Government Affairs and Advocacy (GAA) Committee
The Government Advocacy and Affairs (GAA) committee helps to educate Junior League members about those important issues affecting our local communities, build awareness of the Junior League with local officials and legislators, and inform League members of the legislative process and how to influence legislation.
In order to accomplish our objectives, each of the Michigan Junior Leagues participates in the Michigan State Council (MSC) of Junior Leagues’ State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC), by contributing financial and volunteer support. SPAC reviews proposed legislation affecting issues of interest to League members related to the issues of foster care reform and sexual and intimate partner violence, along with identifying areas of need where we might initiate legislation. SPAC is a model for other leagues across The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. and we are the go-to Leagues for information on how to proactively influence legislation at AJLI conferences.
SPAC has a nearly thirty-year relationship with Capitol Services, a Lansing-based woman-owned lobbying firm that helps us monitor legislation of interest. Capitol Services representatives provide informative updates on the status of bills to SPAC members at the monthly SPAC meetings.
Our current statewide focus is to combat the human trafficking of women and children, through anti-trafficking and victim protection laws and to improve the foster care system by ensuring that legislation is in place to protect foster children and families.
Together with the MSC, SPAC hosts a Day at the Capitol in Lansing, which is an opportunity for us to advocate in the legislative process.
Recent Achievements
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Passing of Public Act 0489, Passing of Public Act 0490, Passing of Public Act 0632 known as “The Children’s Assurance of Quality Foster Care” and also known as “Foster Children’s Bill of Rights”
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The Honorable Brigette McCormack Michigan’s Supreme Court Chief Justice as a guest speaker at the 2019 Day at the Capital
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Governor Gretchen Witmer as a guest speaker at the 2019 Day at the Capital
GAA and SPAC Meetings
Anyone interested in GAA as a future placement is encouraged to attend one of the scheduled committee meetings and MSC trainings.
SPAC meetings are held the second Saturday of the month from 9:00-11:00am. These meetings are held either via conference call or in person in Lansing. Please contact a GAA member for specifics.
Resources
Background Statement about Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence (PDF)
Contact us
For additional information, please email spac@jlgreatlakesbay.org
Previous Day at the Capitol Adventures
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