Orleans County Leaders Lobby New York Delegation for Support of Major County Projects

Washington, DC – Orleans County Legislative Leaders along with over 2,000 County elected officials attended the annual National Association of Counties (NACo) five-day conference in Washington DC from February 9th through Tuesday February 13th at the Washington Hilton Hotel and returned home yesterday.

The annual conference brings together elected officials from over 3,000 Counties to focus on federal policy issues that impact county residents. “We are fortunate to have effective representation in Congress and in the US Senate for our County. It is important that we advocate to as many of our federal leaders as we can who sit on powerful committees,” said Orleans County Legislative Chairwoman Lynne Johnson.

Also attending were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and John Fitzak. The Conference focused on Broadband, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Workforce Development, Health Care and Public Safety policies. The conference also was attended by President Joe Biden, who addressed the attendees Monday morning.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s office. In addition, Orleans County officials met with Chiefs of Staff from the county’s two Congressional Representatives, Congresswoman Tenney NY-24 and Congressman Morelle NY-25. They also met with key Agriculture Committee Members, Congressmen Langworthy NY-23 and Marc Molinaro NY-19. 

Discussions centered around Orleans specific needs and more funding for emergency management, first responders, seniors, infrastructure, public safety, harbor dredging and broadband projects. The Agriculture Committee is key to funding many projects in rural America.

“One of the most effective ways to represent our County on the federal level is to meet in person here in Washington,” said Chairwoman Johnson. “Working with staff from our representatives’ offices, we can better articulate our county’s needs. We are always appreciative of the financial support that we receive on behalf of our residents and are grateful to our representatives in Congress.”

The National Association of Counties serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.

Orleans County legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson at John Fitzak at the State Capitol during the National Association of Counties’ Annual Conference.

Orleans County legislators take part in a discussion with staff of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.