California State Grange Fly-In contingent in front of National Grange Headquarters.
(l-r)Randall Lewis, Leo Bergeron, Julie Clausen, Kathryn Van Tuyl, and Linda Lewis.
Posted on 06/17/2003 12:24:50 AM PDT by farmfriend
Fly-in Focuses On Grassroots Advocacy
By Julie Clausen, Executive Director
The Eighth Annual Fly-In hosted by the National Grange in May was attended by Grange members from 16 states. Items on the agenda included sessions on Grassroots Legislative Programs, Transportation Policy for Rural America, Addressing the Needs of Rural Victims of Crime; The National Victim Services in Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, and Pending Legislation to Reform Federal Health Care Programs and their Impact on Rural America. Jerry Hagstrom, Senior Agricultural Reporter for the National Journal spoke on The Politics of Agriculture Today in Washington, D.C.
State Master Leo Bergeron, Executive Director Julie Clausen, Legislation Chairman Randy Lewis, Linda Lewis, and Conservation and Environment Committee Chairman Katherine Van Tuyl attended.
One of the focus topics for this Fly-In was Endangered Species Act (ESA) reform. The National Grange has put out a Blueprint for Rural America that is a fairly good tool; however, the California State Grange contingent took exception to the section on ESA Reform.
California State Grange Fly-In contingent in front of National Grange Headquarters.
(l-r)Randall Lewis, Leo Bergeron, Julie Clausen, Kathryn Van Tuyl, and Linda Lewis.
Conservation and Environment Committee Chairman, Katherine Van Tuyl stated, “It’s not what the ranchers and farmers I know want.” Van Tuyl continued, “The ESA does take into account the custom, culture, and economic health of communities; it’s our job to make sure those provisions, as originally intended by Congress, are adhered to. Also, we should look closely at the part of the document that ‘allow(s) state governments to manage local habitats...including authority to exempt any business, farmer, rancher or landowner who complies with a state ESA law’.” Van Tuyl explained that State ESA laws do not currently affect private land, and advised strongly that we should not lobby to change that. It is important to note that the federal ESA does not have any authority over private land, unless there is a federal nexus, as through a permit. For these reasons the California State Grange representatives constructed our own white paper for presentation to the Congressional Members visited.
There was also a World Trade Organization (WTO) Update that gave four perspectives on the status of Agricultural Trade Provisions in the Doha Round of World Trade Organization Negotiations. Representation from France, China, Australia and the United States spoke at this session. Predictably, each felt that they had ideal solutions to fair agricultural trade issues worldwide. About the only thing agreed upon was the need for further negotiations.
The U.S. is focused on world market access barriers such as uneven tariffs and production costs, elements such as environmental regulations that drive up costs to deliver U.S. goods to world markets higher than those countries with no such added financial expense. Food safety issues were also touched upon but obviously more must be done to protect our food supply both internally (within the U.S.) and externally (from imported foods and inspection procedures outside of the U.S.). The gentleman from France spoke on behalf of the European Union (EU) and said that the EU farmers do not want an agreement citing market access issues.
It appears that an agreement is along way off. There is another meeting of the principals scheduled for Cancun, Mexico in September of 2003 and with the deadline for this trade agreement of January 1, 2005 looming, negotiators still have much work ahead.
The California State Grange attendees participated in a press conference held jointly between the National Grange and Pfizer, Inc. The press conference was held to announce new efforts to provide reduced cost prescription drugs to America’s Senior Farmers and Rural Seniors in 31 states. The Pfizer Share Card program is set up for elder Americans who are at 200% of poverty level so that they may purchase their Pfizer prescription drugs for a flat fee of $15.00 per prescription per month. While this represents a financial burden for some who require several costly prescriptions each month, it would be considerably less than the costs incurred for needed medications that currently run from $80.00 to $120.00 monthly. This is not an insurance plan and there is no cost to sign up. There are income and other restrictions to eligibility.
All in all, it was a successful Fly-In. We had good meetings at both of our Senators’ offices as well as with several House Members’ offices. It would be great if California would send more delegates next year, so please keep this in mind and perhaps consider sending someone from your individual Grange or from your Pomona Grange. This would also be an excellent experience for any young adult or youth member over the age of 12 (accompanied by an adult). Contact Julie Clausen at the State Grange office for more information on any of the material contained in this article at (916) 454-5805 x 12.
You all need to sign up for your print version of the Grange News. Best paper in the state.
Profile:
Julie Clausen comes from grassroots involvement in timber and natural resource issues. She has been a member of California Women in Timber (CWIT) since 1990 and has served on the CWIT Board of Directors for the past three years; 2 years as 2nd Vice President, 3 years on Legislation Committee, with the past two years as the Legislation Chairman, and as the Parliamentarian for the past 18 months. She has also maintained a membership with the Shasta County Cattlewomens Association since 1999.
Her employment history includes having had the honor to have worked for California Congressman Frank D. Riggs, of the 1st. Congressional District during the historic 104th Congress and again served during the 105th Congress. She began her employment with Representative Riggs initially as office support staff in his Eureka District Office in Humboldt County and was promoted into working on timber and natural resource issues and Veterans' casework management.
After the Congressman retired from public office, Julie was invited to join the staff of California State Senator K. Maurice Johannessen of the 4th Senate District in the Redding District Office. She served in the position of District Representative that covered Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties for Senator Johannessen. Her focus remained on Veterans and natural resource issues but she was also responsible for the various District concerns, such as transportation, business, health and education. Julie remains a strong advocate for private property rights, timber, ranching, mining, and recreational activities.
Julie is a Vietnam era veteran. She holds a degree in Art from Humboldt State University and has 20 years experience in management of a family owned business. She is married, has raised four sons, and has six grandchildren.
I just asked my son about her and he said she married a Clausen here but not sure which side of the family. We were very close with Frank Riggs. He was a member of the "Gang of Seven" from 1994.
No relation; although I'd claim him in a New York minute! Incredible man; a true patriot and a dear friend.
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