They have sent out a couple of emails to the membership asking us to spread the word (or take part?) but I'm cringing. Representatives of the GSMD are lobbying Capitol Hill today for a bill that would authorize a commemorative coin to be struck for the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' landing in 2020. I hope our representatives will take such a visit in the spirit that the GSMD probably intends. I'm sure they get lots of people dressing up as this or that to push for their own special interest. I do hope the commemorative coin is issued and somewhere in the archives here you will find past mention of the legislation required to make it happen.
Here in a nutshell, no pun intended, is what's going on. The following are excerpts from the press release:
“The rule for getting a U.S. coin bill passed requires 2/3 of both legislative bodies to sign on as co-sponsors before it can be voted on,” said GSMD Governor General Lea Sinclair Filson.
The nonpartisan bills were introduced in the House by Congressman Bill Foster, Democrat, IL 11th Congressional District and in the Senate by Senior Senator John Hoeven, Republican, SD. No taxpayer money is used for the U.S. Mint Coin program.
“Passing our GSMD Mayflower coin bill has an important purpose,” said George Garmany, Chair of the GSMD 2020 Committee. “If voted into law, all fifty state societies will receive proceeds for educational programs about the Pilgrims. The society will also make donations to both the Wampanoag Tribe and to designated non-profit organizations in the city of Plymouth, MA where the Pilgrims founded their colony.”
This is the first I've heard about money going out to groups. It's not clear whose money this is, how it is generated or if it is already in an endowed fund somewhere in Massachusetts.
Lobbying was today from noon to 5:00 EDT. If you check the main GSMD web site there will probably be news of the outcome and photos before too long. I wish them luck in achieving the goal.
Here in a nutshell, no pun intended, is what's going on. The following are excerpts from the press release:
“The rule for getting a U.S. coin bill passed requires 2/3 of both legislative bodies to sign on as co-sponsors before it can be voted on,” said GSMD Governor General Lea Sinclair Filson.
The nonpartisan bills were introduced in the House by Congressman Bill Foster, Democrat, IL 11th Congressional District and in the Senate by Senior Senator John Hoeven, Republican, SD. No taxpayer money is used for the U.S. Mint Coin program.
“Passing our GSMD Mayflower coin bill has an important purpose,” said George Garmany, Chair of the GSMD 2020 Committee. “If voted into law, all fifty state societies will receive proceeds for educational programs about the Pilgrims. The society will also make donations to both the Wampanoag Tribe and to designated non-profit organizations in the city of Plymouth, MA where the Pilgrims founded their colony.”
This is the first I've heard about money going out to groups. It's not clear whose money this is, how it is generated or if it is already in an endowed fund somewhere in Massachusetts.
Lobbying was today from noon to 5:00 EDT. If you check the main GSMD web site there will probably be news of the outcome and photos before too long. I wish them luck in achieving the goal.
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