WASHINGTON, D.C. — National School Transportation Association (NSTA) members participated in more than 130 congressional meetings across Capitol Hill this week.

The school bus contractors association’s annual spring “Bus-In,” held from Tuesday through Thursday, included member committee meetings, a panel on the 2012 presidential race and a series of presentations from transportation and environmental experts, including House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica.

Issues discussed in Senate and congressional meetings included the surface transportation reauthorization conference, school bus safety issues, and the relationship between public and private busing. Funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act was another key topic.

Becky Weber of the Prime Policy Group, which organized the event, told NSTA members, “You are here this week to exercise your First Amendment right. This is one of the most important things you can do as an American citizen.”

NSTA President Magda Dimmendaal, President-Elect Tim Flood, Secretary-Treasurer Todd Monteferrario and Past-President Donnie Fowler were among those in attendance, along with Association and Industry Development Chairman Rob Nelson and Government Relations Chairman John Corr.