Action Packed Morning

This morning was a power action morning.

Here is what I took action on:

Farm to School Bill
I emailed thank yous to Senator Risser and Rep Berceau for sponsoring the Farm to School Bill (AB 746. There is a public hearing on this bill this Wed, but I have to work. More information on the bill? Want to tell your legislators to support?

Independant DNR: this is heating up. There will be a vote to over ride the Governor's veto this Tuesday, Feb 23. This is a big deal. If we want the DNR to support policy that is in line with science our best chance is to make sure the DNR is not a political appointee. This decision will have long term impact for Wisconsin's environment.
Want to know more? Want to contact your legislators?

Clean Energy
Russ Feingold is holding some listening sessions to see if there is support for a clean energy bill. Again, since I work I can't get there in person...so I emailed him to let him know I support his efforts. Want more information on this?

Better Late than Never

I brought my camera to Conservation Lobby Day and took photos..and am just now putting together a thank you for both Risser and Berceau. Here is what I said

Dear Senator Risser:

Thank you for meeting with us on Conservation Lobby Day and for you continued leadership on conservation issues. I am proud to be represented by a legislator who is working to preserve and protect the natural resources of Wisconsin for the long term.

This thank you is being sent on behalf of the approximately 500 caring Wisconsin residents who took time off work or other commitments to spend the day at the capital to make sure the message is clear: Most Wisconsin residents care deeply about our environment.

Thank you again for your 100% conservation track record.

Conservation Lobby Day

Here I am with Terese Berceau and our Lobby Day group. We met with two legislators ( my other one was Senator Risser) and asked for their support on the four conservation priorities.

Both Risser and Berceau have a 100% track record on conservation issues. So we were there to thank them and ask them to take a leadership role.

Here are the Conservation Priorities for 2010

* Preserve Groundwater: Wisconsin's Buried Treasure: manage Wisconsin's groundwater resources to preserve lakes, streams, wetlands and drinking water supplies.
* Stop Global Warming in Wisconsin: address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation.
* Restore Conservation Integrity: return Wisconsin to an Independent DNR Secretary and a timely appointment of Natural Resource Board members.
* Protect Wisconsin's Drinking Water: protect Wisconsin's drinking water supplies by making sure we safely spread agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste.

Conservation Lobby Day

I have been struggling about what to do this year related to policy work. We need big changes to protect our environment..and big change means policy change. But which organization? Which policy? I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of issues and environmental organizations. And ( research shows) when you get overwhelmed...you go to your default option...which for me is...do nothing.

So I've decided, in order to make it easier, my goal is to pick one policy advocacy issue a month.

This month, I've signed up to go to Conservation Lobby Day, on Jan 26. This is a well organized event, with clear conservation priorities. They have a track record of success. It means a day of work...but it is a day well spent where I meet people who have similar values to mine.

If you are in WI and interested in going..check it out. There is no cost and they provide training.