ACTION ALERT: Co-sponsors needed for H.R. 1054 - The Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration and Promotion Act

[The following announcement comes from Krissa Skogen, Conservation and Land Management Internship Program Manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden]: 

As botanical scientists, we are thrilled to announce that The Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration and Promotion Act (aka the “Botany Bill”; bill number H.R. 1054) was introduced by Representative Quigley (D-IL) and co-sponsor Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) last week!

To immediately take action, go to the AIBS Action Alert Page

Background info:

Read the official Bill, a summary of the main points, and the press release about the Bill from Representative Quigley. To-date, 62 professional organizations have endorsed the bill. Updates on the progress of the Bill can be found on the Plant Conservation Alliance Resources page. You can also track the Bill’s progress.

Your help is needed!

Now that the Bill has been formally introduced, we are actively seeking additional co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle. If you support the Bill, please call your representatives and voice your support for H.R. 1054 AND ask your representative to co-sponsor the Bill.

Bi-partisan support will be required for the Bill to be introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives.

How to prepare for your call/meeting

The following links provide information to help you prepare for your call/meeting with your Representative.

1)      Talking points on botanical science and native plant issues 

2)      Summary of relevant funding language in Department of the Interior Appropriations Bill 2017 (refer to talking points above for more information).

3)      Tips on meeting with a legislator or member of staff

Note that there is no companion legislation in the Senate yet, so we are currently targeting members of the House of Representatives.

If you have any suggestions for members of the House of Representatives that may be interested in co-sponsoring, if you are a member of an organization that currently is not on our endorsement list but may be interested in joining, or if you would be willing to reach out to your representative directly to let them know about this legislation and ask them to become a co-sponsor, please contact info@plantconservationalliance.org.