Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Talks with AgNet Media on Funding for Bridge Repairs

Dan Economy, Legislative

President Joe Biden recently announced a new initiative to fund repairs of the nation’s bridges, to the tune of $26.5 billion. A lot of the public focus on this has been on bridges in big cities, so AgNet Media National Correspondent Sabrina Halvorson talked to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to find out how this will help people outside of …

Georgia Lawmakers Busy Talking Budget

Dan Georgia, Legislative

Week two of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session has seen lawmakers involved in discussing the budget for the next fiscal year. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) Director of Government Affairs, Jake Tench, explains what took place this week. He also reminds everyone about their Legislative Breakfast which is just around the corner. To learn more about the GAC’s Legislative Breakfast, …

Florida Senate Passes Scaled-Back Emergency Fund

Dan Florida, Legislative, Regulation

The Florida Senate on Wednesday cut in half the amount of money it would put into a new emergency fund that critics called a “blank check” for Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the Senate overwhelmingly approved two bills (SB 96 and SB 98) that would shift $500 million of general revenue into the pot of …

National Cotton Council Focusing on Two Regulatory Issues

Dan Cotton, Legislative, Regulation

The National Cotton Council (NCC) is starting off 2022 with a focus on regulatory issues that will impact not only U.S. cotton farmers, but agriculture as a whole. NCC Vice President of Washington Operations, Reece Langley, says they have been doing a lot of work on two key issues. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober …

NCBA Backs WOTUS Recommendations from Advisory Committee

Dan Cattle, Irrigation, Legislative, Water

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) has issued their report on the Waters of the U.S (WOTUS) rule. The FRRCC’s recommendations include: Ensuring EPA compliance with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent limiting federal jurisdiction over bodies of water. Developing a clear definition of WOTUS that is easily interpreted by farmers and ranchers. Protecting WOTUS exemptions …

Alabama Farmers Federation Outlines Legislative Priorities

Dan Alabama, Legislative

The 2022 Alabama State Legislative session kicked off this past Tuesday as lawmakers are focused on developing plans to spend federal infrastructure and COVID-19 stimulus money, and handle gambling propositions. The Alabama Farmers Federation noted their legislative priorities this year include preserving state funding for agriculture, forestry, and career and technical education. The Federation also is working to clarify tax laws related to …

Georgia Legislative Session is Underway

Dan Georgia, Legislative

The 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session kicked off this week, as lawmakers saw a bit of a different start in Atlanta. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman, the National Championship game played Monday night did cause a bit of a slow start for this year’s session. The 2022 Georgia State Legislative session is scheduled to run through …

Florida Senators Back $1B Emergency Fund for DeSantis

Dan Florida, Legislative, Regulation

(TALLAHASSEE/NSF/January 12, 2022) — Florida Senators revived a proposal Wednesday to create a $1 billion fund that Gov. Ron DeSantis could use at his discretion during emergencies he declares. The Senate Appropriations Committee backed a pair of bills (SB 96 and SB 98), sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, to set up an “Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund” so the …

Ballot Initiatives Being Discussed in Florida Legislative Session

Dan Florida, Legislative, Regulation

(NSF/January 11, 2022) — Legislation filed at the state capitol last week would restrict subjects that could be included in ballot initiatives. The measure will be considered during the 2022 legislative session that starts today. The proposal comes after years of attempts by the GOP-controlled Legislature to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments through the citizens’ initiative process. Under …

Georgia Legislative Session Starts Monday

Dan Georgia, Legislative

The 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session starts January 10th and Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman there will be a lot of issues coming up for agriculture. The Georgia State Legislature will convene next Monday and are scheduled to adjourn on March 31st. To keep track of activities during the 40-day session, go to the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s website. Sponsored …