| MAY 2, 2011 -- Do you see some problem that needs addressing? Maybe you have a suggestion to make something better or want to suggest a change in something. If you do have an idea, now is the time act. The strength of our Grange comes from you. A recent press release from the National Grange described the Grange as being founded in 1867 to help Civil War ravaged farmers recover. The Grange has evolved into being our nation’s leading rural advocacy organization and a major benefactor to local communities. The basic precepts of the Grange are its “grass roots” policy developments. Write your idea in a form of a resolution and ask your Community Grange to support it. Then pass it on to your Pomona Grange for their support.
ALL Community Grange resolutions need to be passed through their Pomona Granges before being sent on to State Grange. The Pomona Grange is the legislative body of the Grange. This adds another set of eyes to refine resolutions and clarify their meaning if needed. It also educates other grangers in your area as to the need which can increase support when it is presented to the delegates at the State Grange session. Remember that Pomona Granges do not meet as often as Community Granges, so don’t wait to submit your idea. If you are not sure how to write a resolution, go to the State Grange website under the Legislative page. Select the ‘Tools Available for Download’ and look for the ‘How Grange Policy Works Flyer’. This flyer instructs you how to compose a resolution. You can also contact any member of the State Grange Legislative Committee for assistance.
The National Grange has reacted to the Postal Regulatory Commissions advisory opinion regarding the United State Postal Service’s (USPS) recommendation to reduce mail service from 6 to 5 days a week as a cost savings measure. The Regulatory Commission felt that projected savings were overstated and that the USPS neglected to evaluate the impact on customers and businesses in rural communities. Broadband, making high-speed internet available or affordable, has not reached all rural areas so many people still rely on the USPS for communication. The Grange recommends that the USPS look more closely to the impact that reducing this service will have on rural communities and take that into consideration before any action is taken.
The Connecticut General Assembly is in its final month of its session. The State Budget is still the main topic of conversation. Governor Malloy has spent quite a bit of time traveling around Connecticut to convey his budget message and asking for input from state residents. Past history has shown that the budget is normally brought to the floor and passed in the last days of the Legislative Session. Many negotiations are taking place behind the scenes to finalize the budget and usually continue right up to the final vote. In the meantime, many other bills will have been passed from the committees through the Legislative Commissioners Office for review and sent on to the floor of either the House or Senate for action. As these bills come up for vote, we may be contacting Granges for support or opposition of these bills as they are acted upon. |
