For those concerned about the cemetery preservation bill in the Arkansas Legislature - Here's the latest report on the Cemetery Bill to help protect our pioneer cemeteries. This is so important. And for some strange reason, the Farm Bureau is opposing it. Our cemeteries are so neglected, and there's very little done to preserve them, so it needs lots of support and help. If possible, please contact the senators listed at the bottom of this email in support of cemetery preservation. If you're a member of the Farm Bureau (as I am), please consider contacting them and urge them to support the bill. I don't know, it seems like Farm Bureau opposes every bill that they didn't originate, it's beyond my understanding. I've written them before, and intend to do it again. You can find your County Farm Bureau Office at http://www.arfb.com/contacts/offices.asp The state Farm Bureau contacts are at http://www.arfb.com/contacts/help.asp . Apparently the toll free number is 1-877-877-9287. The executive vice president is Ewell Welch, ewell.welch@arfb.com (501) 228-1265. The Director of Governmental Affairs is Rodney Baker rodney.baker@arfb.com (501) 228-1245 Arkansas Farm Bureau P.O. Box 31 Little Rock, AR 72203-0031 (501) 224-4400 Thanks so much - Gloria >Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2003 19:47:27 -0600 >From: "Cassie Elliott" <suzy@arkansas.net> > >X-Envelope-To: ARWOODRU-L > >Dear Historic Preservations, >House Bill 2263 is a cemetery bill in the legislature that would help >protect our pioneer cemeteries. It has taken quite a battering, but I >think you will see that it is vital to preservation of these cemeteries. >It has gotten through the House, but is stalled in the Senate Committee. >The committee meets again on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. for a last >chance consideration and we need all the help we can get. If this bill >does not pass on Tuesday, we will not be able to get it done for at least >two more years. Last Thursday it was not brought up for a vote, but it did >not go so well. I hope that you can attend this meeting and support the >bill. The meeting is in Room 272. If anyone needs a ride from northwest >Arkansas, please let me know. Below is a list of the Senators who have >email on the committee. You should also contact your local Senator to vote >for it on the Senate floor (hopefully Wednesday). > >Our one group that opposes us is the Farm Bureau. If you are a member, >please call them toll free at 1-877-877-9287 to voice your concern over >their opposition to this bill. Thank you for your time. Feel free to pass >this message on to interested parties. > >Cassie Elliott >President, Benton County Cemetery Preservation Group > > >City, County & Local Affairs: Senate >Chairman: Irma Hunter Brown (no email) phone 501-372-4140 (Little Rock) >Vice Chair: Sue Madison >Dave Bisbee (no email) Bus. Phone : 479-636-2516 Fax : 479-636-2516 > >Kim Hendren >Shawn Womack >Tracy Steele >Mary Anne Salmon > >madisons@arkleg.state.ar.us, hendrenk@arkleg.state.ar.us, >swomack@arkleg.state.ar.us, tsteele@arkleg.state.ar.us, >msalmon@arkleg.state.ar.us > >Link to find your Senator: www.arkleg.state.ar.us , you can also view the >status of the bill or the bill itself at this site.