Legislative
Director:
James Ballard
139 Sanderson Rd.
Milton, 05468
E-Mail: jamesbmilton@comcast.net
Tel: 802-893-7734
The goal of the Legislative Committee is to help every Grange member become an advocate for the various Grange policies to any citizen and especially to any official at the local, state, and national level.
It is the duty of the Legislative Director and Legislative Committee to report on issues being discussed and acted upon by National and State offices.
We encourage and support legislative nights where the Legislative Chairman invites local, state and national officials to a Grange Meeting. We encourage all Grange members to attend the Legislative Day where our local and State officials not only receive the Grange Policy Book but have an opportunity to meet with Grange members.
Each Grange is encouraged to write at least one resolution for State Convention. Make sure to invite your State Legislative Director or a member of the Legislative Committee to your Legislative night.
Each Grange is encouraged to write at least one resolution for State Convention. Make sure to invite your State Legislative Director or a member of the Legislative Committee to your Legislative night.
Mission Statement
To guarantee Grange legislative initiatives on State matters for the good of all Vermonters.
We should strive to have a sound environment for farming, education, health, and taxes and educate all Grange members to the workings of the government and encourage awareness and interest at all levels from national to community.
As the new Legislative Director it has taken some time for me to learn about the position. There are several changes in the State legislative focus and operation.
- For the Legislative Day in Montpelier all Grange members are invited, however, every Legislative Chair will be strongly encouraged to attend.
- The Day itself will include a tour of the State House, as well as a luncheon with possibly at least two main course offerings.
- Topic and speakers selected by the Legislative Director and Committee. The Lobbyist may suggest speakers and make the official invitations.
The Policy Book will remain the same unless sections are changed by voting members at the state session. Three legislative workshops will be planned for Pomona and subordinate Grange legislative Chairs in 2006.
The Grange should advocate for the many polices that are approved at the State Session throughout the year.
We strongly suggest that Legislative chairs be given a selection of issues to study and report on to their Pomona or subordinate Granges throughout the year. This may give more substance to their reports, encourage resolutions and certainly will create a more concerted understanding of the issues throughout the State.
Legislative Committee will suggest some key issues that a particular Grange could follow and discuss. For example a Grange may discuss one of the following issues; ancient roads, health care, genetically- engineered seeds, Stem Cell research, run- off elections, alternative energy. A Legislative Chair is still free to pick their topic to follow, not only for the sake of local choice, but there may be a surprise ” hot issue” that takes center stage. Our Lobbyist and Legislative Committee will provide resources and material on some of the main topics.
Legislative Events for 2006
- Legislative Workshop (date TBD) for Legislative Chairs and interested guest.
Possible Workshop Agenda:
Opening Remarks: Importance of the Legislative Chair Office and Legislative Committee.
Lobbyist role and importance
How a bill becomes Law
An overview of committees for both the House and Senate in Montpelier .
Grange Resolutions formulation
- Legislative event in Washington D.C.
- Legislative Day at the State House
- State Session /Resolutions
Region 1- Larry Lynch
64 East Putney Falls Rd.
Putney, 05346
Tel: 802-387-5745
Region 2- Raymond Roberts
PO Box 4
South Pomfret
Tel: 802-457-1652
Region 3- Jean Henske
PO Box 583
Bomoseen, 05732
Tel: 802-468-8746
Region 4- James Bulger
447 VT RT 25
West Topsham, 05086
E-Mail: jbulger@vermontel.net
Tel: 802-439-5259
Region 5- Ruth Sicley
270 Eagle Ledge Rd.
Worcester, 05682
Tel: 802-223-7961
Region 6- Hazel Prindel
3768 Spear St.
Charlotte, 05445
Tel: 802-425-2048
Region 7- Andy Burdick
235 Main St. Apt A
Winooski, 05404
E-Mail: andy_pam1@juno.net
Tel: 802-655-7679
Region 8 Ira Trombley
93 Pearl St.
Grand Isle, 05458
Tel: 802-372-4030
Region 9- Albert Bowen
98 Hill Lane
Arlington, 05250
Tel: 802-375-9366
Legislative Alerts
Alert 12 - Part D Experience
Tell Us Your Medicare Part D Experience
04/07/06
How has the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) worked for you or a member of your family so far? Please let us know how well the Medicare Part D is serving you. The National Grange was a strong supporter of passage of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Now we are working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the Medicare Part D program in rural communities across the nation. Your stories will become a good grassroots voice when the National Grange gives a guideline to CMS and other policy makers for better Part D service. Your information will remain confidential, unless we ask for your permission to disclose your identity.
We want to hear about your experiences or your family's experiences.
You may include the following in your story:
- Your age and the drug plan you chose
- Information resources you most rely on
- Costs savings from the new drug benefit
- Difficulties in understanding and choosing a right plan
- Sign-up process you've gone through
- Benefits from the Grange Part D awareness programs
- Any concerns or comments on a particular issue you have (for example, as a patient with chronic disease or a patient with a limited income)
- If you or a member of your family are eligible for Part D and have not signed up for the benefit, please share with us your reasons why.
Please send your story to the National Grange at chwang@nationalgrange.org
May 15, 2006 is the deadline to apply for the Medicare Part D program. You will have to wait until November 15 to enroll if you miss the deadline and you will pay an additional 1 percent penalty on top of your regular premiums for every month you delay enrolling.
More detailed information about Part D is available at www.medicare.gov
If you want to learn about the Grange Part D awareness programs, please contact DoriAnn Gedris at 1-888-447-2643 (x107) or at dgedris@nationalgrange.org
If you have any questions or comments please contact Legislative Research Analyst Chil-Sook Hwang by e-mail: chwang@nationalgrange.org by fax: 202-347-1091 or by phone: 1-888-4GRANGE, ext 109.
Are you a Grange member who is interested in discussing public policy issues with other Grange members? CLICK HERE
Thank you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative program
Agriculture
