The Children's Action Network Distributed a Legislative Platform for the 2007 Session
MNCEC 2007 Legislative Platform (pdf)
The Children's Action Network (CAN) Committee and the MNCEC Board of Directors show continued concern over recent federal and state policy relating to special education and students with disabilities. We have created a legislative platform which reflects issues that affect those in the field. The CAN committee and the Board of Directors of the MN Council of Exceptional Children believe it is important for MNCEC to continue to communicate the significance of special education to our state Legislators.
We have learned that Legislators tend to listen most attentively to their own constituents. For this reason, we are asking that you contact your Minnesota State Senator and/or Representative, and express your concerns regarding the support for special education in Minnesota and share this document with them. It is our hope that by tapping the strength of our membership throughout the state, we can make a significant impact upon our profession and the children we serve. |
MN CEC's Children's Action Network's
(CAN) current efforts involve bringing together representatives
from statewide advocacy and education organizations via a
series of roundtable discussions. The purpose of these dialogues
is to identify common causes and direct advocacy efforts toward
achieving joint goals, a common-sense collaboration within
this climate of uncertainty and diminishing resources. For
more information regarding state and federal political activity
and advocacy opportunities related to these issues, please
explore the following websites:
Council
for Exception Children's Legislative Action Center Website
"The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest
international professional organization dedicated to improving
educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities,
students with disabilities, and/or the gifted." This site
contains CEC's Public Policy and Legislative Information.
and includes an "Action Alert" window that contains current
legislative updates. Viewers can access information regarding
how to contact their elected officials.
http://www.capwiz.com/cek/home/
Minnesota Legislature Website
This site is the home page for the
Minnesota State Legislature. Viewers can find information
on legislation, bill status, statues, and the legislative
schedule.
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/
Legislation Tracking and Bill
Status
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legis.asp
ARC Minnesota Legislative Website
"The Arc is the national organization
of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities and their families." This site is set up similar
to the CEC's Legislative Action Center, however, it focuses
on Minnesota government. There is "Action Aler"t information
and a quick elected official finder.
http://capwiz.com/thearc/officials/state/?lvl=C&state=mn
PACER Center's Legislative Information
Page
PACER's mission is "to expand opportunities
and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults
with disabilities and their families, based on the concept
of parents helping parents." This site has information on
legislative actions at federal and state levels. It also has
links and information regarding position papers and roundtable
discussions relevant to students with disabilities.
http://www.pacer.org/legislation/index.htm
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