Student to lobby on Capitol Hill
CHSBS Under Discussion
Volume 10, No. 2
Fall 2007
Kyle Lawrence
CMU
graduate student Kyle Lawrence addresses a group of youth at the
National Farmers Union’s annual All-States Leadership Camp in
Bailey, Colorado.
Master of Public Administration student Kyle Lawrence has
been selected to attend a National Farmers Union legislative fly-in
in September.
The legislative fly-ins allow members to gather in the
nation’s Capitol and help acquaint members of Congress with the
challenges family farmers and ranchers currently face across rural
America.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to get lobbying
experience,” said Lawrence. “I will have the chance to meet senators
and House members and educate them on the importance of relevant
agricultural issues.”
Lawrence received a grant from the National Farmers Union
to cover his expenses for the fly-in and will join others from
throughout Michigan in representing the Michigan Farmers Union.
The fly-in will address issues such as country of origin
labeling, the 2007 farm bill, and other current agriculture issues
such as Ethanol and its economic and agricultural effects on society
when used as fuel.
“Events such as the fly-in provide the chance for
passionate citizens to express the voices, and viewpoints of the
citizens who they represent,” said Lawrence. “This is the highlight
of my academic career thus far. All political science students dream
of lobbying on the Hill, and I get to do it.”
Lawrence, a Swartz Creek native, began an internship at
the National Farmers Union administrative headquarters in Denver in
June, which is when he first showed interest in attending the
fly-in. As an intern, Lawrence worked under the vice president, the
director of co-operatives and director of education, helping to
arrange various workshops, camps and events.
