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Administrative: Legislation Committee
Photo by Bob Schamerhorn
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About The Legislation Committee
The function of this committee is to keep informed about major legislative issues affecting RAS, primarily at the state and local level. We make aware of National Audubon environmental and conservation policies in recommending policies or actions to the local chapter and provide information to the membership on issues before the General Assembly. This information is delivered via "The Thrasher" newsletter, at chapter meetings, or by the RAS listserve. We Develop the program for the annual Legislative/Conservation membership meeting in cooperation with the Conservation Chair and perform such other duties as the RAS Board may designate.
Legislative Committee Update 2007
As the saying goes, “The property of no one is safe while the Virginia General Assembly is in Session!” While January and February in Richmond may not be “the most wonderful time of the year,” it is arguably the most important where issues dear to our hearts are concerned. Accordingly, it is critical that we as voters and concerned conservationists speak up, apprise our legislators of our views on key issues, and in so doing participate in our legislative process. In addition to attending our January 18 legislative update meeting (at which we will have sign-on letters to legislators addressing key legislative issues), Richmond Audubon Society members have several other coordinated opportunities for conservation advocacy.
The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) will host its annual Legislative Action Day (“Lobby Day”) Monday, January 15. Lobby Day will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Valentine Richmond History Center located (just a few blocks from the state Capitol) at 1015 East Clay Street. After receiving an overview of key legislative concerns, participants will be asked to advocate with their legislators on behalf of conservation and environmental issues. VCN is a statewide coalition of more than 100 nonprofit organizations, including RAS. For more information, please visit the VCN’s Website at www.vcnva.org.
In addition, RAS members are invited to join the Conservation E-Action Virginia! (CAV!) e-mail alert system. This legislative action initiative of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters offers arguably the fastest and most simple opportunity to ensure that your voice is heard by your legislators. It takes just a minute or two to sign up for membership with the system, and participation is free of charge. In return, you will receive about ten legislative alerts during the Session regarding the most urgent conservation issues and the option to respond as you wish by registering your opinion by e-mail with your delegates and senators. As a former executive director of a state legislative agency, I know legislators read their e-mails, so don’t assume that your opinion is not important! The 2007 Session is a “short” Session, so please stay informed and know that time is of the essence when addressing legislation. The e-mail alert system Website address is http://capwiz.com/valcvef/state/main?state=VA.
Finally, the General Assembly has an excellent Website that includes information on Members, standing committees, bills and resolutions as introduced, amended, passed, and enacted, meetings, and daily floor minutes for each body (House and Senate). There’s also a “Who’s My Legislator?” link. Click on http://legis.state.va.us for the Assembly’s home page and on http://leg1.state.va.us for its legislative information system.
Thank you for your interest, your concern, and – most importantly – your participation!
Nancy Ambler
RAS Legislative Committee Chair
So what can you do?
Contact the Legislation Committee Chairperson to volunteer.
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