20th Biennial CLUW Convention Details

CLUW member Stacey Jordan with Debbie Dingell (US Rep. D-MI 12 district)

As part of CLUW’s Spring Lobby Day/National Executive Board program about 45 enthusiastic members from 11 states spent April 10th preparing to lobby by reviewing legislative priorities, lobbying with their US representatives, senators or staff and then debriefed their day.

By all accounts it was a great experience – of course not everyone was greeted with a positive response, but the CLUW group was committed to continuing the process both at home and in DC and interested in spending even more time in preparation when this is done again.  

The Lobby Day Briefing included presentations from legislative experts (see the agenda) that took place at AFL-CIO headquarters in downtown Washington.  CLUW had targeted the following legislative priorities recently introduced in Congress: the Medicare for All Act of 2019, the Paycheck Fairness Act and the FAMILY Act.  APWU’s Legislative and Political Department gave an overview on lobbying tips.  In addition, a fact sheet on the Raise the Wage Act highlighting its importance was included in the kits (see lobby day information here).  The CLUW lobby group was given a list of bill sponsors so they knew how to approach those with whom they were meeting.     

Then off to the Hill where some of the group were able to catch a press conference when Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the Senate version of the Medicare for All Act of 2019 introduced that morning  – what great timing – see picture below.  

At the post briefing CLUW participants discussed their experiences and were encouraged to fill out their feedback forms which produced some interesting comments such as these: Karen Pearce of Derby City CLUW met with Katy Rowley, staffer of Rep. John Yarmuth (D KY 3rd district) along with Vera Newton, Phyllis Doleman, Kim Ashby and Edith Wright all of CLUW KY and noted that the congressman supported the Paycheck Fairness Act and Karen, a first timer at lobbying said, “it opened  my eyes.” New chapter president (Western VA) Kristy Vance met with staffer Lauren Marshall from Sen. Mark Warner’s office with her 2 young children (Hattie and James) and found out that the senator opposed the FAMILY Act – so more work ahead and we will be ready.  More photos here: 2019 Lobby Day Photo Album.

Derby City CLUW Chapter members L-R Phyllis Doleman, Kim Ashby, Vera Newton, Edith Wright, Karen Pearce, in front of Door Seal of Senator Mitch McConnell-(R- KY)

l-r Terri Myette, Sarah Reynolds, Carol Rosenblatt, Debra Donwerth at Sen. Sanders press conference.