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
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 ContentCommitment From Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Members Seeks To Move Research ForwardDecember …
NCBA Backs WOTUS Recommendations from Advisory Committee
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
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
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
(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
(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
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 …
Florida Legislative Session Starts Tuesday
The 2022 Florida Legislative Session kicks off Tuesday, January 11th and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) is preparing for the annual event. FCA Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, says it’s a year of reapportionment. Of course the budget is always something agriculture watches closely, but Ard is optimistic for another good year. The Florida House and Senate are scheduled to meet in a joint session …
Changes to Clean Water Rule Will Hurt Family Farms
(WASHINGTON, January 5, 2022) — Farming members of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) will participate in a roundtable on Thursday, Jan. 6, to discuss the impact of the proposal to repeal and replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). The event is hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy. The Biden administration recently proposed a “step …