Registration for our 2025 Day at the Capitol is closed
Thursday, March 6 | 9 a.m. to Noon
Centennial Office Building, Ladyslipper Room
658 Cedar St., Saint Paul, MN 55155
PACER’s 2025 Day at the Capitol is an in-person event only.
Meetings with legislators may be scheduled outside of the 9 a.m. to noon timeframe to accommodate legislators' schedules.
Parents of and students with disabilities have important information and experience to share with policy makers that impacts systems change and improves outcomes for students throughout the state of Minnesota.
PACER realizes that it can be intimidating to share your story. However, legislators say repeatedly that what they hear from parents makes a difference. Your story is important; we will work with you to make sure you are comfortable sharing it.
- This workshop will train and assist you in working with your legislator for changes impacting children with disabilities.
- PACER's Day at the Capitol provides participants with tools to share their stories to affect such change.
- Participants receive information on pending and proposed legislation related to children with disabilities.
- PACER will also assist registrants to schedule appointments to meet with their legislators following the presentation.
Find information about visiting the Capitol, parking, and accessibility.
Schedule
- 9 a.m.: Check-in
- 9:30: Welcome and Introductions
Laura Jean, PACER Public Policy Coordinator
Tonia Teasley, PACER Executive Director
Gretchen Godfrey, PACER Associate Director - 9:45: Representative (TBD)
- 10:15: A brief history of parent advocacy
Rachel Pearson, PACER Parent Trainer & Advocate - 10:30: Legislative process and PACER legislative priorities
Natalia Madryga, PACER Lobbyist - 10:45: Senator (TBD)
- 11:15: The power of telling your story
Laura Jean, PACER Public Policy Coordinator - 11:30: Q & A
Laura Jean, Natalia Madryga, Gretchen Godfrey
Unable to attend? You can still get involved and make a difference. Contact your House and Senate representatives to share your concerns by calling their office or sending an email about what change you would like to see and why it matters to you.
- Use this template as a guide to help you draft your own letter.
- Read more about how to share your story.
- Learn more about the legislative process, your representatives, what committees they sit on, and follow how they vote on issues that matter to you.
- Sign up for legislative news and watch livestream coverage of our government in action.
This event is paid for using private funds.