Earlier this month, Executive Director Rachel Kent, Board Chair Abbe Sudvarg and Board Member Charlie Kindleberger traveled to Washington, DC for the annual lobbying trip.
As usual, the message we took to Washington concerned the budget, with a particular focus on the Pentagon and how much we spend on the military. It was a busy trip. We met with staffers from Senators Blunt’s and McCaskill’s offices. In addition to having a formal meeting with staff to voice our concerns, we also attended morning coffee meet and greets, which are open to Missouri residents. At these morning meet and greets, we had the opportunity to meet and have short conversations with both Senator Blunt and Senator McCaskill.
We also met with a staffer from Representative Ann Wagner’s office, and were fortunate enough to sit down with Representative Lacy Clay himself to discuss our concerns.
Our conversations were interesting. The budget is definitely a topic of debate in DC right now. All parties agreed: we spend a lot, we need to rethink how we spend our money. But, as usual, there was a bit of debate as to what’s the best way to utilize the taxpayer dollar.
One theme we heard in all our conversations: Boeing is a huge employer in St. Louis, and Missouri in general. It’s hard to vote against money and legislation which may hurt Boeing. More defense dollars means more jobs and more money in St. Louis and Missouri. So, goes the logic, defense spending is good.
Here at the Peace Economy Project, this mindset, this way of thinking, is what we’re trying to change. We want St. Louis and Missouri to have strong economies. We want these places to be vibrant and to attract the best and the brightest. But we also want a more stable, peace-based economy. An economy where the best and the brightest come here to build solar panels, wind turbines or green cars. An economy where the best and the brightest go into our public schools and get kids excited about learning. An economy where the best and the brightest are working in our hospitals or starting their own businesses. This is the vision we have.
It won’t be easy. It won’t happen overnight.
PEP’s annual trip to DC is an important facet of this vision. But all the other work we do, and your support and contributions, are just as important too. So thanks to everyone who signed onto the Congressional Appeal, and another thanks to all those who continually support us as we strive towards a better world.
