Legislative advocacy has long been a part of the heritage of United Methodists in Iowa and continued in 2019 on Monday, January 28th at Wesley United Methodist Church, 800 E. 12th St., Des Moines. Advocacy Day took place from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Rev. Gary Nims greeted everyone and Bishop Laurie Haller lead the devotions.
See more images from Advocacy Day
Topics in discussion were Mental Health advocacy and funding for both adults and children. Stories of Iowan's affected by mental health issues were shared by Rev. Len Eberhart. Senator Amand Ragan spoke on Medicaid and Mental Health funding and Teresa Bomhoff of Iowa NAMI discussed The Future of Children's Mental Health.
Bishop Laurie Haller addresses Advocacy Day 2019 from Iowa Annual Conference on Vimeo.
Representative Art Staed discussed the topic of Gun Safety and Daniel Zeno, Policy Director for the ACLU, spoke about why strict scrutiny in gun right amendments may restrict gun safety.
Participants enjoyed a sack lunch catered by Wesley Woods United Methodist Camp and after a brief orientation were invited to go to the State Capitol and meet with their own state senators and representatives.
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At the State Capitol, Bishop Laurie Haller offered the opening prayers to the House and Senate as they begin their respective work. Members of the Advocacy Team met with Senate Minority leader Janet Petersen, Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer, and Senate President Charles Schneider.
"I am grateful to God for all those who offer lives in public service," said Bishop Laurie.
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