Arkansas Agriculture Edition 25 : Page 22
Policy Update By Michelle Kitchens, Arkansas Farm Bureau Are we there yet? It’s a common question for summer vacation travelers, but it easily could be asked about a number of farm-related issues. Arkansas Farm Bureau wants to keep you updated on the issues pending on a state and national level, particularly those we’ve discussed in this space. Here are some quick updates. 2012 farm bill House Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) hosted a farm bill field hearing in Arkansas in early spring. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach offered testimony in support of a safety net that includes price and yield risk protection. Veach stressed to the committee that the next farm bill needs to serve all regions and crops, saying “a one-size-fits-all program will not work effectively for all regions.” Most farm groups have urged the committees to put forth a new farm bill this year. With the 2008 farm bill expiring in September, there’s a lot of work left to do to get another bill in place before then. Both the House and Senate Agriculture committees finished their field hearings process. It’s possible that the Senate and House will have bills ready for consideration in June. State sales and use tax exemptions review The Arkansas House and Senate Revenue and Taxation committees met April 19 to begin their comprehensive Arkansas State Water Plan revision Public meetings for the State Water Plan rewrite should begin this summer. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) has selected CDM Smith/FTN as the engineering firm that will provide support services for the project. The United States Geological Survey will compile all available groundwater information and synthesize existing data and reports to publish a report on the quantity, quality, and sustainability of groundwater in the state’s major aquifers to assess problems review of the state tax code, beginning with the state’s sales tax exemptions. Department of Finance and Administration staff offered testimony and provided explanations of the code, enforcement of the exemptions and revenue loss projections. Several entities, including Arkansas Farm Bureau, submitted comments to the committees about the importance of exemptions. A date was not set for a follow-up meeting. Elections The state primary election was May 22. Now come the long campaign runs up to the November elections. Farm Bureau members are strongly encouraged to evaluate candidates with an eye toward their views on agriculture. Farm Bureau has video interviews and questionnaires from candidates for the 1 st and 2 nd Congressional Districts posted at arfb. com . Check out those resources for more information on candidates’ positions on agriculture issues. How farmers cast their ballots can make a big difference in the outcome of many agriculture policies, so vet your candidates thoroughly. and define needs use into the future. ANRC plans to use resources from UALR Bowen Law School and the Clinton School of Public Service to support the effort. ARNC will update arkansaswater. org for information dissemination about the water plan going forward. ŒŒŒ* 22 Arkansas Agriculture
Policy Update
Michelle Kitchens
Are we there yet? It’s a common question for summer vacation travelers, but it easily could be asked about a number of farm-related issues. Arkansas Farm Bureau wants to keep you updated on the issues pending on a state and national level, particularly those we’ve discussed in this space. Here are some quick updates.<br /> <br /> 2012 farm bill<br /> <br /> House Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) hosted a farm bill field hearing in Arkansas in early spring. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach offered testimony in support of a safety net that includes price and yield risk protection. Veach stressed to the committee that the next farm bill needs to serve all regions and crops, saying “a one-size-fits-all program will not work effectively for all regions.” Most farm groups have urged the committees to put forth a new farm bill this year.With the 2008 farm bill expiring in September, there’s a lot of work left to do to get another bill in place before then. Both the House and Senate Agriculture committees finished their field hearings process. It’s possible that the Senate and House will have bills ready for consideration in June.<br /> <br /> State sales and use tax exemptions review <br /> <br /> The Arkansas House and Senate Revenue and Taxation committees met April 19 to begin their comprehensive Review of the state tax code, beginning with the state’s sales tax exemptions. Department of Finance and Administration staff offered testimony and provided explanations of the code, enforcement of the exemptions and revenue loss projections. Several entities, including Arkansas Farm Bureau, submitted comments to the committees about the importance of exemptions. A date was not set for a follow-up meeting.<br /> <br /> Arkansas State Water Plan revision<br /> <br /> Public meetings for the State Water Plan rewrite should begin this summer.The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) has selected CDM Smith/FTN as the engineering firm that will provide support services for the project. The United States Geological Survey will compile all available groundwater information and synthesize existing data and reports to publish a report on the quantity, quality, and sustainability of groundwater in the state’s major aquifers to assess problems And define needs use into the future.ANRC plans to use resources from UALR Bowen Law School and the Clinton School of Public Service to support the effort. ARNC will update arkansaswater.Org for information dissemination about the water plan going forward.<br /> <br /> Elections<br /> <br /> The state primary election was May 22. Now come the long campaign runs up to the November elections.Farm Bureau members are strongly encouraged to evaluate candidates with an eye toward their views on agriculture. Farm Bureau has video interviews and questionnaires from candidates for the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts posted at arfb.Com. Check out those resources for more information on candidates’ positions on agriculture issues. How farmers cast their ballots can make a big difference in the outcome of many agriculture policies, so vet your candidates thoroughly.
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