National Affairs and Legislation 2016
Carole Obernesser
Raining and cold the last week in February, Jane Ellison, Mary Bruce Rae-Grant and I set out together, Jane at the wheel, MB co-piloting, and I making sure we had sustenance for our journey to represent and bring our GCA messages to DC. We joined over two hundred and eighty other GCA delegates to the 33rd annual conference. For the next three days we listened to more than thirty speakers. This year's conference was politically balanced with senators and representatives reaching across the political aisle to update and educate us on all the legislative initiatives. We also listened to key environmental leaders in private and public sectors.
For our final day at the conference, along with other Zone X Ohio representatives, we were off to meet with our Ohio Senators. Jane lead the charge as we all lobbied the staffs of our Ohio U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman. We had a opportunity to attend a coffee that Senator Brown held for his constituents, and were fortunate to be able to express our concerns directly to him. He followed up after the coffee with a personal note regarding our efforts. Senator Portman was unable this year to meet with us but we had a very strong meeting with one of his top aides. We all felt very positive about our efforts but so much more is needed. Please check our GCA website as well as CONWATCH that has wonderful articles regarding conservation issues. We all are a part of such a strong and powerful club that makes a difference everyday through what each of us can contribute to help our environment.
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