Regular accountability needed on results of legislative sessions involving NCRSP priorities without offending decision-makers. Need to identify available political advocates with vested interest in Legislative Program of NCRSP.

6. Broader base for group (voters) needs to be involved for credibility to candidates.

Next meeting of Legislative Committee: Thursday, September 6. Time TBA by Vicki. She will also provide directions to Martin’s office in Asheville, as needed by Committee members.

Office of : Senator Martin Nesbitt. Questions to be posed to him: (abbreviated format!)

1. (Vicki) Explain to us the history of the COLA so we can articulate it to others.

2. (Tom) What needs to take place to make this increased COLA happen?

3. (Norris or Joyce) Who are our friends? adversaries? in this process?

4. (Rick) One of our priorities is restoring the COLA percentage to its proper place. What is your opinion of the two other priorities for Retired School Personnel?

5. (Ken) What are some barriers to this process that you can identify for us now?

6. (Wanda) What can we do to assist you in your next campaign for the Senate?

Members who were absent, join in the discussion as you see fit!