This is realy cool, hopefully it didn't fall on deaf ears!!
We got a huge organization behind us!
I' a facebook friend with a guy on the tour, he posted this today.
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/conservation/news/story?page=b_con_CT_openletter_110127
In my opinion, that is huge!
I too got the same response from Roraback. He is the ranking member on the environment Committee.
RECENT RESPONSE (1/28/11)
Many thanks for contacting me regarding Senate Bill 59. Please know
that I expect to vigorously oppose this legislation as I do not believe
it is necessary. I am grateful to hear from you and appreciate your
interest in our work.
Sincerely,
Andrew Roraback
State Senator
30th District
Also from my blog @ redneckangler.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Lead Ban Legislation
I am not one to politicize a fishing blog, so I promise to address only topics that directly impact fishing, and if I should shut up, say so. I support numerous efforts to improve the quality of our waterways in CT, and preserve and enhance fish stocks. However, some people seem to want to target the one group of people who collectively do more to protect and support our state's natural resources than any other, recreational fisherman and hunters. I just took action expressing my opposition to S.B. 59 in an effort to fight against burdensome and unwarranted fishing tackle regulations that would ban the sale and use all tackle containing lead in CT. I have not seen any credible scientific data that tackle use is a significant contributor to pollution or habitat degradation. If someone can point some out, I am more than willing to listen. I am far more concerned about the "Made in China" toys my knucklehead kids put in their mouths than the effect of my tackle on the environment, and suggest these do-gooders redirect more of their efforts and scarce state $$$ to address this issue. I encourage you to let elected officials hear our voice! For more information, visit www.KeepAmericaFishing.org.
(Italicized reprinted w/ permission of KAF.org)
RECENT RESPONSE (1/28/11)
Many thanks for contacting me regarding Senate Bill 59. Please know
that I expect to vigorously oppose this legislation as I do not believe
it is necessary. I am grateful to hear from you and appreciate your
interest in our work.
Sincerely,
Andrew Roraback
State Senator
30th District
Also from my blog @ redneckangler.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Lead Ban Legislation
I am not one to politicize a fishing blog, so I promise to address only topics that directly impact fishing, and if I should shut up, say so. I support numerous efforts to improve the quality of our waterways in CT, and preserve and enhance fish stocks. However, some people seem to want to target the one group of people who collectively do more to protect and support our state's natural resources than any other, recreational fisherman and hunters. I just took action expressing my opposition to S.B. 59 in an effort to fight against burdensome and unwarranted fishing tackle regulations that would ban the sale and use all tackle containing lead in CT. I have not seen any credible scientific data that tackle use is a significant contributor to pollution or habitat degradation. If someone can point some out, I am more than willing to listen. I am far more concerned about the "Made in China" toys my knucklehead kids put in their mouths than the effect of my tackle on the environment, and suggest these do-gooders redirect more of their efforts and scarce state $$$ to address this issue. I encourage you to let elected officials hear our voice! For more information, visit www.KeepAmericaFishing.org.
(Italicized reprinted w/ permission of KAF.org)
We won this battle 
Connecticut's Proposed Ban on Lead Fishing Tackle No Longer on the Table
Thank you for taking action to defeat this unnecessary legislation
Because of your quick action, and that of other KeepAmericaFishing™ angler advocates, a burdensome and unwarranted lead fishing tackle ban is no longer being considered by Connecticut's General Assembly. Even though S.B. 59 received a public hearing in the assembly's Environment Committee, it was not voted on prior to the committee's March 25 deadline, rendering it ineligible for further action.
Banning lead sinkers, jigs and other traditional fishing tackle is neither reasonable nor warranted without the scientific data to support it. Further, the Connecticut bill would have imposed an unreasonable fine of $500 per violation especially when the penalty for fishing without a license is only $77. You helped thwart this burdensome, unwarranted and scientifically unsupported legislation from moving forward in the state legislature.
This is a significant victory for Connecticut's angling community and you deserve our thanks for taking action!
For more information, please visit the issue page on www.KeepAmericaFishing.org.
Update: The Angler's Voice Was Heard!
Please follow this link to send a message of thanks to your state legislators for not acting on S.B. 59
Connecticut's Proposed Ban on Lead Fishing Tackle No Longer on the Table
Thank you for taking action to defeat this unnecessary legislation
Because of your quick action, and that of other KeepAmericaFishing™ angler advocates, a burdensome and unwarranted lead fishing tackle ban is no longer being considered by Connecticut's General Assembly. Even though S.B. 59 received a public hearing in the assembly's Environment Committee, it was not voted on prior to the committee's March 25 deadline, rendering it ineligible for further action.
Banning lead sinkers, jigs and other traditional fishing tackle is neither reasonable nor warranted without the scientific data to support it. Further, the Connecticut bill would have imposed an unreasonable fine of $500 per violation especially when the penalty for fishing without a license is only $77. You helped thwart this burdensome, unwarranted and scientifically unsupported legislation from moving forward in the state legislature.
This is a significant victory for Connecticut's angling community and you deserve our thanks for taking action!
For more information, please visit the issue page on www.KeepAmericaFishing.org.
Update: The Angler's Voice Was Heard!
Please follow this link to send a message of thanks to your state legislators for not acting on S.B. 59
I never envisioned getting political about fishing, but if we want to pass on our sport to the next generation we have to let our voices be heard. Chalk up a W for anglers and common sense conservation, but as common sense seems to be an increasingly uncommon trait, there will be more battles. Stay aware and stay vocal! 