|
|
|
This Week on Capitol Hill
With Pope Francis visiting Washington, D.C. and speaking to a joint session of Congress on Thursday morning, most legislative work is on hold this week. As debates over funding the government and any additional policy riders continue, both chambers are still looking for a way to avoid a government shutdown next week. The House is effectively in recess through Wednesday, but will return on Thursday and Friday, to work on several bills, including H.R.348 - the "RAPID Act" (''Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development Act of 2015''). The bill would establish procedures to streamline the regulatory review, environmental decision- making, and permitting process for major federal actions that are "construction activities undertaken, reviewed, or funded by federal agencies." The Senate will also have a limited schedule, with the only regionally-relevant hearing this week taking place on Wednesday. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Oversight Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management will examine the use of agency regulatory guidance without publication in the Federal Register or notice and comment (11:00 AM, room 342 Dirksen Senate Office Building).
For more information, please contact Danielle Chesky, Director of the Great Lakes Washington Program or Mark Gorman, Policy Analyst, both at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
|
|
Letters of Support for Regional Programs Circulating on the Hill
The Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition's Great Lakes Task Force leaders and members are circulating three letters relevant to major actions in the region. These letters, signed by Congressional members, will be sent to the Obama Administration, which is currently working on its FY2017 request - the last request of President Obama's term in office. Relevant letters are noted below, with closing dates.
- Letter requesting $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in the FY2017 budget request; led by Reps. Sander Levin (MI), David Joyce (OH), and Louise Slaughter (NY); closing date: Sept 24.
- Letter requesting $175 million for the Great Lakes Navigation System Operation and Maintenance and $10 million for the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program in the FY2017 budget request; led by Great Lakes Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Candice Miller (MI), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Sean Duffy (WI), and Louise Slaughter (NY); closing date: Sept 22.
- Letter requesting full funding of the Brandon Road Feasibility Study through the Army Corps of Engineers in the FY2017 budget request; led by Rep. Mike Quigley (IL); no closing date noted.
For more information, contact
Danielle Chesky
, Director of the Great Lakes Washington Program at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
|
|
Mississippi River Stakeholders Meet to Develop Strategies for Improved Water Quality, River Region Sustainability
Last week, two groups working toward realizing a more sustainable Mississippi River met over three days in two different River Basin cities to discuss their respective visions for the River region and its people. The
Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative
, a group of 68 mayors from towns along the River's length, held its annual
organizational meeting
in Dubuque, Iowa. Seventy-five miles to the northeast, representatives of the
Mississippi River Collaborative
along with supporting national partners, gathered in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Initiative mayors discussed their priorities and agenda for the upcoming year - focused in part on addressing climate change, and the impacts of nutrient-laden runoff on River and Gulf of Mexico water quality. The mayors also elected Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Hyram Copeland, mayor of Vidalia, Louisiana, to co-chair the group over the next year.
The Collaborative and its national partners (including the Institute) met to review its recent progress and to plan future initiatives designed to advance Mississippi River water quality improvements, and wetland restoration and protection. Funded by the
McKnight Foundation
, the Collaborative's goals in the ten-state Mississippi River corridor are to leverage its members' respective capabilities to restore the water quality and resilience of the Mississippi River, restore and protect floodplains and wetlands, achieve cross-boundary and interagency coordination among government agencies, and reduce agricultural pollution (particularly within the northern River region).
For more information, please contact Mark Gorman, Policy Analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
|
|
NEMWI Job Announcement:
Director of the Great Lakes Washington Program
NEMWI is seeking a new Director of the Great Lakes Washington Program, an initiative that collaborates with the Great Lakes Task Forces in the House and Senate, working to advance the Great Lakes. The position announcement follows:
DIRECTOR OF THE GREAT LAKES WASHINGTON PROGRAM
Northeast-Midwest Institute
Washington, D.C.
The Northeast-Midwest Institute is seeking a Director of the Great Lakes Washington Program. The position directs the Institute's policy education and outreach focused on Great Lakes issues and in particular its work with the House and Senate Great Lakes Task Forces. Among the initiatives of the Great Lakes Washington Program are its work reflecting consensus-driven bipartisan priorities of the Great Lakes Task Forces, addressing Great Lakes issues that are relevant to the region and Congress, supporting Great Lakes protection and restoration while increasing economic sustainability in the region, and delivering action and results on behalf of the Great Lakes. Especially important is the position's policy education and outreach on Great Lakes issues, including liaison with Congressional staff and offices, outreach to the Administration and agencies, briefings, and communications, all to advance the Institute's work on behalf of the Great Lakes. The position reports to the President and CEO of the Institute.
Qualifications:
Candidates must have three or more years of experience in government relations or as a staff member on Capitol Hill, with knowledge of environmental and Great Lakes issues preferable, and possess a bachelor's degree in public policy, politics, or a related field.
Background:
The Northeast-Midwest Institute is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, nonpartisan research, education, and policy organization dedicated to economic vitality, environmental quality, and regional equity for the northeast and midwest region. NEMWI has unique standing in the regional policy-making process in that it was founded in response to the Congressional Northeast-Midwest Coalition's need for a trusted source of data and research as well as policy options and analysis. Building on its strong track record of advancing the well-being of the 18 states of the northeast and midwest, NEMWI is entering a period of growth and increased impact, enhancing its strengths in the areas of the environment and conservation, water quality, and the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, and exploring new initiatives ranging from economic vitality and the needs of older cities, to state-focused programs.
Compensation:
Compensation includes a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, as well as an excellent package of health and other employee benefits.
To Apply:
Candidates for the position should submit a letter of application presenting their experience and interest in the position, resume, and listing of four references (which will not be contacted without prior permission), to: Michael J. Goff, Ph.D., President and CEO, Northeast-Midwest Institute, at
mgoff@nemw.org
.
The Northeast-Midwest Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
|
|
NEMWI: Strengthening the Region that Sustains the Nation
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
