Your time is valuable - maybe more than ever. As we move into the spring, both the California and Federal governments are facing some tough choices on education and science policy. I had the privilege of being a member of the legislative committee for the Committee on Patents and Related Matters in the ACS. Not only did I participate in intelligent and productive discussions with policy makers, but I worked on ACS position statements regarding important pending legislation and regulations. The work of legislative committees and action networks is important, if the scientific community is going to be well-represented by smart policy. It is equally as important to have a strong legislative voice regarding education, including scientific education.


All OCACS members are encouraged to join the ACS Legislative Action Network to make your voices heard in congress. Contact our Government Affairs Committee Chair, David Marec (dmarec@roadrunner.com), to ask questions and/or join. LAN objectives are to promote science education and funding for scientific research and other science related issues. LAN members receive e-mail alerts prior to key congressional decisions. These alerts explore the issue’s background, the potential effect it might have on the scientific enterprise, and the position ACS holds. By clicking on a Web link provided in the alert, participants can access act4chemistry.org’s action center to review the issue further and send letters to their legislators within minutes. In addition, the www.act4chemistry.org blog keeps members up-to-date on decisions being made on Capitol Hill and in the White House.


Not only is speaking out the most cost-effective way to spend an afternoon, but our voices are stronger when they are combined. Get involved - be a part of the solution. Please check out website at www.ocacs.org for legislative updates and ACS LAN calendar reminders. As always, E-mail me at sthompson@buchalter.com if you want more information or want to be a part of your local section.


Sandra Thompson,
2009 Chair
sthompson@buchalter.com