MiP Team Forum

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We hope your week is going well. Here’s a quick rundown of the happenings under the dome:  “Right-to-Work” Bills heard in House committees next week The annual American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) bills to make Colorado a “Right-to-Work” state are making appearances in the House State, Veterans, & Military Affairs committee next week. HB20-1169, Prohibit Discrimination Labor Union Participation and HB20-1186, Teachers' Rights Opt-in Organization Membership are two anti-union bills that are introduced in various forms every year by House and Senate Republicans. Research has repeatedly shown that "right to work" has a negative impact on wages, employment, as well as negative impact on the overall economy of the state, and for obvious reasons, CEA vigorously opposes both bills. CEA endorses two for State Board of Education race Earlier this month, CEA announced its support for Lisa Escárcega for election to the State Board of Education in District 1, and Dr. Karla Esser for election to the State Board in District 7. Escárcega and Esser were recommended for endorsement by a committee of CEA members who reviewed candidate questionnaires and conducted face-to-face interviews. Escárcega and Esser clearly came out on top as the best candidates to stand with students, educators and parents at the State Board of Education. School Finance Update As our March on the Capitol (March 19th) event quickly approaches, we continue to work under the dome for the Schools Our Students Deserve. CEA’s priority bill, SB20-089, Educator Pay Raise Fund, continues to sit in the Senate Appropriations Committee awaiting a hearing date. We are also fighting for a complete buy down of the BS Factor by 2022. CEA is requesting at least the same commitment as last year’s buy down, $100 Million. Solidarity on March 19th! Presidential Primary, Caucuses & Party Updates Primary/Caucus season is here. Are you up-to-date with your voter registration? Colorado’s first Presidential Primary in 20 years is rapidly approaching:  “Super Tuesday”, March 3rd. The Presidential Primary allows voters from major and minor parties, even unaffiliated voters, to cast ballots for one major political party. Ballots are due March 3rd, so get your ballots in! This Presidential Primary shouldn’t be confused with our regular state Primary in June for state and congressional candidates. One way candidates for the June Primary can get on the ballot is via party caucuses with the Republican and Democratic Party Caucuses starting Saturday, March 7th. Download a copy of CEA’s 2020 Caucus guide. Here are some important upcoming election season dates:    -Monday, February 24th: Last day to submit voter registration application and receive a March 3rd Presidential Primary ballot in the mail -Tuesday, March 3rd: All ballots must be in by 7:00pm. You can still register and vote in person at a Voter Service & Polling Center until 7pm. -Saturday, March 7th: Republican and Democratic Party Precinct Caucuses. Contact your party for location information.    Contact Your Legislator You can call your legislator using the number 303-625-6546. This phone Action Line gives you, the member, the ability to elevate your voice by telling YOUR story directly to your state legislators.  Ways to follow the action at the Capitol For more up-to-date information from CEA, visit the CEA Government Relations page and text CEA to 69866 to receive real-time text alerts. Also, don't forget to follow the CEA Government Relations team on Twitter. www.coloradoea.org

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