With term limits in place, Legislators have no institutional memory and must be educated about excluded employee issues. “Who are excluded employees? Where do they work? What do they do? Are they part of the collective bargaining process? How do they get a raise or better benefits?” Lobby day is the perfect opportunity for law makers to meet the “State’s Management Team”, and get to know their issues.
ACSS members are the most effective spokespersons to bring understanding and clarity to these sometimes confusing issues for these legislators who, in the end, will decide if and when excluded employees get a raise or additional benefits.
Excluded employees, the members of the “State’s Management Team” have seen how easily they can be overlooked. Outside the collective bargaining process, excluded employees must rely on a “Meet and Confer” process with the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA). That’s why ACSS, representing the state's management team, meets regularly with DPA. But Lobby Day is how we make sure that the policy makers—the Legislature and the governor—keep our members in mind.
We also have a good time! Once our Legislative visits have been completed, ACSS welcomes everyone at the Capitol to come down to the Capitol's lower level and enjoy some ice cream, cookies and networking. This “Ice Cream Social” is anticipated by Legislators and staffers alike, and each year ACSS serves ice cream and cookies to over 400 people. This event gives our members a chance to interact socially with the legislators and their staffers they just met, and to reinforce our message over and over again!
ACSS welcomes new and seasoned members to participate in this important annual event. Why? Because it gives our members a chance to meet and educate the very people who decide if they will get a raise.
Be a part of the fun and help your career along the way. ACSS Members…come and be a part of your Lobby Day! Call your Chapter President or ACSS at (800) 624-2137 for more information.
ACSS Lobby Day, March 12th — and make sure to wear the green!