NASHVILLE, TN – TSEA’s 2014 Lobby Day was one of the biggest and most well-attended Lobby Days the organization has seen in recent years. With approximately 200 members in attendance, many of whom were attending their first Lobby Day, a large group of state employees was able to blanket Legislative Plaza and the War Memorial Building, meeting with their local legislators and attending committee hearings while rallying support for TSEA’s legislative agenda.
On Monday, February 17th, the TSEA Board of Directors held a meeting at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, TN to discuss association business and allow attending members to speak about their workplace concerns. The day concluded with a dinner for all Lobby Day attendees, followed by remarks by TSEA President Phil Morson, TEAM Chairman Bryan Merritt, Executive Director Robert O’Connell, and Government Affairs Director Sarah Adair. Members were provided a summary of TSEA’s bills, talking points, and words of encouragement in preparation for the following day’s lobbying activities.
On Tuesday, February 18th, attendees gathered in the House Chamber at the State Capitol to hear remarks from House Speaker Beth Harwell and Senate Minority Leader Lowe Finney before heading out to their appointments. Throughout the day members from across the state met with their legislators and, when not in a meeting, listened to budget presentations for the Department of General Services, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Human Resources.
Many TSEA members also attended the House State Government Committee where HB1748 was presented by supporter Representative Matthew Hill. This bill advocates for legislative oversight in all proposed layoffs occurring outside of legislative session and outside of the state budget. It is an effort to ensure that state employees are considered before a Reduction-In-Force (RIF), and that legislators have the opportunity to know what is happening in their districts to state services and state employees.
During each committee, legislators recognized those state employees in attendance, expressing appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
TSEA thanks everyone who was able to attend for a great Lobby Day. We look forward to seeing our membership gathered together again at the 40th Anniversary Representative Assembly this June!
To view pictures from Lobby Day, click here!