Three SAF members recently seized the opportunity to engage their respective lawmakers at area fundraisers.

When retired florist Neil Caggiano, AAF, of A. Caggiano, Inc., moved to Jeffersonton, Va., a few years ago, he made it his business to get to know his new congressman, Rep. Eric Cantor (R-7-Va.). Cantor is a key member in the House Republican Leadership — the Chief Deputy Whip — responsible for counting votes on important issues. Cantor also sits on the House Ways and Means Committee with jurisdiction over a wide range of tax issues.

Caggiano, who in 2004 sold the Glen Head, New York-based shop he co-owned with his wife, Carol, for 36 years, recently attended a fundraising reception for Cantor's re-election campaign in Richmond, Va. Caggiano spoke at length with Cantor at the private reception attended by about 75 guests. Staff from Cantor's field office were also at the event "making Caggiano's attendance even that more important," according to Jeanne Ramsay, senior director of government relations for SAF.

David Boulton, AAF, of Flowers By George, Inc., in Arlington, Wash., recently met with Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2-Wash.) in Seattle, at a fundraiser. Larsen spearheaded an effort to generate support on the Hill for increasing funding for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative. Boulton says he thanked Larsen for continued support of floriculture research initiative funding.

"I was able to express our thanks to him and his staff for all the help they've given the floral industry," Boulton says.

Jim Rietkerk of Kallisto Greenhouses, Inc., in Fontana, Calif., met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at a fundraiser organized in Sacramento, Calif., on March 18 by the California Farm Bureau, Nisei Farmers League and other California agricultural organizations. Rietkerk says he made it clear to McConnell that availability of labor was the No. 1 issue for every grower in attendance.

McConnell has been an active opponent of immigration reform up until now. However, Rietkerk says he indicated he would be willing to support Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in a temporary agriculture-only solution, which could be passed in Congress.

SAF members are strongly encouraged to visit their lawmakers in their district offices and at "Town Hall" meetings. Studies show that face-to-face meetings with constituents they know and trust have the most influence on how well lawmakers understand and vote on a policy issue, states Ramsay. If you need help scheduling a visit, contact Brian Freedman, bfreedman@safnow.org.

--Morgan Schimminger
mschimminger@safnow.org

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