Join program directors, teachers, superintendents, students and the like for MACAE’s 2010 Legislative Day and Policy Summit on Education.

The event takes place on March 18 in the Mackinac Room of Lansing’s Anderson House Office Building, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t miss this important opportunity to spend a day with your district’s legislators. The challenges educators have faced over the past year, and maybe even more so in the coming year, make this Legislative Day critical. This is your opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your legislator, and let your concerns be heard.

In recent years, MACAE has encouraged members to bring students of all ages with them to experience Legislative Day. “Our students may not have a chance to visit the State Capitol otherwise and they really are the main reason we need to reach out to our legislators. It is very important for our elected officials to meet those people who may be affected the most if our programs are not funded at sustainable levels,” says Bob Steeh, Director of Novi Community Education. “It’s a great experience for our students and our legislators appreciate the opportunity to hear from them directly as well.”

With the budget up in the air, Alexandra Tear, MACAE Communications Coordinator and a former legislative assistant, knows how important this event is.

“It’s important to be present and advocate for these programs,” Tear said. “We have lots of legislators attending and they need to hear from their constituents about the things that are affecting them.”

If you haven’t registered already, do so today! When you register, the MACAE staff calls your work and home district legislators and invites them to the event. The earlier we receive your registration, the more likely it is that your legislator will be able to attend and the bigger the impact MACAE will have this year.

Participants will attend a Policy Summit from 9-11 a.m., have Lunch with your Legislator from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and have individual district legislator meetings from 1-3 p.m.

Sen. Ron Jelinek, Chair for Senate Appropriations and the Senate K-12 School Aid/Department of Education Appropriations Subcommittee, will kick off the day at 9 a.m.

MACAE would like to thank Rep. Richard Ball, 85th District (Clinton/Shiawassee), for sponsoring the Mackinac Room for MACAE, and to Rep. Jim Stamas, 98th District (Midland/Saginaw), for providing Citizen Guides and maps.

Circle March 18th on your calendar and send in your registration soon.

The cost is $69 for MACAE member of friend; $59 if two or more MACAE members from the same district attend; $15 for Community Education students. Costs include Lunch with your Legislator!

Click here to register. Registrations can be e-mailed to macae@macae.org, or faxed to (517) 349-6643.

If you have any questions, or are wondering if your legislators plans on coming, call the MACAE office at (517) 706-5024.