We're happy to announce that Senator Jamie Raskin has signed on to speak at the DC VegFest!

Jamie Raskin is a Democratic State Senator in Maryland representing Silver Spring and Takoma Park. In January 2009,  Senator Raskin--a self-described "lifelong carnivore"--suggested that everyone try to be vegetarian for one week to promote the rescue of the Chesapeake Bay and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Compassion Over Killing took the idea to  the Takoma Park Council and Mayor, which proclaimed an official "Vegetarian Week" April 24-30, 2009. To the cheers of a crowd of 75 supportive constituents, Raskin gave up meat that week and has stayed vegetarian ever since.

 Read more about Senator Raskin and our other speakers.