Advocacy and Legislation

Your Voice Shapes Public Education in Michigan

Every policy decision in Lansing and Washington directly impacts your students, staff and community.

When school boards are not actively engaged, others set the direction for public education—often without understanding the realities of local districts.

As a school board member, your voice brings those realities forward. Advocacy is not separate from your role—it’s essential to it. MASB’s Government Relations team works alongside you to amplify that voice at the Capitol, advancing policies that support strong schools, stable funding and student success across Michigan.

STATE ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL ACTIVITIES

What We’re Advocating For Right Now

MASB’s legislative priorities are driven directly by input from school board members across Michigan.

Create a more equitable funding system for our public schools
Establish mental health and school safety funding as a permanent line item in the budget and available to all districts equitably
Implement state funded infrastructure grants to address aging and outdated buildings
Specify that the School Aid Fund is for preK to 12th grade public education only in Michigan’s Constitution, and oppose private school vouchers or tax credit programs
Reduce the amount of standardized testing on students, and replace the MSTEP with a more effective and useful assessment
Implement state-based programs and modify certification requirements to address education staff shortages and retain quality employees
Support legislation to put public school academies and management companies on equal footing with traditional public schools on transparency, reporting, and treatment of employees

EXPLORE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Key Ways to Contact Your Legislator

PHONE CALL

Phone calls are a great way to make first contact with your legislator or an office staffer.

PERSONAL LETTER

Letters show a personal touch and make a lasting impression that will stand out.

General Advocacy Tips:

Be knowledgeable on a specific bill or issue, including the current status.
Use your own words. Tell how legislation will impact your district.
Select one or two persons to speak during a legislative meeting.
Be sure to have a clear “ask” or legislative proposal to offer.
Hold legislators accountable after asking them to take a position on a bill.
Show appreciation for your legislator taking your thoughts into consideration and be sure to say “thank you.”

EMAIL

Email is a safe bet to engage with legislators and allow for a more consistent connection.

SOCIAL MEDIA

This is the best public medium for communicating publicly. Many lawmakers have at least one social media account.

IN-PERSON LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS

Personal meetings invoke relationship-building and can make a greater impact.