Florida Lawmakers End 2021 Legislative Session

Dan Florida, Legislative

After passing a record $101.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, Florida lawmakers this afternoon ended the 60-day legislative session. According to the News Service of Florida, both the Florida House and Senate adjourned “sine die” — a traditional motion — about 2:40 p.m. Along with passing the budget, lawmakers in the closing hours of the …

NCBA Stands Ready to Fight for Sound Tax Policy

Dan Cattle, Economy, Legislative

We are hearing more reactions about the Biden Administration’s American Families Plan, especially concerning the several provisions of the tax code meant to raise approximately $1.5 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years. This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) noted they have long advocated for sound tax policy for rural America. “Family-owned cattle operations, no matter the size, are …

Florida Farm Bureau Applauds Gov. DeSantis for Signing Historic Right to Farm Bill

Dan Florida, Legislative, News from Our Sponsors

Gainesville, Fla.–April 29, 2021 – Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick issued this statement after Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 88, Farming Operations, a historic bill that modernizes Florida’s Right to Farm Act. “On behalf of Florida’s farmers and ranchers, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation applauds Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their support of Florida’s Right to …

Florida Lawmakers to Vote Friday on Budget

Dan Florida, Legislative

Florida lawmakers are scheduled to vote Friday afternoon on a record $101.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year and end the regular legislative session on time. According to the News Service of Florida, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, announced that the budget went to lawmakers at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday, starting a legally required 72-hour “cooling off” period before …

NCC on Senate Reintroduction of Growing Climate Solutions Act

Dan Climate Change, Cotton, Environment, Legislative

Last week, the U.S. Senate reintroduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021, legislation that would create a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers that prevent farmer and forest landowner participation in carbon credit markets. Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council (NCC), Reece Langley, says this bipartisan legislation is expected to move its …

Biden’s 30X30 Proposal Causing Concern Among U.S. Agriculture

Dan Conservation, Environment, Legislative

The American Farm Bureau Federation is one of many agriculture groups calling on the Biden Administration to act responsibly when it comes to conservation. Biden’s goal to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030, commonly known as “30X30,” is raising many questions. A letter to the administration makes three key requests: that the administration provides …

Final Week of Florida Legislative Session

Dan Cattle, Florida, Legislative

This is the final week of the 2021 Florida Legislative Session, as it is scheduled to end Friday, April 30. Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Sam Ard, has more information about the “Right to Farm” legislation that was passed and sent to the Governor last week, the budget process which should wrap up soon, and he discusses the possibility …

Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Legislative, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pecans, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …

Concerns with Repealing the Stepped-Up Basis Tax Provision

Clint Thompson Legislative

The Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC) released an EY study this week, quantifying the impact a repeal of stepped-up basis would have on family businesses. The EY study found that family-owned businesses and the local economies they support would be hit hardest by a repeal. Based on the analysis of the study, this tax increase, whether via tax at …