Dorman Invited to Germany in Transatlantic Dialogue

Oklahoma House of Representatives
Media Division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Joe Dorman
Capitol: (405) 557-7305
E-mail: joedorman@okhouse.gov

Dorman Invited to Germany in Transatlantic Dialogue

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 16, 2009) – State Rep. Joe Dorman said today that he will join two other American state lawmakers and one Canadian federal lawmaker on the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Transatlantic Dialogue Program Study and Information Tour of Germany.
“I am honored to serve on the tour, representing Oklahoma in a visit to Germany , where they’ve just underwent federal elections,” Dorman, D-Rush Springs said. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to interact with German officials and get ideas as well as share ideas with them about our government.”
The Transatlantic Dialogue Program (TAD) is part of the German Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The TAD promotes the exchange among decision makers to exchange their ideas, opinions, and experiences in order to formulate new approaches and solutions for future-orientated politics. Part of this dialogue is a program for German and U.S. State Legislators as well as Canadian Federal Legislators.
Dorman was selected to participate in this year’s State Legislators Program in order to honor his leadership qualities and dedication to his work as a U.S. state legislator. The program will give the participants an opportunity to experience on a first-hand basis how policy problems are resolved in Germany . He will also speak at two public events: one in Dresden and one in Berlin , where he will talk about the current political situation in the United States .
“These exchange programs are a very valuable platform for decision makers on both sides of the Atlantic to talk to each other and learn more about their work”, says Claus Gramckow, Representative for USA and Canada , Transatlantic Dialogue Program, Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
Dorman said that no taxpayer dollars would fund the trip.
“The Friedrich Naumann Foundation will cover all transportation costs and accommodations and I will cover any further expenses,” Dorman said.
Dorman will visit Hannover, Madgeburg, Halle , Leipzig and Berlin as part of the trip. He will meet with local, state and federal officials while there. The trip will run from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1.
“I’m looking forward to the trip and to participating in this dialogue with German officials,” Dorman said. "This is a rare opportunity and I am greatly honored to be a part in hopefully improving our trade and diplomatic relations, as well as increasing the understanding of all the systems of government represented on this trip.”

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