WASHINGTON, D.C. – Shelby County Commissioner Julie Ehemann joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference Feb. 10-13. Conference attendees shaped NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies, and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill.
“I serve on the Rural Action Caucus and the Ag & Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee as a vice chair. I believe my involvement helps me to advocate for rural Shelby County and for the rural areas of our great state. While at the conference I presented a resolution “Securing Reimbursement for Rural Emergency Medical Services.” Small steps taken on this issue can have huge impacts throughout the country,” said Ehemann.
Issues covered during sessions included disaster preparedness and management, administering the 2024 election, artificial intelligence (AI), housing affordability, behavioral health and justice, and more.
Attendees also participated in a Federal Agency Expo, with nearly 100 federal offices joining the conference to build relationships with county leaders and share information about partnership opportunities.
“I was especially interested in hearing Tom Visack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, speak of the nation’s agriculture priorities and how work on the Farm Bill can address the changing landscape of agriculture,” said Ehemann.
In addition, Julie Ehemann is a member of the International Economic Development Taskforce where members shared ideas on how to attract foreign investment, and how to engage their foreign partners in the community.
Over the course of the four-day conference, attendees heard from speakers including:
• President Joe Biden
• Hon. Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Hon. Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
• Hon. Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Hon. Don Graves, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Hon. Marc Molinaro, U.S. Representative, R-NY
• Hon. Bryan Steil, U.S. Representative, R-WI
“Federal policies often have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an essential opportunity to advocate for county priorities and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships that help our communities move forward together.”
“We’re never finished! I look forward to seeing where these collaborative efforts can bear fruit in the future,” concluded Ehemann.
