Speech Pathologists & Audiologists in Louisiana Schools, Inc.
P.O. Box 12177
Lake Charles, LA 70612
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Speech Pathologists & Audiologists in Louisiana Schools, Inc. |
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2008 Legislative Action
Legislative Action Information Friday, April 25, 2008 Dear LSHA Members: The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to hear testimony for two hours on Monday, April 28th beginning at 9:00 A. M. They will allow three people per issue to testify. I know we are scheduled to be at the Capitol on Tuesday April 29th for our annual Day at the Capitol and that is still our plan, however, if you can make it to Baton Rouge Monday to sit in the House Appropriations Committee’s public hearing for House Bill 1 it would be very effective. Ayn Stehr, LSHA ’s lobbyist, is suggesting that we get as many people to the Capitol to sit in the hearing as possible. We are working on who will testify but we need as many people as possible to come and “fill out cards” in the hearing as possible. When you sit in a legislative committee hearing you are allowed to fill out “cards” with your name, address and a statement indicating support or opposition to what is being discussed. It is important for the committee members to see as many cards filled out on the issue at hand as possible. If you can come, please join us! It is very important. If you have any questions please e-mail or call me. Steve Harris LSHA ’s Legislative Liaison 337-280-4742
Day at the Capitol A
Continuing Tradition Please come and join LSHA as it once again celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month at the State Capitol. This year we have selected April 29th as the day we are to meet in Baton Rouge to celebrate our professions and to inform our legislators and the public with regard to what Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists offer to the community. Information coming in through LSHA’s Web Page indicates we will have a large number of participants this year. As in past years the SPALS organization and its membership will be joining LSHA in this activity. Our target number for this year is 200. I feel we are on pace to meet and surpass that goal. The current LSHA membership list indicates there are more than 730 LSHA members. So we have the numbers we just need your commitment. We will meet in the Rotunda at 9:30 A. M. where we will gather briefly to energize and to plan how we will spend the day. Wear something red so we can stand out and be noticed. Members of the Legislative Committee have already volunteered to provide short videos and PowerPoint presentations that highlight services provided by Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Brochures and giveaways will be provided to publicize and celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month. If you have suggestions or wish to volunteer, contact Steve Harris, Annemarie Clancy or Renae Colwick. During the last five years we have been able to provide free hearing screenings to interested legislators, staff, and Capitol visitors. This is being planned again. Any audiologist willing to volunteer some time to manning the hearing screening station should contact Steve Harris at 337-828-1767 or by e-mail at sharris@stmary.k12.la.us. LSHA will be sending out post cards to all legislators asking them to visit us in the Rotunda and to take advantage of the free hearing screenings being offered. Please come and help celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month and take advantage of the opportunity to visit your legislators and thank them for their past support and ask that they continue to do so. To accommodate the busy schedules of legislators, it is best to schedule an appointment beforehand with your representative and senator to ensure a personal meeting on April 29th . We have made a great impact with our legislators and we need to continue to keep our professions in their hearts and minds. Grass roots efforts are the best. Face to face meetings have the greatest impact but remember you have to build and maintain a relationship and the day to start is today, not April 29th. This year we will again be working on obtaining funding for Act 952. This bill was one of the extraordinary accomplishments of the 2003 legislative effort. You are encouraged to carpool with others for the Day at the Capitol due to limited parking. There are parking garages located about 2 blocks from the Capitol. They charge around $10.00 for the day. It's more convenient to park in a garage rather than on the street and have to keep "feeding" the meter all day. The following link can be utilized to obtain directions to the Capitol http://house.legis.state.la.us/H_Citizens/H_Citizens_CapitolDir.htm
In order to prepare for that day, please be sure review Act 952 - which is available at this website. Also, access the www.lsha.org website and review the "Tips for Meeting with Legislators". It is not necessary for you to bring any materials with you. We will have the following on hand at the Capitol for distribution:
In addition, there will be an audiology booth set up for hearing tests. Ayn Stehr, lobbyist for LSHA and SPALS, is inviting all legislators to have their hearing checked that day. When we meet at the capitol, we will review our plans for the day. We will discuss what needs to be said to the representatives, review Act 952, and basic information that a representative may request will be available (e.g., number of students receiving services, number of nationally certified SLPs and AUDs working in Louisiana public schools). We will form groups according to our district and representative. Each group will then try to meet with, and talk directly to, their representative. There is a computer available for anyone to look up their representative's name if necessary. It is not necessary for everyone to speak, and it is fine to select a spokesperson for each group. But the larger the group visiting a representative, the better! We encourage you to carpool with others for the Day at the Capitol due to limited parking. There are parking garages located about 2 blocks from the Capitol. They charge around $10.00 for the day. It's more convenient to park in a garage rather than on the street and have to keep "feeding" the meter all day. The following parking garages are within walking distance of the Capitol:
Directions to the State Capitol: From I-10 West or East bound take I-110 North (which turns into MLK Expressway) to downtown Baton Rouge. At the curve, exit right on Capitol Access Rd./Dept. of Transportation & Development (Exit 1-E) and as you continue on this exit ramp you will loop back over I-110. If you are approaching from I-110 South, exit right on Capitol Access Rd. (Exit 1-E). Whether you approach from the north or south, both exit ramps will direct you onto the Capital Access Road heading in the direction of the State Capitol. You will see the Department of Transportation and Development on your right, pass through a traffic light, see the Governor's Mansion on your right, and see the tower of the State Capitol building above the tree tops of the Arsenal Museum. Immediately after you pass the Governor's Mansion, you will cross a small bridge over the Capitol Lake and the road will circle the Arsenal Museum. If you bear left in the circle, the road will lead you past the most easterly point ("House side") of the State Capitol. When the legislature is not in session, simply turn right into the front parking lot. If the legislature is in session, continue to bear left and you will remain in the circle where parking is usually available. Public parking is also available on Spanish Town Road and streets to its south, as well as in parking lots off of River Road which runs parallel to the State Capitol building and many other points of interest. Directions were obtained from the following website, which also has a map: http://house.legis.state.la.us/H_Citizens/H_Citizens_CapitolDir.htm SEE YOU AT THE CAPITOL!
News from the Legislative Action Co-Chairs - Cindy Chauvin & Kristi Roya
PETITION FOR FUNDING OF ACT 952 - Addendum Whereas, the legislature officially recognized the achievement of national certification by Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists by virtue of Act 952 passed in the 2003 Legislative Session. We, the undersigned Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists are asking the Honorable Governor and/or Legislators to sponsor and/or support funding for the salary supplement in Act 952 for those in our profession who hold a State Department of Education license and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Classroom teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists and social workers have all been recognized and rewarded for their national certifications. At this point, the only professionals in the state of Louisiana who are not being rewarded for achieving national certification and contributing to the education of children are audiologists and speech-language pathologists. FOR QUESTIONS AND/OR TO SIGN THE PETITION PLEASE CONTACT:
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