Educator Day on the Hill - Another Reaction

I was excited to spend a day on Capitol Hill, until I showed up on The Hill yesterday morning. As I pulled into the parking lot of the Capitol, the butterflies began to churn in my stomach and the doubt began to seep into my mind. What was I doing? Before I could turn around and run away, I met up with a friend of mine from another district who was also there for Educator Day on the Hill. There was no turning back.
Our first task of the day was to meet with the UEA leaders to be briefed on what to expect. I suspect that I wasn't the only one questioning my decision to be there, after all it was 7:30 in the morning, but before long it was easy to tell that we were all fired up and ready to "do battle" on The Hill. The eight Davis educators banded together to divide and conquer, after we took a quick tour of the building.
Each of us were tasked to meet with certain Representatives of the House and to speak with them about the retirement bills being presented by Senator Liljenquist. We also were asked to give to them a folder that summarized the UEA's position on retirement. As I waited to meet with each Representative, my courage grew and my excitement for the moment began to spill out. I was on fire! I was able to speak with several Representatives, including my own, Representative Barrus. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that most of them had the same questions and concerns about the retirement bills that I did which made it easier to speak with them. When I was finished with my job I was ready to do more; I didn't want to stop!
After a delicious lunch at the Capitol's cafeteria, it was time for the Senate hearing on retirement. The hearing was so popular that half of us had to sit in the overflow room. Along with the educators, there were representatives from the police and fire departments, public works, and all public employee groups. There were also a lot of private citizens who were concerned about the proposals. I felt very safe with all of the law enforcement officials in the room and I was also on my very best behavior.
Moments before the hearing began I happened to run into the man of the hour, Senator Liljenquist. I had a quick private conversation with him, which included a "we're watching you" statement. Of course it wasn't a threat but the power that we have as an association is pretty powerful and I wanted to remind him of that.
By the end of the two hour hearing I was ready to forget my good manners and jump up and speak my mind. I'm sure I would have fouled up everything so I'm glad that I didn't. Due to the lengthiness of the presentation of the bills, not all public comment could be heard, including Kim Campbell's remarks, so the hearing was continued until Friday afternoon. If it weren't for the scheduled Valentine's party that day, I'd probably take a personal leave day from school in order to make a return trip to the Capitol. I'm really into it now!
By the end of my experience on Capitol Hill I was disappointed in myself for not taking advantage of the opportunity sooner. Educator Day on the Hill is an experience that everyone should have. Do yourself a favor and sign up to go, you won't regret it!
- By Jessica Dunn, Adelaide Elementary