Citizen Lobby Night, Jan. 25:
Last week, congressional lobbying scandals continued to engulf Washington. We learned that Jack Abramoff took in $40 million in four years from clients, and bilked Indian tribes of $20 million in the process. In the wake of Abramoff’s guilty plea, Rep. Tom Delay abandoned his former House majority leader post. And the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Envirocare, though not accused of any wrong doing, shelled out $4 million in recent years and used Abramoff’s former firm to lobby legislators in Washington.

These pay-to-play tactics are all too common in politics. We want to put your voice back in the process.

Now that the Utah legislative session has officially begun, join HEAL Utah and the Utah Rivers Council for a Citizen Lobby Night and learn how to make your voice heard without spending millions.

When: Wednesday, January 25th, 6:00-7:30pm
Where: (Note location change) We will meet in the lobby of the WEST building of the State Capitol Complex (350 North Main Street)
The lobby is at the east entrance of the building, facing the center plaza. The West building is located to the northwest of the Utah State Capitol building, which is currently under construction.

Parking will be available in the EAST parking lot or on the street. If you park in the east lot, you can get to the west building where we will meet by going through the east building and across the plaza. It sounds more confusing than it is, but a compass may help.

Dress is casual and all materials will be provided for you.

If you’re concerned about protecting your community’s health and environment but sometimes wonder how best to do it, join us for an evening of insight into the political process so that we can make sure that people, not polluters, determine Utah’s environmental policies. The evening will cover everything from the logistics of citizen lobbying, to the basics of how a bill becomes a law and a tour of the capitol building. Legislators will be on hand to discuss how the citizen lobbying process impacts them.

We elect politicians to represent our interests. Take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard.

For more information, directions, and to RSVP, contact John Urgo at john[at]healutah.org or (801) 355-5055.