Citizen lobbyists

Star Tribune Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:41:56 GMT
Parents taking school concerns to Capitol

Concerned parents, gaining experience from levy campaigns, are forming groups that lobby state lawmakers on local school causes. It wasn’t enough for Beverly Petrie and her fellow school activists to help the Stillwater district reap some funding in the Nov. 6 election. After they fought for the levy, they figured there was more to be done. So, they decided to set their sights on lobbying the Legislature on behalf of the district this winter. “One of the things we heard a lot during the [levy] campaign is people believe it’s the state’s responsibility to pay for public schools,” Petrie said. “So, hearing that so often during the campaign, it’s hard for us to let it all collapse at this point.” Thus began Stillwater schools’ legislative action committee, still without an official name or agenda. Around the Twin Cities, parents are banding together to take the cause of their school districts to the Capitol. Often, they’re trying to help secure more funding. With the beginning of the legislative session about two months away, such groups are now holding their first meetings and formulating legislative platforms.

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