It has been a crazy week both in terms of the weather and the legislative session. It’s hard to believe this is only week one of the legislative session. So much has already happened!
Since HSB 542 was proposed on Tuesday, ISPA has been working hard talking to our lobbyist and creating TALKING POINTS for our members to use in their communications with legislators. Please use this document as you write and call your legislators. Also, feel free to share this document with friends, families, and colleagues. We need EVERYONE to contact their legislators. It is especially important to be contacting RURAL legislators and those on the HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. These legislators will hold the most influence over this bill.
Further, to quote a colleague, “If you are going to get freaked out, support those who are supporting you!” ISPA is supporting you! If you know psychs who are not members please encourage them to become members of ISPA. If your membership has expired, please renew your membership. Members get the up to date legislative and advocacy news and supports, and they can attend our legislative lunch and learn events and Day at the Capitol for FREE!
To close, we want to share a message from NASP President, Andrea Clyne, who was the Keynote at ISPA’s Fall workshop…
Dear Iowa School Psychologists,
I understand that you are facing a significant challenge related to some proposed legislation that would greatly impact your organizational structures and services to kids, families, and schools. I can only imagine the level of frustration and discouragement you must be feeling. Please do not underestimate the power of united voices here. I encourage every single school psychologist to advocate on this issue, and I thank ISPA for their leadership on your behalf. If any individual, or ISPA as an association, needs any support on this effort, the NASP Government and Professional Relations (GPR) committee is more than happy to provide support. Please hang in there, and know that we are behind you here at NASP!
Sending my very best,
Andrea
Andrea Clyne, PhD
NASP President (2023-2024)