Never Forget: Elected Officials Answer to You
Dear River Citizens,
Civic participation gets results. Your recent efforts to improve the Farm Bill would have made the founding fathers proud. Through our actions, River Citizens across America proved the heartbeat that created our country, the essential foundation of a representative government, is still a powerful force shaping our nation.
It was in June 2012, when we first raised River Citizen awareness about the important policies in the Farm Bill that affect the Mississippi River. We saw an opportunity to help our community by decreasing the devastating effects of flooding, droughts and erosion. We recognized the importance of modernizing policies to wisely protect land for future generations. We realized the health of the River, as well as the health of the people and wildlife that depend on it was at stake. In our hearts we knew it was an important challenge. And, as with most important struggles in life, it would be a long and difficult road to generate a bill of real value.
So together, for the last year and a half, we kept a close eye on the progress of the Farm Bill. Throughout the process, River Citizens stepped up, urging their representatives in Congress over and over to include two programs in particular in the final version of the bill, conservation compliance and the Sodsaver program, because they will save tax dollars and contribute towards a healthier Mississippi River.
Finally, we see the result of our diligence.These two programs that River Citizens rallied around are included in the final Farm Bill signed by the President last week! For more information on how the new Farm Bill will impact our mighty Mississippi, take a look at this guest blog: A New Farm Bill is a Victory for the Mississippi River by the Mississippi River Network’s Policy Manager, Claudia Emken.
The 1 Mississippi campaign encourages River Citizens to take ten actions that will help create a healthier River, one of which is contacting your representatives in Congress. This action made our top ten list because it makes a difference. And our recent Farm Bill success is proof.
To the many, many River Citizens who contacted your elected officials and spoke up for the River’s health, thank you!
Send a Thank You Note to Congress
We did our job telling Congress what was important to us, and Congress did its job listening to us, the people they represent. So often we spend time talking about the frustrating things that Congress has done, or failed to do. But it is just as important to encourage and appreciate good work.
Let’s take a moment to thank our Representatives for passing a Farm Bill that will result in a healthier Mississippi River. First, see how your Representative or Senator voted on the Farm Bill.
Then, if they voted in favor of the Bill, send them a quick “Thank you” through our Action Center or over social media (click here to find social media links to Members of Congress).
Yours with great respect and appreciation for your excellent work!
Annette Anderson
1 Mississippi Outreach Coordinator
Trivia Question:
According to Mississippi River Network policy experts, the Izaak Walton League of America, conservation compliance has saved nearly ________ tons of soil annually, keeping America’s good dirt on the land instead of it floating down the River.
(Hint: This amount of soil is equivalent to the weight of 44.8 million elephants!)
a. 3 million
b. 30 million
c. 100 million
d. 300 million