Advocacy for Nonpoint Source Programs in 2008

Nonpoint Source Leaders:

The time to act is now! Congress will make initial funding decisions for most major Great Lakes programs by spring 2008. The first three months of the year are a critical window of opportunity to advocate for federal programs that support soil conservation. Soil conservation districts and stakeholder groups are uniquely positioned to communicate funding needs to Congress. National leaders in Washington, D.C. value and respect your input but they must hear from you! Make your voices heard for restoring and protecting the Great Lakes!

Great Lakes Commission Congressional Priorities for

FY 2009 - Nonpoint Source Programs (PDF)

Recommended Strategies and Timeline for Congressional Advocacy

Step 1: Write to your Congressional Representatives (February-March) Letters from soil conservation districts and stakeholder groups are important for conveying local support for nonpoint source funding.

• Modify the Sample Letters (personalize as much as possible) and send to your Senators, your local Representative, and the to members of the Senate and House Appropriation Committees (see below for Contact Information).

  - If your organization has received support or otherwise benefited from a specific program, mention what was accomplished. Alternatively, mention what you could do if you were to receive support.

  - You can also include a program Fact Sheet with your letter:

  • U.S. Farm Bill Reauthorization (PDF)
  • Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (PDF) -- (Click here for state-specific fact sheets)
  • Great Lakes Tributary Modeling Program (PDF)
  • Clean Water Act Section 319 Program Backgrounder (PDF)

   

• In addition to mailing your letter, FAX a copy of your letter and program Fact Sheet. Faxes are faster and do not go through the radiation security machines for DC Congressional offices.

 

• Urge others in your community to also write letters, including mayors, Chambers of Commerce, and community groups.

Step 2: Meet with your Congressional representatives during upcoming Congressional District Work Periods (March 17-28, May 24-31, and August 11-September 5)

Request in-person meetings with your Congressional representatives during these district work periods to discuss conservation efforts in your area and highlight the need for continued federal funding for nonpoint source programs.

Step 3: Arrange tours of your conservation districts/projects for your Congressional representatives

District work periods and the August recess are good times to take Congressional representatives on tours of your projects. Point out areas where nonpoint source program work is under way.

Contact Information for your Members of Congress

•  Illinois
•  Indiana
•  Michigan
•  Minnesota
•  New York
•  Ohio
•  Pennsylvania
•  Wisconsin

The Congressional and Executive Budget Process

The congressional budget timetable sets April 15 as a target date for completion of the annual budget resolution. However, Congress usually does not meet this deadline. For more information on the budget process, see:

•  Congressional Budget Process (PDF)
•  Executive Budget Process (PDF)