County leaders lobby in DC for projects in Orleans
Provided photos: Orleans County legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak are shown outside the U.S. Capitol during the National Association of Counties’ Annual Conference.
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
WASHINGTON, DC – Orleans County legislative leaders along with over 2,000 elected county officials nationwide attended the annual five-day conference for the National Association of Counties in Washington DC from February 9-13 and returned home yesterday.
The annual conference was at the Washington Hilton Hotel brings together elected officials from over 3,000 counties to focus on federal policy issues that impact county residents.
“We are fortunate to have effective representation in Congress and in the US Senate for our County,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson. “It is important that we advocate to as many of our federal leaders as we can who sit on powerful committees.”
Also attending were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and John Fitzak. The conference focused on Broadband, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Workforce Development, Health Care and Public Safety policies. The conference also was attended by President Joe Biden, who addressed the attendees Monday morning.
Orleans County legislators, along with Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, far left, take part in a discussion with staff for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, Orleans County officials met with Chiefs of Staff from the county’s two Congressional Representatives, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney NY-24 and Congressman Joe Morelle NY-25. They also met with key Agriculture Committee Members, Congressmen Nick Langworthy NY-23 and Marc Molinaro NY-19.
Discussions centered around Orleans specific needs and more funding for emergency management, first responders, seniors, infrastructure, public safety, harbor dredging and broadband projects. The Agriculture Committee is key to funding many projects in rural America.
“One of the most effective ways to represent our county on the federal level is to meet in person here in Washington,” Johnson said. “Working with staff from our representatives’ offices, we can better articulate our county’s needs. We are always appreciative of the financial support that we receive on behalf of our residents and are grateful to our representatives in Congress.”
The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.
