SYRCL Responds to Federal Staffing Cuts by Organizing a Congressional Letter Writing Campaign

To educate our decision makers about the potential threats the recent staff layoffs at federal agencies have to our watershed, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) is once again rallying our community to help get all our voices heard. On Monday, 3/24 from 4-6, Tuesday, 3/25 from 4-6, and Wednesday, 3/26 from 5-7, the SYRCL Board and Staff invites the community to their office at 313 Railroad Ave in Nevada City to take part in a letter writing campaign. SYRCL staff will be on hand, giving concerned citizens the tools and the means to craft their own letters to members of Congress. SYRCL is holding this open house letter writing event to gather and empower our community to take meaningful action. 

Federal staffing cuts present real threats to fresh water, dam safety, flood control, forests, parks, and fire fighter safety throughout the Yuba watershed and beyond. For example, ensuring water is drinkable is partially the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed 65% funding cuts could mean a loss of 122 of the 188 state-wide clean water enforcement staff, a loss of 112 of the current 172 emergency response staff, and a loss of 79 of the current 122 safe water staff.  Other locally important federal agencies are those which are responsible for the licensing of hydropower dams. These agencies oversee dam safety and incorporate water quality standards into those licenses. They coordinate operations of dams to minimize flooding. Flood management will also get more complex as the accuracy of storm modeling and predictions drops due to cuts in staffing. 

“There’s no question the federal government could be more efficient. However, cutting funding and jobs for essential services like protecting clean water and preventing fires and flood disasters is a real threat to our community’s safety, and the values we all share like healthy natural ecosystems. Taking action means communicating our concerns with our elected officials,” says Aaron Zettler-Mann, SYRCL’s Executive Director. 

Studies have shown that individualized correspondence to members of Congress carries weight. As congressional offices receive fewer personal letters than they do emails or form letters, each letter is given heightened attention and consideration. While each congressional office follows its own procedures for tracking constituent correspondence, most offices produce weekly reports categorizing the volume of letters by issue area. Crucially, these reports distinguish between form letters and those sent by individual constituents. Members of Congress rely on personalized letters as a vital barometer of their district’s concerns and priorities. 96 percent of Capitol Hill staff have stated that when their member of Congress has not yet reached a decision on an issue, personalized letters can significantly influence their stance.  

Know and Go: 

What: Stand up for Clean Water + Fire & Flood Safety Letter Writing Campaign 

When: 

• Day 1 – Monday, 3/24 from 4-6 pm 
• Day 2 – Tuesday, 3/25 from 4-6 pm 
• Day 3 – Wednesday, 3/26 from 5-7 pm 

Where: SYRCL Offices, 313 Railroad Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 

SYRCL will provide: 

• Paper, envelopes, stamps, talking points, addresses to local congressional offices 

More information: Call 530.265.5961 or email info@syrcl.org