March 23, 2005
After a long day of lobbying I can happily relay to you that the raw milk bill is very close to being passed in the Tennessee House Agriculture Committee. We are very close to having a majority (8) of Yes’s on the committee. I have two more meetings tomorrow and should know something more by then.
The committee has also expressed an interest in having Mr. Mark McAfee (Organic Pastures) come and speak to them about the issue. [Mark just spoke last weekend in western Pennsylvania (sponsored by Elise Stephinson and Carrie Hahn) and in Toledo, Ohio on Monday (sponsored by Kris Johnson). Mark is an exceptional speaker and very passionate about raw milk].
I wanted to write and let you know about a few more legislators that are on the fence and could use a flurry of calls, emails or visits about the bill. If you are long distance, you can call 1-800-449-8366 and dial by last name spelling.
They are:
Rep. Steve McDaniel (615) 741-0750
Rep. Stratton Bone (615) 741-7086
Rep. Bill Baird (615) 741-3335
Rep. John Litz (615) 741-6877
Rep. Johnny Shaw (615) 741-4538
These guys really really need calling. Tell them you support the bill because it allows us the freedom of choice with our milk and allows for safe clean raw milk as well.
I appreciate everyone’s help so far. Some Reps have told me they have never received so many calls and letters about ANY bill they have worked on.
The Reps that are definitely voting FOR the bill are:
Rep. Frank Nicely
Rep. Chris Clem
Rep. Chris Crider
Rep. Delores Gresham
Rep. Jack Sharp
Rep. Eric Swafford
I have yet to meet with Gene Davidson (615) 741-3979 and Bill Dunn. I think Dunn is in favor of the bill. Gene Davidson is going to be a harder sell. He also might be a good one to flood with calls.
Thanks!
Shawn Dady, shawn (at) sunsetblvdstudios.com
Tennessee Chapter Leader
Leave a Reply