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A Day of Influence in Sacramento, California 5/13/2008 April 28 marked the Lobby Day 2008: A Day of Influence in Sacramento event.
The event began with information by encouraging guest speakers such as Sen. Bob Margett, Assemblywoman Audra Strickland and Pacific Justice Institute's Kevin Snider. They learned lawmaking basics through an interactive session with CWA of California's Director of Legislation, Penny Harrington, and also received a briefing on the key points of opposition to the bill in question. Penny explains, "Child abuse is tragic and should be punished under the law … [but] A.B. 2943 is so broadly worded that it criminalizes even the act of spanking a child in order to correct inappropriate behavior. If law enforcement and social services are spread too thin by arresting and charging parents for disciplining their children in a loving manner, abused children will not receive the vital services they need to protect them from harm." This was one of several talking points used by attendees during their meetings with legislators.
Our citizen lobbyists then had an opportunity to witness a role playing session which taught them how to approach the meetings with each legislator and their staff. Organizers have found this part of the morning session to be very helpful, especially for those who have never lobbied before. CWA of California's State Director, Phyllis Nemeth, says, "Although there were several first timers who were naturally a bit apprehensive about lobbying, we took heart from the article CWA National Director Kenda Bartlett wrote for the April CWA Prayer Action Newsletter about sometimes needing to 'just show up,' and we became like Gideon!"
After the educational section of the day, each of the lobby teams headed to the Capitol for their appointments in the legislative offices of the Appropriations Committee members. One of our team leaders shared her strategy, saying, "As a group, we prayed before entering each office. I was particularly blessed with a sense of God's presence and the Holy Spirit's guidance over each thing that happened." Phyllis adds, "One of the teams reported that they were delighted to have an Assembly Member initiate prayer with them in their office. This opportunity was the highlight of their Lobby Day experience!"
Lobby Day 2008 in Sacramento was seen as a huge success by all involved. Several of the citizen lobby teams were encouraged by the reception they received and hope that the Assembly Members and their staff will carefully consider the ramifications of this bill. "Several lobby reports indicated that there was at least acknowledgement of, if not agreement, on our key points in their discussions with the aides," Penny says. "The bill has now been placed in the Appropriations Committee suspense file. This allows more time for Californians to share their concerns about this dangerous infringement on parental rights. We hope that our assembly members will see the folly in this bill and protect children who are truly being abused." For updated information regarding this bill and other important pieces of legislation in California, please visit the Targeted Bills page.
To get involved in CWA of California, go to California.cwfa.org or e-mail director@California.cwfa.org. If you would like to get involved with one of our other fine state organizations, please visit the CWA in the States site.
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Concerned Women for America 1015 Fifteenth St. N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 488-7000 Fax: (202) 488-0806 |
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