Senate Lobby Day – June 6, 2023
OEA Member Lobby Days provide an opportunity for OEA members to meet with state legislators to discuss key education policy issues. To broaden support for public education and build partnerships with other public education stakeholders, we encourage you to invite parents, administrators, school board members, and students to join our lobby day efforts.
At the in-person lobby day, members will be briefed by OEA staff on current legislation and will have an opportunity to meet with state lawmakers and staff. The interaction of OEA members with elected officials is critical to improving the policies that impact students, educators, and public education.
The lobby day briefing will include the Fair School Funding Plan, proposed voucher expansion, other items in House Bill 33 (the state operating budget bill for FY 2024 and 2025), and proposals to address educator recruitment and retention.
What you should do in preparation for Lobby Day:
Step 1. RSVP to OEA
You can RSVP the following ways:
- RSVP using the button below
- Call 1-800-282-1500 and ask for Government Relations
RSVPs for the June 6, 2023 Lobby Day are now closed.
Step 2. Make your Appointments with Legislators in advance.
We encourage members to schedule their own meetings with their own legislators in advance of the OEA Lobby Day. If the legislator is not available to meet with you, make an appointment with their Legislative Aide.
If you have never scheduled a meeting with your legislator or would like help scheduling a meeting, please indicate by emailing advocacy@ohea.org. An OEA staff member will help place your appointment on June 6th
We encourage you to schedule your meetings to begin after 10:00 a.m. so you can participate in the morning briefing at OEA. If that is not possible, you are encouraged to make the appointment for the time the legislator or Aide is available.
To access contact information for your legislator, go to the following web address:
http://www.legislature.ohio.gov. You will be taken to a page that will allow you to locate your legislator’s contact information by typing in your zip code.
When you contact your legislator, tell them you want to speak with them as part of OEA Member Lobby Day and would like to set an appointment regarding education-related issues.
Step 3. Attend the Lobby Day Briefing
The June 6th lobby day briefing will occur at 9:30 a.m. at the OEA Headquarters; the briefing usually lasts 45 minutes. Please use the RSVP form above.
The lobby day briefing will be conducted by OEA officers and OEA GR staff. The briefing is designed to provide participants with information that will be useful to subsequent discussions with legislators. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
Step 4. Go Out and Lobby!
Once the briefing is concluded you will be ready to go to the statehouse and lobby. Feel free also to attend any of the legislative committee hearings scheduled for that day in the statehouse. The legislative schedule will be included in your packet. The statehouse is within walking distance of the OEA building, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Step 5. Feedback and Follow Up
It is very useful for our ongoing lobbying to have your feedback about your lobby day experience. We ask that you provide that information to GR. This information will aid the OEA lobbyists in their efforts by knowing what was discussed in your meetings and what you were told by legislators or staff. Your feedback is also invaluable in helping to improve the lobby day experience for OEA members.
We ask that you:
- Join us at the next lobby day.
- Invite a friend of public education to attend the next lobby day, be they a colleague, administrator, community member, or friend. Our collective effort makes a difference.
- Sign up to receive information and opportunities for ongoing lobby activities with OEA Action Alerts. Sign up here.
Logistics and other information:
Parking: OEA will provide parking passes for those attending the OEA Lobby Day. Your parking information will be made available to you upon your registration and confirmation of participation. There are specific garages OEA will use. OEA will not cover the cost of your parking outside of the designated garages.
Please do not park in the following locations: the parking lot directly behind the OEA building or the OEA parking lot as they are designated staff parking lots. Please do not park in any private lots as you may be towed and/or ticketed.
Handicapped Accessibility: The OEA and the Ohio Statehouse are handicapped accessible.
The Statehouse is two blocks west of the OEA building. You can schedule tours of the Ohio Statehouse by calling 614/728-3726. There are also walk-up tours at designated hours.
There is a Statehouse Gift Shop on the ground floor of the statehouse where you can purchase Ohio memorabilia and other items.
Meals: OEA will provide food for those attending the OEA Lobby Day training at 9:30 a.m. OEA will provide voucher cards for lunch on your own, to be picked up at registration.
Restaurants: There are numerous restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the Statehouse. Meals are reasonably priced beginning at approximately $8.00. Please check online to determine if a restaurant will be open.
Reimbursement Policy: The OEA does not reimburse any expenses related to lobby day, other than what has been previously shared such as mileage, meals independently purchased, or parking at unapproved locations. Contact your Local or District Association to inquire about their lobby day reimbursement policy.
