Sarah's Notes

Sarah Mullins is the MNACS Legislative and Govt Affairs Liaison (smullins35@hotmail.com)

MINNESOTA ‘CONGRESS MEETS A CHEMIST’ DAY

The week of Feb 19^th was ACS Contact Congress Week—coordinated efforts of local sections across the country, speaking to our federal legislators about ACS Public Policy Priorities.  This year the Minnesota Local Section stepped up to the task!

On the afternoon of Thursday February 22, 2007, six of our members went on group visits to the district offices of Rep. Bachmann, Rep. Ellison, Rep. McCollum, Sen. Coleman, and Sen. Klobuchar.

Most of the chemists had never before spoken to a Congressperson or their staff, but after a short orientation, we were ready to speak on two main policy points:  Federal R&D funding for the physical sciences and national standards for science and math education.

Two participants describe their experiences:

“In some ways, scientific research and science education are like Mom’s apple pie—no elected official would admit to being against them.  However, how that support translates into federal dollars is a key question.  We got no specific commitments, but then we didn’t ask for or expect any.  I hope that these initial contacts will lead to more interaction through which ACS members can more specifically present the case that on-going federal support for research, development, and education in science, mathematics, and technology is a prudent long term investment that will yield significant returns to the intellectual, innovative, and economic strength of this country.”

                        -Prof.  Emeritus, A. Truman Schwartz, Macalester College  (2006 George Pimentel Award Winner!!)

“During our visit to the offices of five congressional representatives today, I was heartened by the interest they, or their legislative aides, demonstrated in the importance of science education and research.  We started by introducing ourselves and giving some background about our areas of expertise and then fluidly discussed the importance of high expectations in educational standards and increased federal investment in research and development funding.  In some cases, our conversation veered a little off course (to the negative effects of calculators in high school math classes) or ended up in unexpected places (such as the importance of international communication and collaboration between scientists) but overall we made some good connections and offered ourselves, and the entire Minnesota section of the ACS, as resources for our Congressional representatives.  Today, I feel like a responsible citizen.”

                        -Prof. Christy Haynes, University of Minnesota

These comments highlight several important points.  First, scientists are rare in the Congress.  As chemists, we can serve as technical or science education experts—valuable resources—to our elected officials.  Second, we each have a story to tell, often from our path to becoming a professional chemist or from our current job.  Third, with our conversation, we initiated a relationship with the MN delegation of federal legislators.

This last point is incredibly important.  A solid relationship between MN ACS members and a member of Congress is what opens the door to chemists shaping public policy.  In our visits, we announced who we were, described the mission of the ACS, and also shared personal stories about the impact of R&D funding and science education standards on our own lives.  We will use this foundation in future visits to articulate specific requests for legislative action (such as support of a specific funding level for NSF in the next appropriation bill).

Nothing sticks to the minds of Congress members and their staffs like a constituent with a sincere belief on an issue showing up in their office to have a real and personal conversation about how to take action on that issue.  All the better to have 158,000 ACS members standing behind you! 

I am excited to continue this conversation on behalf of the MN ACS in April when I join members of the ACS Committee on Chemistry and Public Affairs for visits to Congress in Washington, D.C.  Watch for more local opportunities to participate throughout the year!

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http://acswebcontent.acs.org/government/action/index.html

Information on ACS Public Policy Priorities

http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/acsdisplay.html?DOC=government\index.html

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