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U.S. Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Washington State Grange
In 2004, voters in the State of Washington passed an initiative changing the State’s primary election system. The People’s Choice Initiative of 2004, or Initiative 872, provided that voters could choose any candidate, and the top two vote getters for each office, regardless of party preference, would advance to the general election. The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit nullified I–872 stating it imposed an unconstitutional burden on state political parties’ First Amendment rights. Read more
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Coalition To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports
The National Grange, along with the Coalition to Promote U. S. Agricultural Exports, consisting of over 100 organizations, wrote to congressional agricultural leaders to commend them as they work to resolve the differences in the new Farm Bill and to share their views regarding the development of the trade title. The Coalition believes that the U.S. must continue to have policies and programs in place that help maintain the ability of American agriculture to compete effectively in a global marketplace still characterized by highly subsidized foreign competition. Read more |
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National Grange Applauds Approach to Argentine Debts
National Grange Legislative Director Leroy Watson recently addressed the American Task Force for Argentina (ATFA) on the restructuring of Argentine debt and its benefits to American rural communities. Argentina, a major competitor to American farm exports, defaulted on more than $100 billion in sovereign debt in 2001. Read more |
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National Grange Urges Congress to Consider Broadband Services in Farm Bill
The National Grange recently wrote to Congressional leaders urging them to provide funding designated to expand broadband services in farming and rural communities. It is critical that the Farm Bill provide public funding for additional high-speed broadband infrastructure that will be deployed to spur private investment, economic growth, and create new jobs in under-served rural areas. Read more |
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National Grange Supports Capital Gains Tax Relief for Farmers
The National Grange supports H.R. 5134, the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2007, which amends the Internal Revenue Code by creating three levels of capital gains tax relief for farmers and ranchers who sell farmland. Capital gains taxes have hindered the agriculture community from keeping viable farmland for production and retarded the growth of development by requiring a tax reflecting the market selling price of agricultural land rather than the agricultural use price. Read more |
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National Grange Supports Renewable Energy Tax Credits
The National Grange is supporting H.R. 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which would provide tax credits for renewable energy production and energy conservation. Recently the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5351 and sent the bill to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Read more |
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National Grange Supports Immigration Reform for Farmers
The National Grange recently wrote to the U. S. Secretary of Labor and the U. S. Secretary of Homeland Security concerning immigration reform. The Bush Administration is proposing changes to help solve agriculture’s need for a dependable, legal workforce by making the H-2A guest worker visa program practical for farmers. The current system is too complex, costly, and does not provide a workforce for many agricultural operations. Read more |
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National Grange Writes to USDA Secretary on Beef Recall
The National Grange recently congratulated USDA Secretary Ed Schafer on the investigation and recall of 143 million pounds of beef products. The National Grange strongly believes that USDA has adequate food safeguards in place. We supported the USDA’s continuation of investigations of wrongdoing at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. Read more |
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National Grange Opposes CFTC and SEC Merger
The National Grange wrote to Congressional leaders, the Secretary of Treasury, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commissioners, strongly opposing any merger of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While the United States financial market is in turmoil and elected leaders are searching for ways to solve our nation’s economic problems merging the CFTC and the SEC will not increase confidence in our declining economy. Read more |
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Grange Responds to Biofules Article in Wall Street Journal
Leroy Watson, Legislative Director for the National Grange, recently wrote a Letter to the Editor responding to a Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Biofuels May Hinder Antiglobal-Warming Efforts,” published on February 8, 2008. In the letter, Mr. Watson chastised the editors of the publication for calling biofuels a net environmental loss when they addressed recent studies regarding greenhouse gasses. Read more |
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National Grange Urges Congressional Leaders to Finish Farm Bill
“It is imperative to finalize the Farm Bill legislative process so the agricultural community and related industries can utilize the federal programs to their fullest extent. The March 15 th deadline that Congress set for itself to finish work on this important legislation is fast approaching. Family farmers and ranchers across the nation are asking Congress to pass the next Farm Bill so they can plan their growing season knowing what federal programs will be available to them,” stated Ed Luttrell, National Grange President. Read more |
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Get a free DVD of the full 40 minute speech by Dr. Sullivan's
Dr. Louis Sullivan, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, encouraged delegates attending the National Grange convention in Reno to continue pressing to make health care more accessible for rural residents. In his Nov. 14th keynote speech he recognized the Grange’s role in advocating for improved medical care for America’s rural citizens. Read more |
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The National Grange is Pleased to Announce the Hiring of Two New Staff Members
Margaret Maxwell is a native Washingtonian and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Her decades of meeting planning experience have allowed her to work high profile catering events attended by some of the world’s most fascinating people, including Queen Noor, Pavarotti, Margaret Thatcher, President Ronald Reagan, and the 1984 United States Olympic medal winners.
Rusty Hunt is a third generation Grange member and a graduate of Whitworth College in Spokane, WA. He was a District Youth Director and became a State Officer in 1995. He eventually worked his way up through the ranks and now serves on the Washington State Grange Executive Committee. He was appointed Co-Membership/Leadership Development Director in 2000 and has gained lots of experience through the years working with the Granges around Washington State. Read more |
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| In Honor of Grange Month 2008, the National Grange is Offering a T-Shirt Design Contest! |
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National Grange Names "Family of the Year" for Outstanding Community Service
Twelve members of a Fairbanks , Alaska family have been recognized by the National Grange as “Family of the Year” for their outstanding service to community and nation. The award was presented here at the National Grange’s 141st National Convention, following the organization’s long-term tradition of honoring family service and achievements. Read more |
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National Grange NH Presidential Primary Fly-In Lets Grange Members Experience History in the Making
The National Grange's New Hampshire Presidential Primary Legislative Fly-In was held December 27th through December 30th, 2007 in Manchester, Concord and Hooksett, New Hampshire. Fifteen full time attendees (as well as another 15 part time attendees) braved the winter weather of New Hampshire on the weekend between Christmas and New Years Day in order to learn about, and participate in, the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire Presidential Primary. This event was co-hosted by the National Grange and the New Hampshire State Grange. Read more |
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National Grange Writes to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Liquefied Natural Gas Facility
The National Grange recently urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to develop and strengthen regulations regarding the location of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals and to consider weigh safety issues, river traffic concerns, potential pollution, habitat impacts, and the comments and recommendations of the Coast Guard about the potential problems associated with the additional traffic when approving any LNG terminal facilities. This policy is also supported by the Washington State Grange, which adopted similar statewide policy urging FERC to deny the Northern Star Natural Gas application to construct a LNG terminal at Bradwood Landing and an associated 34 mile high-pressure pipeline through a portion of Washington State. Read more |
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Grange Opposes Natural Gas Exploration Restrictions
The National Grange and the West Virginia State Grange joined the Agriculture Energy Alliance (AEA) in opposing provisions of the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 (H.R.-3221) that would have restricted the exploration and production of natural gas, especially on private property in states like West Virginia. The natural gas exploration restrictions that passed the U.S. House of Representatives were removed from the legislation before final passage as H.R. 6. Read more |
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Grange Endorses Farm Bill Payment Limitations
The National Grange and 75 other organizations wrote to the U.S. Senate urging them to support the bi-partisan payment limitation amendment being offered by Senators Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Charles E. Grassley (R-IA). Read more |
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National Grange and the SPCC Writes to EPA on Proposed Amendments
The Agriculture Coalition on the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC), which includes the National Grange, submitted comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed amendments to the SPCC rule. For many years, this coalition has been working with EPA to ensure that any agency action regulating oil spill prevention and response take into account the uniqueness of the agricultural industry. While the Coalition still has concerns with the proposed rule, the new proposed amendments do contain improved options for agriculture. Read more |
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The National Grange is Pleased to Announce the Hiring of Two New Staff Members
Margaret Maxwell is a native Washingtonian and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Her decades of meeting planning experience have allowed her to work high profile catering events attended by some of the world’s most fascinating people, including Queen Noor, Pavarotti, Margaret Thatcher, President Ronald Reagan, and the 1984 United States Olympic medal winners. Read more |
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In Honor of Grange Month 2008, the National Grange is Offering a T-Shirt Design Contest!
In honor of Grange Month 2008, the National Grange is offering a T-Shirt Design Contest! This contest is open to all current Grange members (except for staff.) The theme for this year is “Moving Forward,” so please create your design incorporating that idea. President Ed Luttrell, with the help of the Communications Department, will select the winning design. That design will be used on a T-shirt offered for sale to Grange members for Grange Month- April 2008. Read more |
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National Grange Urges Support For Commodity Program Reform
The National Grange recently joined with agricultural and other citizen’s groups urging the Senate Agriculture Committee to support meaningful commodity program payment limitation reform. The group endorsed a clean vote by the full Senate on the Dorgan-Grassley payment limitation proposal, unclouded by inclusion of fig leaf “reform” in the Committee bill. Read more |
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National Grange Names "Family of the Year" for Outstanding Community Service
Twelve members of a Fairbanks , Alaska family have been recognized by the National Grange as “Family of the Year” for their outstanding service to community and nation. The award was presented here at the National Grange’s 141st National Convention, following the organization’s long-term tradition of honoring family service and achievements. Read more |
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Grange Calls For New Programs To Assist Young/Beginning Farmers
In a joint letter signed by 97 separate grassroots family farm and rural public interest organizations, the National Grange called on the U.S. Senate to include new programs to assist beginning family farmers and ranchers in the 2007 Farm Bill. “ The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program is good public policy that addresses key obstacles to beginning farmers and ranchers and provides smart, cost-effective start-up support and education for America’s next generation of family farms,” the coalition letter explained. Read more |
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Grange States FCC’s “Reform” Plan Will Leave Rural America Behind
The National Grange, League of Rural Voters, and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) joined together to write an op-ed on rural communities across the country that will be left behind if the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has its way. The FCC recently indicated that it plans to cap the rural portion of the Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) as a first step toward long-term “reform.” A cap not only moves the country in the opposite direction of reform, it also freezes investments wireless carriers make in new rural infrastructure development. Read more |
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Job Opening for
Legislative Director of the North Carolina State Grange
The North Carolina State Grange recently announced an opening for the position of NC State Grange Director of Legislative Affairs.The North Carolina State Grange Legislative Director is a full time, professional position for the right person with a strong interest in public policy issues affecting family farmers and rural North Carolinians. Read more |
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Contact Your U.S. Representatives and Urge Them to
Co-Sponsor and Support H.R.2927
H.R. 2927 is legislation before Congress that increases the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards for automobiles and light trucks as well as promotes the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles. The bill will also maintain separate fleets for cars and trucks, an important distinction for vehicle choice as well as highway safety. With crude oil prices recently rising to $80 per barrel and with record amounts of imported petroleum entering the country, there is a pressing need to increase energy efficiency in our motor vehicles. At the same time, concerns such as vehicle safety, vehicle performance and vehicle compatibility with domestically produced bio-energy resources like ethanol and biodiesel can not be overlooked as Congress determines the right mix of legislative policies. H.R. 2927 is bi-partisan legislation that balances these concerns while moving our nation toward greater energy security and energy conservation. Read more |
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National Grange Cordially Invites You To Join Us For the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Legislative Fly-In 2008!
Registration for the National Grange's New Hampshire Presidential Primary Legislative Fly-In 2008 is currently under way. The New Hampshire Fly-In will take place from December 27th through December 30th, in Manchester, New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Presidential Fly-In of 2004 was a great chance for members to learn about, and participate in, the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire Presidential Primary. This event is hosted by the National Grange and the New Hampshire State Grange. As in the previous New Hampshire Fly-In, this will give participants a chance to volunteer on a Presidential Primary Campaign of their choice. Read more |
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Vote for "Permanent Homes for Foster Children" in the Members' Project by American Express
The National Foster Parent Association is a non-profit volunteer organization representing thousands of foster families nationwide since 1972. Their current project, “Permanent Homes for American Foster Children,” has been selected to be one of twenty-five participants in the second round of voting for The Members Project by American Express, finishing tenth of 50 competitors in the last round. American Express will donate one dollar for every participant in The Members Project, up to $5 million, to be awarded to the idea receiving the most votes from cardholders. Read more |
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Farm Bill Analysis and National Grange Policy
As Congress continues to work on the 2007 Farm Bill it is important to voice National Grange concerns. Now is the time to contact your elected officials and express your thoughts as Congress writes the Bill. The U. S. House of Representatives and U. S. Senate are continuing to craft the 2007 Farm Bill. The House has already drafted some of the sections, while others will be completed soon. Read more |
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National Grange Cautions Justice Department on Soon-To-Be Announced Cotton Ruling
The National Grange today expressed concern that a Justice Department ruling due this month on a merger of two major companies in the U.S. cottonseed market will have far-reaching anti-competitive consequences. William A. Steel, president of the National Grange, said that the proposed $1.5 billion merger of Monsanto and Delta & Pine Land Company could also cause harm to other major crops, such as corn and soybeans. Read more |
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The National Grange Announces Support for FCC Efforts on Telecom Reform
The National Grange today endorsed the progressive steps taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 5, 2007 to facilitate open competition in this country’s video franchise markets. National Grange President Bill Steel said that the new regulations issued by the FCC to streamline the local video franchise process was “bold, necessary and beneficial to the interests of rural consumers,” and would “ensure that consumers will eventually be free of cable monopolies and have access to program choice, lower rates and better technology.” Read more |
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Tell Us How Important Satellite Radio Is to You in Rural Areas
The two national commercial satellite radio providers XM and Sirius have recently proposed to merge in order to be come one company. This would reduce the choices for nationwide satellite radio service to one provider company. Evaluation of this merger for its potential impact on antitrust laws is pending before the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission. Read more
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2007 Farm Bill Summary Position Paper
The National Grange believes that final 2007 Farm Bill should meet the following benchmarks in order to meet the needs of America’s family farmers and ranchers Read more |
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Contact Your U.S. Representative And Ask Them For Immigration Reform
Congress is considering immigration reform legislation. The National Grange policy on immigration includes several key provisions concerning border security, enforcement, government responsibility and the agricultural workforce. Any comprehensive immigration reform measures should include all four areas of concern. The Grange supports the federal government efforts to increase border security to stem the tide of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the potential for foreign terrorist attack. Read more |
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| Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) Grants Available to Help Farmers and Ranchers Keep Land in Agriculture |
The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) is a voluntary program that helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program provides matching funds to State, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations with existing farm and ranch land protection programs to purchase conservation easements. FRPP is reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill). Read more |
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| New Grange Reader Questionaire |
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| Ask Your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative to Co-Sponsor and Pass HCR 25 and SCR 3, Establishing 25 x '25 as a National Goal |
By the year 2025, America’s farms, ranches and forests could provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States, while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber. National Grange joined a Coalition with partners from agricultural, forestry, business, labor, environmental, and civic organizations working together to advance renewable energy solutions from our nation’s farms, forests, ranches, and other working lands. Read more |
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Contact Your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives and Ask for a MILC Extension
The Milk Income Loss Contract program (MILC) has been instrumental in helping dairy producers financially throughout the nation over the past five years when farm milk prices were extremely low. Now that Congress is in the process of considering the 2007 Farm Bill it is important that the budget needs for dairy programs be included as part of the farm bill baseline. Read more |
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| Ask Your U.S. Representatives to Co-Sponsor and Support Implementation of the Country-of-Origin (COOL) Labeling by September 2007 |
Even though the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 included a Country-of-Origin (COOL) provision, previous Congresses have delayed its implementation by restricting USDA funds. National Grange is urging Congress to change the date of implementing mandatory COOL for beef, pork, lamb, produce and peanuts from September 2008 to September 2007. Read more |
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| Ask Your Senators and Representatives to Support Amendments to the New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Budget Proposal |
Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a budget allowing America's biggest commercial airlines to avoid paying billions of dollars in taxes and instead force small and independent businesses and pilots across rural America to foot the bill. Read more |
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President Steel Speech Regarding the Perspective of the National Grange on the 2007 Farm Bill.
On behalf of the National Grange I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for inviting me to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill. I am honored to have a few moments of your time. For those of you who are not familiar with the National Grange, we are the nation’s oldest national agricultural organization, with 2,800 state, county, and local grassroots chapters in 37 states. Grange members provide service to agricultural and rural communities on a wide variety of issues, including agriculture policy, economic development, energy security, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable Rural America. Read more |
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National Grange Challenges New Farm Legislation to Encourage a Rural Entrepreneurial Spirit
The president of the National Grange told the North Carolina Agricultural Development Forum here today that the 2007 Farm Bill must encourage a new entrepreneurial spirit in Rural America. William A. Steel, himself a veteran farmer and rural leader, said that new farm legislation must develop agricultural entrepreneurs who will exploit successful farm business plans and rural lifestyle goals. “This is critical so that the next two generations of farmers and ranchers can earn above-average, market-driven returns on their investments of time, talent, and capital,” he pointed out. Read more |
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