We want to make sure that staff members know and follow the guidelines that have been established for contacting legislators and participating in political activities. Staff members are encouraged to contact their legislators about issues that are important to them, especially issues that involve the AEAs. Personally contacting legislators to tell them “your AEA story” can be very powerful when it comes time for legislators to make decisions. But when it comes to contacting legislators about the AEAs, there are guidelines that staff members must follow.
It is essential for staff members to send communications to legislators from their PERSONAL e-mail account or stationery or using their own telephone. It is against the law for AEA employees to lobby the legislature using agency e-mail or stationery. Also, do not send any such messages during agency work hours, as that would also be a violation of the law.
Heartland Board Policy 415 Employee Political Activity also states: Limited examples of prohibited uses of public funds include the following:
• use of office equipment such as copy, fax, postage machines, computer hardware/software, typewriters, or calculators
• employees engaging in campaign activities of any sort during working hours
• use of telephones owned or leased by the political subdivision to make calls in support of or opposition to a ballot issue or a candidate.
Click here to download tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators. Click here to download contact information for legislators who serve Heartland area districts. (The list has been updated since it was last included in The Connection.)
It is acceptable for staff members to sign petitions such as the Kids First petition and the like, but please do such activities during non-work hours.
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