Delegation Meetings are already underway for the upcoming legislative session.

It’s that time of year again! The Legislative Delegation Meetings have already begun - one huge way to educate our legislators and bring our issue to the forefront is to attend these meetings and speak directly to your local delegation.

Here is what presenting at the Legislative Delegation Meetings entails:

• Plan to attend your County Legislative Delegation Meeting by submitting a speaker’s request form in advance so you can be added to the agenda. If you do not request a speaking slot in advance, you must complete a speaker's request form at the meeting. You will be recognized on a first come-first serve basis after the advanced speaking requests are through

• Arrive early and if necessary, complete a Speaker's Request Form. Use the early arrival to meet staff, aides, and lawmakers.

• Once the meeting begins, and it is your turn, you will have 3 minutes to speak. Here is a break down of what should be included when you speak:

• Introduce yourself, the name of your agency, your title and how long you have been a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher

• Express the need for reclassification due to issues with job retention, PTSD benefits, and retirement

• Briefly describe what you do on the job every day, by referring to 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatchers as the "first responders" to the first responders

• Thank the delegation members for listening and let them know you and other dispatchers from around the state plan on traveling to Tallahassee during the upcoming 2025 Session.

A listing of the County Legislation Delegation Meetings can be found at: Legislative Delegation Committee Meetings, or by reaching out to your organizations’ representative.

Please remember to check your agency’s policies on attending and speaking at the meetings.