Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rick Allen (R-GA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) bring the caucus to a total of 23 members. Co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Jim Baird (R-IN), the bipartisan caucus helps drive a co-op friendly legislative agenda.
Rep. Kilmer joined the caucus after visiting Kitsap Community Food Co-op, which serves his district and ended a food desert in downtown Bremerton, Washington when it opened its storefront last summer. By making fresh, affordable and healthy food in Bremerton a reality, Kitsap is helping to rebuild the local food system and economy. Rep. Kilmer, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, said in a Facebook post that the co-op’s focus on keeping money in the community, supporting local producers and reducing waste is “inspiring.”
Rep. Allen joined the caucus after one of his staff members attended NCBA CLUSA’s briefing on Capitol Hill in December 2019. Attended by more than 40 people, the briefing provided a multi-sectoral look at policy issues affecting farmer, rural electric and worker cooperatives. Rep. Allen serves on the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
NCBA CLUSA reached out to Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ office after our Cooperative Policy Roundtable in Olympia, Washington late last year. Although Rep. McMorris Rodgers does not represent Olympia, many of her constituents participated in the roundtable, highlighting how cooperatives contribute to the economy in Eastern Washington. Rep. McMorris Rodgers serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus is critical to ensuring that federal lawmakers keep co-op priorities top of mind when crafting and considering legislation. The caucus is also a platform to educate Congressional staff on cooperative issues.
Cooperatives exist in every Congressional District across the country and inject $3 trillion into the U.S. economy each year. Co-ops spur economic growth in underserved rural and urban America; empower individuals, families and communities to better their lives; and ensure that people have access to high-quality goods and services at competitive prices and costs.
You can help grow support for cooperatives within Congress and the Administration by asking your U.S. Representative to join the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus. Inviting them to tour your co-op can be a great introduction!
You can help grow support for cooperatives within Congress and the Administration by asking your U.S. Representative to join the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus. Inviting them to tour your co-op can be a great introduction!
To find your Member of Congress, visit www.house.gov/find-your-representative and type in your zip code. For more information on the caucus and a sample letter you can customize and send your elected officials, visit https://ncbaclusa.coop/advocacy/congressional-caucus/.