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 THE
BENEFITS OF JOINING SAPAC!
Increased
Unity
With
large numbers enrolled in SAPAC, legislators will understand
that MASA members and like-thinking individuals are unified
on major issues and speak with one voice. This solidarity
lends credibility to MASA’s Legislative Program and
increases the likelihood of greater legislative support.
Increased
Legislative Effectiveness
SAPAC
funds enable MASA to support and attend legislators’
functions and thus establish a rapport with key education
supporters in the Legislature. Friendly relationships and
greater access to legislators will lead to more opportunities
to influence education and tax policy.
Increased
Opportunity to Assist Candidates with the High Cost of Election
Campaigns
Today’s
campaigns cost thousands of dollars - e.g. $75,000 for a House
seat every two years and $100,000 for a Senate race. SAPAC
provides the legal means to pool contributions so that we
can help our chosen candidates purchase billboard space, yard
signs, bumper stickers, radio and television time, newspaper
ads and other forms of communication. If our friends in the
Legislature are defeated because of a lack of campaign funds,
we all lose.
WHAT
DOES THE SAPAC BUDGET ENABLE US TO DO?
Candidate
Recruitment
As
the effect of term limits takes its toll on institutional
memory and the high level of understanding that only time
and experience can create, the need to elect individuals already
familiar with public education issues and supportive of public
schools becomes more critical. SAPAC must be instrumental
in candidate recruitment and promotion.
Candidate
Development
SAPAC
is a source of vital information to candidates (as well as
current legislators) as they develop their appreciation and
understanding of educational issues. Informational forums,
“meet the candidate” nights and other forms of
information dissemination organized by SAPAC will bring together
candidates and MASA members for the purpose of sharing concerns,
goals and issues.
Fundraisers
and Campaign Contributions
Fundraisers
enable SAPAC members to attend functions, speak with legislators
and their staffs, and express support for the Education Committee
Chairs and members, Appropriations Committee Chairs and members,
majority and minority leaders, caucus members, Governor, State
Board of Education members and other legislative friends of
education.
YOUR
INVOLVEMENT COUNTS!
SAPAC
activities are a vital supplement to your own personal legislative
contacts. SAPAC is the political component of what MASA represents
on your behalf. Your membership dues keep SAPAC as a key player
in the legislative process.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Brad Biladeau
MASA Government Relations Director
517.327.9265
bbiladeau@gomasa.org
Debbie Squires
MASA Government Relations Administrative Assistant
517.327.9225
dsquires@gomasa.org
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