Erin,

I called all three of them today, thanks for the headsup.  The conference committee is still in session.  Senator Leahy's staff person said, "you can rest assured that the Senator will be working hard for the maximum amount of dollars in the bill for conservation measures."  

Patrick Bosold
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: erin jordahl IA 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2002 12:52 PM
  Subject: Fwd: Farm Bill- Urgent Action Alert!


  THREE CALLS NEEDED - TODAY! 

  Folks,   

  A feisty alliance of progressive conservationists and family farmers 
  helped forge Senate farm bill legislation the New York Times has 
  called, "the most sweeping environmental legislation since the 1990 
  Clear Air Act."   

  Today in Washington, in congressional conference committee, these 
  gains are under heavy attack   We have all fought hard together 
  over the last year to improve farm policy.  There have been many 
  important crossroads, but none more important than this.   

  Rumors are spreading that agribusiness political influence is 
  pressuring key Senators in an attempt to rob conservation funding 
  and direct it to commodities payments which do nothing but 
  increase concentration and overproduction. 

  URGENT PRESSURE NEEDED on three key Senate Democrats 
  TODAY.   

  Please take a simple moment out of your busy day to call Senators 
  Daschle, Conrad and Lehay.   

  All three of them are serving on the farm bill conference committee. 
  This congressional body is now deciding the final outcome of the 
  Farm Bill, weighing the House and Senate versions. 
    
  Their support is absolutely necessary to stand up against 
  agribusiness and in support of conservation. 

  WHAT TO DO - THREE CALLS NEEDED 

  Call each Senator at the numbers listed below.  Ask to speak to the 
  staff member who is in charge of agriculture  If they are not in, 
  leave a message. (If you have time, send an email, too.  Though 
  calls are much more effective.) 

  Urge them to FIGHT HARD in conference in support of the Senate 
  level of funding for conservation programs.   Ask them to stand 
  against transferring conservation money to a commodity title which 
  favors the richest farmers and agribusiness policy.  Tell them you 
  support WHIP, FPP, GRP, the Conservation Security Program and 
  other conservation measures in the Senate farm bill. 

  TELL THEM WHO YOU ARE 

  If you are calling from a state they represent (South Dakota, North 
  Dakota, or Vermont.), be sure and tell them.   

  If you are calling from a another state, remind them that the 
  Senator swore an oath to represent the commonwealth of all states. 
  Politely remind them that their decision will effect the ability of all 
  states to arm farmers with powerful conservation tools. 

  PLEASE ACT TODAY and forward this alert to many. 

  Contact Information: 

  Senator Daschle (D-SD) 
  Washington  202-224-2321 
  Aberdeen: 605-225-8823 
  Sioux Falls: 605-334-9596 
  Rapid City: 605-348-7551 
  [log in to unmask] 

  Senator Conrad (D-ND) 
  Washington:  202-224-2043 
  Bismarck: 701-258-4648 
  Fargo: 701-232-8030 
  Grand Forks: 701-775-9601 
  Minot: 701-852-0703 
  [log in to unmask] 


  Senator Leahy (D-VT) 
  Washington: 202-224-4242 
  Burlington: 802-863-2525 
  Montpelier: 802-229-0569 
  [log in to unmask] 

  Many thanks, 

  Scotty Johnson 
  Defenders of Wildlife 
  Rural Outreach Program 
  [log in to unmask] 




  Erin Jordahl 
  Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club 
  3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280 
  Des Moines, IA 50310 
  515-277-8868 
  [log in to unmask] 
  [log in to unmask]