What is the legislative program?
ATPE’s
Legislative
Program is the cornerstone of the organization’s legislative priorities and advocacy
efforts. It
is a member-written-and-approved compilation of statements that represent ATPE’s positions regarding education and issues over which the state Legislature, state agencies and federal government have power.
The program contains position statements in
eight areas:
- governance
- educator preparation and certification
- compensation, benefits and employment
- curriculum, programs and services
- safe schools
- education finance
- Teacher Retirement System
- federal education issues
Who develops the legislative
program?
ATPE is a member-owned and member-governed organization, so our members develop our legislative program. Each year, the elected ATPE state president and Board of Directors appoint
20 members to serve staggered, two-year terms on the Legislative Committee, which usually meets in October.
The committee reviews the previous year’s
legislative program and discusses the importance and continued relevance of each position. Committee members also consider input on the legislative
program that the ATPE Governmental Relations staff collects from ATPE members throughout the year.
The committee decides on recommendations
for each position in the program that will be considered by the ATPE House of Delegates
(HOD), the organization’s supreme, policy-making body. When the HOD meets at ATPE’s annual state convention, the ATPE member-delegates vote on the committees’ recommendations to amend, re-adopt or allow the positions to expire. ATPE members can
also submit proposed positions or amendments for consideration during the HOD meeting.
How can I shape the program?
If you disagree with a position in the legislative program or would like to add a new
position, it is your privilege and responsibility as an ATPE member to submit your input. E-mail your comments (including your rationale) to
government@atpe.org
or mail it to the attention of the Legislative Committee, 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78752. Be sure to first check with ATPE Governmental Relations for the annual submission deadline, which usually falls in September.
What role does ATPE’s legislative program play in the political process?
ATPE’s Governmental Relations staff members work year-round to make ATPE’s legislative program become the priorities of Texas legislators. Before each
legislative session, the ATPE Governmental Relations staff formulates ATPE’s legislative agenda based on
the legislative program and resolutions adopted by ATPE’s HOD. When
determining whether
to support, oppose or remain neutral on bills during the session, the program provides the answers.
