My Trip To Columbia!
Today I went to the South Carolina Statehouse with the Public Affairs Committee of the Junior League of Greenville. They were nice enough to give me the opportunity to speak briefly about autism.
The day turned out quite differently from what I had anticipated. But it turned out great!
Due to sick kids, etc., there were only two of us who went. We arrived at Senator David Thomas' office, and there was some kind of mixup with the schedule. He wasn't there, and they couldn't track him down.
So his admin person made an "executive decision". We would go find him. The Senate was scheduled to convene at 11:00 am, so that was where we headed.
We went to the main gathering room in between the entrances to both the House and the Senate. Apparently this is the area where all the lobbyists wait to talk to the legislators. It was bustling!
After a bit, Senator Thomas' admin person came back and said she was taking us to the Senate gallery, and to stand up when our names were called.
Okay....
So we were seated, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate said, "The floor recognizes the Senator from Greenville." Senator Thomas stood up, and welcomed "Erin Mercer and Susan Leiby from the Junior League of Greenville." He went on to talk about how we did really important work, and we were there to talk to him about important issues. He thanked us for coming, and everyone clapped!
Pretty cool! Being recognized by name from the floor of the State Senate!
So then we were back to the bustling common room to wait for Senator Thomas. His admin came out again and said, "Come with me...". She took us through the big doors towards the Senate Chamber, past the sign that said, "Senators only beyond this point."
Senator Thomas met us in the antechamber, and we met with him in one of the meeting rooms right there. Erin spoke about issues of interest to the Junior League, including education, health, and strong families.
Then it was my turn.
Well honestly there was not a lot to say to Senator Thomas. He is a great friend of the autism community. He sponsored Ryan's Law, and is scheduled to participate in the Strides for Autism in Greenville. It's like preaching to the choir.
But I did take the opportunity to thank him for being a friend to the autism community, and telling him about how outside of the state, we are seen as progressive and "leading the nation" in terms of autism services. But we still need more. Especially doctors and therapists. The waiting lists are way too long.
He asked me to come up with some ideas on how the legislature could help, and bring them back to him. Hmmm.... now I have to get really thinking!
I also got an update on the PDD Waiver funding (he is certain that it will continue to be funded), and some technical amendments to Ryan's Law (the insurance mandate). And I gave him a copy of Michael's movie.
On our way out of the statehouse, I noticed a hallway with guards and a desk, and a big sign that said, "South Carolina Governor's Office". So I took over another copy of Michael's movie and left it for the Governor. Who knows if he will watch it. But who knows... maybe he will.
I had a really great time on this trip. I hope I can do more like this, either through the Junior League or through autism advocacy groups.
The day turned out quite differently from what I had anticipated. But it turned out great!
Due to sick kids, etc., there were only two of us who went. We arrived at Senator David Thomas' office, and there was some kind of mixup with the schedule. He wasn't there, and they couldn't track him down.
So his admin person made an "executive decision". We would go find him. The Senate was scheduled to convene at 11:00 am, so that was where we headed.
We went to the main gathering room in between the entrances to both the House and the Senate. Apparently this is the area where all the lobbyists wait to talk to the legislators. It was bustling!
After a bit, Senator Thomas' admin person came back and said she was taking us to the Senate gallery, and to stand up when our names were called.
Okay....
So we were seated, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate said, "The floor recognizes the Senator from Greenville." Senator Thomas stood up, and welcomed "Erin Mercer and Susan Leiby from the Junior League of Greenville." He went on to talk about how we did really important work, and we were there to talk to him about important issues. He thanked us for coming, and everyone clapped!
Pretty cool! Being recognized by name from the floor of the State Senate!
So then we were back to the bustling common room to wait for Senator Thomas. His admin came out again and said, "Come with me...". She took us through the big doors towards the Senate Chamber, past the sign that said, "Senators only beyond this point."
Senator Thomas met us in the antechamber, and we met with him in one of the meeting rooms right there. Erin spoke about issues of interest to the Junior League, including education, health, and strong families.
Then it was my turn.
Well honestly there was not a lot to say to Senator Thomas. He is a great friend of the autism community. He sponsored Ryan's Law, and is scheduled to participate in the Strides for Autism in Greenville. It's like preaching to the choir.
But I did take the opportunity to thank him for being a friend to the autism community, and telling him about how outside of the state, we are seen as progressive and "leading the nation" in terms of autism services. But we still need more. Especially doctors and therapists. The waiting lists are way too long.
He asked me to come up with some ideas on how the legislature could help, and bring them back to him. Hmmm.... now I have to get really thinking!
I also got an update on the PDD Waiver funding (he is certain that it will continue to be funded), and some technical amendments to Ryan's Law (the insurance mandate). And I gave him a copy of Michael's movie.
On our way out of the statehouse, I noticed a hallway with guards and a desk, and a big sign that said, "South Carolina Governor's Office". So I took over another copy of Michael's movie and left it for the Governor. Who knows if he will watch it. But who knows... maybe he will.
I had a really great time on this trip. I hope I can do more like this, either through the Junior League or through autism advocacy groups.
posted by Susan | 7:57 PM
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