40 Grange members advocate during 2012 Fly-In

This week, 40 Grange members representing 12 states visited Washington, D.C., for the 2012 National Grange Legislative Fly-In.

Grangers made their way into more than 50 legislative offices to meet with their Senators and Representatives in Congress to advocate on behalf of the Grange, its policies and mission.

 “It’s wonderful to see Grange members continuing the heritage of our organization in influencing the important legislative issues of the day,” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said. “I’m so proud of our members who took the time to educate their representatives in Congress on the issues important to rural Americans.”

Rural broadband, Farm Bill 2012, reform of the United States Postal Service, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, and several other issues affecting rural America were the main issues Grange members advocated for while in the nation’s capital.

Members heard from several speakers related to these issues while at the Fly-In.

Billy Tauzin, former House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman and current senior counsel to the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, spoke to members Monday morning about fraud plaguing the Medicare and Medicaid and what they can do to ensure the success and survival of these essential programs.

Mike Stranz, Government Relations Representative of the National Farmer’s Union, gave members an overview Monday morning of the current Senate and House versions of the 2012 Farm Bill and what they mean to rural America.

Michael Scuse, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, briefed members on Tuesday morning about the state of American agriculture, the USDA’s priorities for 2012, and what the USDA hopes to see included in the 2012 Farm Bill.

TracFone Government Relations Director Jose Fuentes spoke to members Tuesday afternoon regarding TracFone programs such as Low Income Lifeline and Wireless Lifeline, and how these and other programs can be of use in rural areas.

Potomac Grange #1, Washington, D.C., awarded scholarships to two Grange youth, Joseph Stefenoni, Santa Rosa, Calif., and Nathan Strawder, Park City, Kan., and one youth couple, Chris and Lisa Bowen, Spokane Valley, Wash.

“We are always happy to award scholarships to deserving youth who wish to learn more about the legislative process and speak to their elected officials about the issues rural America faces,” said Leroy Watson, vice president of Potomac Grange.

View Additional Photos from the 2012 Legislative Fly-In (click on image to enlarge)