Recap: Legislative Dinner

Sen. Bill Carrico speaking.



Del. Jeff Campbell speaking.

The WCEA sent several representatives to the VEA sponsored Legislative Dinner in Abingdon, VA on December 1st. It was a time for members in our region to dine with the legislators, discuss the upcoming legislative session, and hear the legislators thoughts. Here's a recap from our member Kim Aker.

In a beautiful setting, the Heartwood, we gave our legislative agenda to many legislators who had just left a reception for community colleges.

• We heard from Sen. Bill Carrico who frankly told us we have a fight on our hands within the budget.
• Del. Terry Kilgore was given an award from Robley Jone, VEA Government Relations, for "bleeding" for us in trying to get the bill passed to provide a statewide health insurance option for teachers to hopefully lower our rates, thereby increasing our take-home pay.
• Delgates Jeffery Campbell, Israel O'Quinn, and Sen. Ben Chaffin (whose wife is a teacher), all expressed their appreciation for what we do.
• Del. Campbell said he "was tired after spending 45 minutes in a third grade classroom at Spiller."
• Robley Jones left us with this thought, "This year, April 18, 2015, is the time to put up or shut up." We, as educators, must demand more respect and make all of Virginia put kids first.

Photos from retired member Denise Davis