Representative Heather Scott - District 1
On June 22, 2018, all Idaho and Utah state legislators and
county commissioners were invited to the White House for a conference by the
White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Their hope was to forge stronger
relationships with state and local leaders and build partnerships in decision making.
By the end of 2018, the White House will
have invited every county commissioner in the country and many of the state
legislators to the same event. I was
able attend this event and provide a summary below.
The overarching theme of the conference was establishing partnerships,
relationship building with state and county officials, and opening up more
direct communications for sharing concerns and providing input on federal policy
decisions. Those attending were
reassured that the new administration wants to work more closely with the states. We were reminded repeatedly that the federal
government is there to serve us.
The speakers included a mix of federal agency chiefs of
staff, deputy directors and congressmen from Utah. Vice president Mike Pence joined the group for
a short talk and a photo opportunity.
Overall it was a great experience and unique opportunity to connect with
others who feel the weight of an overreaching federal government. It gave me hope that this administration is
moving in a different direction than previous ones.
A few of the speaker highlights included Secretary Rick Perry (US Dept. of Energy) who
spoke on energy dominance as a country. He shared that the USA is the most
prolific oil and gas producing country in the world and that we are 12 to 18
months away for being a net energy exporter.
He expressed his shared concerns with those of President Trump’s that
innovators are being strangled by overregulation, over taxation and litigation,
which limits their opportunity to create. The administration is ready to let
entrepreneurs flourish, and let the states compete against each other to create
wealth. Secretary Perry stated this President looks at government’s role
differently than many other presidents before him.
As for infrastructure, Secretary Perry shared that federal
leaders have not been honest with the American people for too long and
discussed his desire to partner with state, local and the private sectors for
leadership in addressing the infrastructure challenges. He stated that “Government can be a real
partner” and while he believes in the 10th amendment, reminded us
that the federal government has a role, and shouldn’t be at logger heads with the
states, but be partners in making America great again.
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Orin Hatch, Senator
for Utah, shared how he relies on state legislators, county commissioners
and local mayors to let him know which federal policies work or which don’t and
to help develop federal policies that work on the local level. He mentioned his concerns on the opiate
epidemic, teen suicide, strengthening infrastructure and developing a workforce. He also discussed the issues of medical marijuana
and opiate alternatives.
Senator Mike Lee of
Utah talked about frustrations in getting good policies and bills passed
through the Senate that would reduce the size of government. He
brought up concerns on the Waters of the US (WOTUS) policy and the federal
government’s acquisition of more land. He
shared his recent efforts in educating other congressmen on the struggles of
western states and their inability to use our lands. Some of the major efforts he is pursuing
include the need to stop acquiring federal land, restricting the use of the
antiquities act by requiring legislative approval, and increasing the amount of
money set aside for PILT payments. He
also hopes to develop creative ways to return federal land back to the state
control.
He left us with these inspiring words,” we can do this
because we are Americans, its who we are.
Freedom is in our blood. It’s time
to no longer simply accept things as they are, it’s time for us to expect more,
and I invite you to join me in that.”
Other speakers
included Congressman Rob Bishop of Utah,
who is working on transferring power back to the states and local governments
to incentivize energy production, the water bill, farm bill, NDAA, legislation
to give citizens standing in court, and defining what consultation with the
federal government actually means.
A few of the Agency
Speakers included:
Ryan Thomas, Chief of
Staff for Natural Resources, Dept of Agriculture who discussed NEPA Reform,
range issues, minerals and mining and timber issues.
Amy Swonger, Deputy Assistant
to the President and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Senate who
discussed efforts to avoid a large omnibus bill, workforce development, and an
executive order to make it easier for small businesses to ban together to buy
healthcare. She also touched on the
challenges of getting the President’s nominees appointed and border security.
Tim Williams, Deputy
Director of External Affairs, US Department of Interior who discussed the
federal government restoring trust and being a good neighbor. He stated that the federal agency has a duty
to collaborate and make sure any Washington DC decision works with our local
areas. He discussed the changes in NEPA which would reduce times for 10 -12
years for approval to 1 year and 100 pages or less. He also discussed the BLM and accountability
issues. He reminded us that the Federal
government derives their power from states, and states need to have a say in
their destiny. There was a short
discussion on the BLM signing MOA’s with local sheriffs who are trained and
know their local jurisdiction.
Jim Carroll, Deputy
Director and Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy who stated
that their goal was to serve you and get funds to your communities and
discussed state grants for drug control.
The Director of
External Affairs, Federal Emergency Management Agency is developing a
culture of induvial preparedness and FEMA integration teams for disasters. They mentioned their desire to have states to
the lead in disaster management and that local governments need to execute and
take ownership.
Deputy Secretary
Patrick Pizzela, US Department of Labor, who spoke of reorganizing,
reshaping and reforming the agency and on educational programs to equip the
workforce and empower industry and stakeholders. He discussed the recent executive action to
expand apprenticeships and the eagerness to hear from states and local
governments with their input on what that might look like.
Vice President Mike
Pence let Idaho and Utah attendees know that the President’s plan was a lot
like our state’s plan of fiscal responsibility, pro-growth policy, investment
in infrastructure and education. He
shared our president’s belief in the 10th amendment, the American
dream and American experiment as defined in the Constitution, and a belief in
men and women of integrity who are serving the country. He let us know that the President has
boundless confidence in the capacity of the American people!
He thanked us for all for what we do every day and
encouraged us on a personal level, to “bow the head and bend the knee, and pray
for America”!
It was truly an honor to hear this man’s speech and shake his
hand. And, I had the opportunity to give
him a Drain the Swamp Idaho hat!
Overall, I am cautiously optimistic with this new administration’s approach and plan to provide input and feedback from state and local leaders and Idaho citizens.
On a personal note, this was my first visit to Washington
DC. The city was busy, the people were
friendly, the metro was convenient, the history was humbling. In my limited time there, I only had a chance
to visit a few historic sites, tour the capitol, attend a congressional
hearing, and taste a little of the diverse cuisine.
Above are a few photos from my trip.
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