Legislative Program

Legislative Program

Carma Hanson - Department Chairmanlegislation@ndala.org

Carma Hanson – Department Chairman
legislation@ndala.org

Greetings!!

When we head into the new year during odd numbered years, our legislature is gearing up and starting their biennial legislative session. If that were the case this year, I would have lots to report on for upcoming bills that are being introduced for consideration, many of them impacting veterans. However, non-legislative years are quiet ones as it relates to trips to Bismarck to testify, writing letters to the editor, or attending legislative update sessions held in our communities to update constituents on the work being done in our state’s capitol.

That being said, this is a time when we need to keep our “eye on the ball”. We need to be aware that in our state at this time of year, districts will be holding their endorsing conventions to select candidates to run in the primary and fall election. This is a great time to promote causes important to our military and veterans so those seeking office know what their constituents want of them.

Here are some ways I would encourage you to engage in the process:

• Sign up to attend your Party’s district endorsing meetings. These can be held any time after the first of the year and are usually completed by March, allowing the candidates to file with the state by the April 8th deadline. Go to the meetings, meet the candidates, ask them questions and let them know what issues you would like them to support.

• Attend candidate fundraisers and share with them your position on legislative topics impacting veterans, the military or other topics that are important to you and your family.

• Have a conversation with potential or endorsed candidates when you meet them on the streets, at the post office or in church.

• Follow candidates on social media. “LIKE” their page and keep abreast of what topics they hope to promote and support during the legislative session.

• Sign up for your elected officials newsletters that they provide. These offer a glimpse into the projects they are working on and contain contact information so you can reach out to them with ideas, questions, feedback, etc.

While the cold days of winter may feel like a time to “curl up and be cozy”, don’t forget that lots is happening in our communities, state and nation. It is important for us to engage and remain active, even in non-legislative years. Because, fall will come, elections will happen, and the initiatives that we, as members of the American Legion Auxiliary, find important may be impacted by those who win the races in November—the same races that started in the cold months of January through March.

Carma Hanson – Chairman

Interested in the video link to the February 17th Advocacy training?  Send a message to legislation@ndala.org.

 

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