Equality Texas Lobby Day FAQ

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2009 Lobby Day FAQs:

Where will the training be?

Lobby Day training on Monday, March 2nd will be in the State Capitol Extension Auditorium, room E1.004

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What is the schedule for Lobby Day?
- Sunday, March 1st
- 5:30 - 7:30 pm Opening Welcome Reception (Doubletree Hotel Austin -University)
- 7:30 - 9:00 pm Transgender Caucus (Wildflower Room, Doubletree Hotel)
- Monday, March 2nd
- 8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast & Check-In (First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca St.)
- 9:00 am Press conference on the South Steps
- 9:30 am Photo Opportunity on the South Steps
- 10:00 – 11:00 am Lobby Training (Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004)
- 11:00 – 12:00 pm Team Lobby Visits
- 12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch provided by Equality Texas at First United Methodist Church
- 1:00 – 2:00 pm Team lobby visits and Constituent visits with your Legislators
- 2:00 – 3:00 pm Debrief and write thank you letters (Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004)
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What do I wear?

Appropriate dress in the Capitol is business casual, as if you were going to a business meeting. Bear in mind that you will do quite a bit of walking around the Capitol and standing in legislators offices, so wear comfortable shoes. We will provide nametags for everyone to wear on Lobby Day.
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Will I be talking with legislators alone?

As you check-in at the Lobby Day training, you will be assigned to a lobbying team with 2 to 5 other citizen lobbyists. Your team will make walk-in visits to the legislative offices assigned to you. After all offices on your assigned list have been visited, the team may either report back to the Capitol Auditorium room E1.004 for more assignments, or you can go as individuals to visit your own State Representative and State Senator.
Your Lobby Team will receive:
- Legislative history for each of the legislators assigned to your team.
- A lobby packet to distribute to each legislative office you visit.
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Where do I park?

Parking is available in the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto located between Trinity and San Jacinto Streets at 12th and 13th streets. Parking is free for the first two hours and $.75 for each half hour thereafter (maximum daily charge: $6.00); accessible parking is available with accessible routes to the Capitol. Metered spaces are available throughout the complex.

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Will there be transportation from the Doubletree Hotel Austin - University?

Equality Texas is providing Enterprise Rent-a-Car shuttle vehicles for Lobby Day. Equality Texas volunteers will operate the shuttles from the Doubletree Hotel Austin - University to the Capitol on Monday morning. Return service from the Capitol to the Doubletree will operate on Monday afternoon. The Doubletree Hotel Austin - University is located at 1617 North IH-35. Discounted room rates of $109 can be booked by calling 512-479-4000 and specifying "Equality Texas Discount Rate".
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Will meals be provided?

Continental breakfast and a boxed lunch will be provided free of charge by Equality Texas on Lobby Day. Vegetarian options will be available. Participants are responsible for any special dietary needs. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the First United Methodist Church, located across the street from the Capitol at 1201 Lavaca Street.
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Where is the Sunday Opening Reception?

Equality Texas invites all Lobby Day participants to an Opening Reception on Sunday, March 1st from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The reception, which will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Austin - University, will include complimentary hors d´oeuvres and a cash bar. Come mingle with supportive legislators and your fellow Lobby Day participants.
A Transgender Caucus will follow the reception at 7:30pm in the Hotel's Wildflower Room. The Doubletree Hotel Austin - University is located at 1617 North IH-35.
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Do I have to buy a ticket for the Sunday Opening Reception?

The Opening Reception is free and open to all Lobby Day participants, their friends, and their families. Please RSVP for the reception when you register for Lobby Day.
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Do I have to check out of the hotel Monday morning before going to the Capitol?

Doubletree guests should check out of the hotel Monday morning prior to proceeding to the Capitol. Luggage can be checked at the hotel and retrieved Monday afternoon upon return from the Capitol.
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How long will I be at the Capitol?

Lobby Day begins with breakfast at 8 a.m., and all activities should be completed by 3 p.m.
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What time will lobby day end?

Lobby Day events should be concluded by 3 p.m.
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If we have a bus, where should we park it?

If your group is chartering a bus, please make hotel parking arrangements directly with the Doubletree Hotel Austin - University. Their phone number is 512-479-4000. Bus loading and unloading at the Capitol is on the east side of the Capitol Building, on Brazos Street between 12th and 13th Streets. Bus parking near the Capitol is located on San Jacinto Street between 13th and 14th Streets; and on Trinity Street between 12th and 15th Streets. See map at Question #5.
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Where are LGBT-friendly restaurants for dinner near the Capitol?

Most Austin restaurants are LGBT-friendly.
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Will bathrooms be accommodating to transgender participants?

Every effort will be made to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety at the Capitol on Lobby Day. Should questions, comments or concerns about Capitol facilities arise, please contact an Equality Texas staff member.
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Will there be child care during lobby day?

Equality Texas welcomes all family members to Lobby Day. Your children are an important part of your personal story and we encourage you to bring them. We are not, however, able to provide professional childcare services. Parents should use their own discretion as to whether or not to bring their children.
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Will there be a rally on Sunday?

There will not be a “rally” on Sunday. Please join Equality Texas and our supportive legislators for the Opening Reception on Sunday evening at the Doubletree Hotel Austin - University, 1617 North IH-35.
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