MAPE members make 2007 best-ever Day on the Hill!
February 16, 2007
On Wednesday, more than 120 MAPE members packed the Great Hall at the state Capitol to register and hear from legislative leaders from both the state House and Senate for the 2007 MAPE Day on the Hill.
Attendees learned about legislation that will have a significant impact on their collective futures. They also heard rousing speeches from Speakers such as the Speaker of the Minnesota House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, MAPE Legislator of the Year Representative Leon Lillie and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark.
After the initial kickoff celebration, members split up to have one-on-one meetings with their elected officials. 95% of surveyed attendees were able to have a personal visit with at least one of their legislators. Legislator appointments give MAPE members a chance to discuss issues of importance to them and their families; like universal health care, pension security and job outsourcing.
In addition the large crowd gathered for the traditional Day on the Hill, MAPE members across Minnesota participated in the "Virtual" Day on the Hill. This effort generated nearly 1,000 emails from MAPE members to their elected officials; while countless others called and wrote letters asking legislators to support MAPE legislation.
As part of the Capitol kickoff celebration, MAPE honored former Legislative Director Brian Bergson for his eight years of service to the organization. His awards were presented to him by MAPE Government Relations Committee member Glenn Donnay. Bergson left MAPE in December to become the Communications Director for Attorney General Lori Swanson.
The key to the success of Day on the Hill is fostering direct communication between MAPE members and their elected officials. Members from nearly half the legislative districts in the state had face-to face-meetings with at least one of their legislators. A post event survey indicated that 97% of attendees felt Day on the Hill was a positive, effective experience.
Members Rubin Latz, Mitchell Wallerstedt, and Glenn Donnay deserve kudos for the key role they played in making Day on the Hill 2007 our best-ever! Join us next year, for MAPE Day on the Hill.
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