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We the Co-op People

2024 Legislative Guides for Virginia and Maryland now online

January-February 2024

by Andrew Vehorn, Vice President, Member & External Affairs for VMDAEC

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, Cooperative Living is delighted to announce the release of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives’ 2024 Legislative Guides for Virginia and Maryland.

These online guides stand as valuable tools for our cooperative members, embodying the principles that define our shared commitment to community, cooperation and civic engagement.

One of the key Cooperative Principles is cooperation among cooperatives.

In Annapolis and Richmond, advocacy efforts reflect the collective strength and unity of our cooperative community as we navigate the intricacies of divided government. As an association, we are proud to work with elected officials who share an interest in our cooperatives and the communities they serve.

The Cooperative Principles, including voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, and concern for community, underscore the cooperative commitment to civic engagement. By actively participating in the democratic process, co-op members contribute to shaping policies that align with their values and address the unique needs of their communities.

Civic engagement is not a partisan endeavor for electric cooperatives; it is a manifestation of our dedication to cooperative values. In both the Virginia and Maryland General Assemblies, we remain fiercely bipartisan in our advocacy for cooperative interests. Our mission is clear: to champion good public policy that ensures affordable, reliable and clean energy for our members.

The 2024 Legislative Guides provide a comprehensive overview of key issues, legislative priorities, and contact information for elected officials. Armed with this information, we hope that readers will engage with their legislators, amplifying the cooperative voice and contributing to the public policy process.