Regional Summit
Post date: Oct 17, 2016 4:8:45 PM
You are cordially invited to the second biennial Regional Legislative Summit to establish a 2017-2019 legislative agenda for Western Massachusetts. We want very much to have bipartisan participation. We expect key legislators from Hampshire, Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampden Counties to attend, and we hope that you will join us on Saturday, November 19, 2016. Please save the date.
The Hampshire Council of Governments is working again with the Donahue Institute, the Community Development Corporations, WiredWest, major agricultural groups, the League of Women Voters, and major business groups. We hope Congressman Neal or Congressman McGovern will come to speak about the implications of the national election for the Commonwealth. The remainder of the morning will center on discussion groups around priority regional topics based on both participant suggestions and the Governor’s Rural Policy Group reports. Bills proposed by our legislators that fit those priorities will be debated and possibly endorsed. We're expecting a good showing of reps and senators at a “Fresh and Local” luncheon panel. The expected outcome of the “Summit” will be a short list of legislation that if passed into law would improve life in rural areas of the Commonwealth, and especially in our small towns so distant from the power centers to the East.
We’ll gather on November 19th at the JFK Middle School in Northampton. Coffee and pastry will be available from 8:30 AM, and lunch will be at around 12:30 PM. We will keep you informed as the details are worked out. If there is specific legislation that you consider to be a priority for the region, please share the Bill number(s) with us. If you cannot attend please consider sending a staff member to represent your office.
Please feel free to share this invitation with others that you feel will benefit and be an active participant in the discussion.
RSVP requested,
Please reply to Lydia King
HCOG 413-584-1300 X 120 Office
413-584-1465 Fax