Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate wants to remind farmers and agribusinesses in the state facing unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, they are eligible for small business loans. The Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that farms and agribusinesses are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as long as …
Alabama Legislature Sets Next Meeting Date for April 28
The 2020 Alabama Legislative session is still under way, but lawmakers have not been spending much time in Montgomery due to the COVID-19 crisis. Plus, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide stay-at-home order a week ago. But, Alabama legislators did briefly meet back on March 31 to pass a joint resolution which gives leadership authority to set meeting times during …
Georgia Farm Recovery Program Sign-Up Ends April 8
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black wants to remind farmers and forest landowners affected by Hurricane Michael, sign-up for the Farm Recovery Program ends one week from today, April 8. Black told us the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) encourages every producer in the state, no matter what you grow, to go to the Farm Recovery website to see if you …
Good Legislative Session for Florida Agriculture
The 2020 Florida Legislative Session has come to an end, as both the House and Senate voted to pass the $93.2 billion budget on Thursday for the upcoming fiscal year. And according to Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, overall agriculture did very well. But he also knows Lawmakers are already focused on a potential need …
Florida Lawmakers Pass $93.2 Billion Budget, Face Uncertainty
(NSF) — State lawmakers on Thursday approved a record $93.2 billion budget for next year, with attention already focused on a potential need to revisit the spending plan this summer as the novel coronavirus upends the economy. The budget (HB 5001), which takes effect July 1, was approved in a 104-0 vote by the House and a 32-0 vote by …
Florida Lawmakers to Vote Thursday on Budget
(NSF) — Florida lawmakers will vote Thursday on a record $93.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes spending $500 million to increase teacher pay and bolstering reserves as the novel coronavirus threatens state revenues. The budget was distributed Sunday evening, starting a legally required 72-hour review period before lawmakers can vote on it. The House and Senate scheduled …
Florida Legislative Session to Wrap Up Wednesday
The last full week of the 2020 Florida Legislative Session has come to an end, but due to lawmakers working a bit longer on budget issues, it was extended a few days. Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, says they hope to wrap it all up next Wednesday. So again, the Florida Legislative Session should end …
Productive Week 6 for Alabama Legislature
Week six of the Alabama Legislative Session was a productive one, according to Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC) Executive Director Leigha Cauthen. She looks at a few of the bills of interest across the state. To keep up with the bills being discussed this year, go to the AAC website. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly …
Bill Seeks to Add ‘Teeth’ to Environmental Laws
(NSF) — An increase in fines for environmental lawbreakers, a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is heading to his desk. The House voted 115-0 on Thursday to give final approval to a proposal (HB 1091) that would make numerous changes in the amounts and duration of penalties for violating Florida environmental laws. The Senate also unanimously backed the bill earlier …
Public Lands Council Cancels 2020 Legislative Conference
(PLC) — Following the temporary closure of the U.S. Capitol to the public, and pursuant to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations regarding large gatherings amid the COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak, Public Lands Council (PLC) officials announced the cancellation of the upcoming 2020 Legislative Conference. “PLC prioritizes the safety of Legislative Conference attendees,” said PLC executive director Kaitlynn …