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| JANUARY 2003 |
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National
Grange Unveils It's "Blueprint for Rural America 2003"
For over a century,
the National Grange has served as a political advocate for the rural community.
Every January, the National Grange releases a priority issues document that helps
focus the Grange's political advocacy efforts for the coming year. The "Blueprint
for Rural America" consists of a ten-point plan that outlines for Granges
key issues on which to base grassroots activity. With each passing year, the "Blueprint" is updated to reflect those changes that have occurred over the previous year
while maintaining objectives that are still relevant.
1.
Return Prosperity to U.S. Agriculture for Individuals
and Families - The number one priority
for the Grange is the return of US agriculture to prosperity for individuals and
families. Federal farm programs, such as the 2002 Farm Bill, providing economic
assistance and promote responsible land stewardship to family farms, must be properly
implemented. Also discussed under this point is the importance of supporting and
promoting innovative production practices such as organic farming and biotechnology,
along with lifting barriers to foreign trade.
2. Expand Telecommunications Services in Rural
Areas - Access to things such as telephone,
Internet, satellite and cable service are essential towards enhancing the quality
of life in rural America. It allows telecommuters the tools necessary to pursue
a rewarding career while maintaining a rural lifestyle; provides information to
farmers regarding farming practices, consumer preferences and weather conditions;
and enhances the effectiveness of community services such as rural schools, law
enforcement and healthcare.
3.
Reform the Endangered Species Act and Other Environmental
Programs - Although preservation of endangered species is a worthwhile
concern, the Act does not take into account the negative implications for farmers
existing as a result. Under this act, the livelihood of farmers will be compromised
on classifications not based on sound science. Decisions regarding the classification
of endangered species must take into account not only biological conditions; they
should take into consideration their effects on the surrounding community, objective,
scientifically-based peer review and take into account the private property rights
of landowners. 4.
Achieve Energy Security for Rural America -
Within our nation's farms and among our natural resources exist a potential gold
mine of energy sources that must be utilized. Things such as the use of ethanol
fuel derived from corn, wind and solar power provide America with enough energy
reserves that will allow us to be less dependent on foreign oil. Because of the
lack of understanding and political support, these resources are not being utilized.
Another issue it touches upon is energy deregulation of public power utility rural
communities rely on. Therefore any benefits consumers derive from deregulation
must also extend to rural consumers.
5.
Improve the Quality of Rural Education - In order
to be effective, rural schools must be equipped with the latest technology, such
as computer and Internet access, to provide a beneficial learning environment
for today's students, who will make tomorrow's workforce and leaders. Rural public
schools must not only be technologically up to speed, they should provide a learning
environment that benefits all students by continuing to support funding for special
education and Headstart programs. 6.
Enhance Homeland Security and Public Safety in Rural Areas
- In the wake of September 11, 2001, homeland security is a top priority.
The USDA Homeland Security Council was established to perform duties such as protecting
of our food supply from foreign pests and diseases. Within our borders, rural
Americans must contend with threats from extremist environmental organizations,
such as the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front, which promote
violence, seek to control through intimidation and spread propaganda. The National
Grange also supports efforts to coordinate abducted children "Amber Alert" notices
in all 50 states. 7.
Strengthen Civic Participation in Our Society -
In addition to homeland security, common frames of reference, such as language,
faith and patriotism, are prerequisites for individual liberties and vibrant civic
participation. The National Grange encourages maintaining recitation of the Pledge
of Allegiance in our children's school, along with educating youth about the Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution. Grangers are encouraged to get involved
in activities such as Internet voting and registration, campaigning, serving on
juries and taking part in volunteer service programs.
8.
Improve the Quality and Availability of Rural Health Care
- Improving the quality and availability of rural health care has always been
a major priority for the Grange. Because it is imperative that health care be
made affordable to rural citizens, the need for programs such as Medicare prescription
drug coverage benefits and the tax-deductibility of health care expenses are addressed.
However, these benefits are worthless unless the healthcare facilities needed
to distribute them are available. Preserving access to the latest pharmaceutical
technologies for all rural families is also a priority for the Grange. 9.
Reform the Federal Tax System to Preserve Family Farms and
Rural Businesses - For our nation's agricultural producers, their farms
and businesses are their most important retirement asset. That is why the Grange
supports reforming the Federal tax system to preserve family farms and businesses.
Current tax laws penalize farmers and rural business owners that seek to sell
their properties or pass it onto their heirs. New policies must ensure that farmers
and rural business owners can retire with dignity and that they be able to pass
it on to the next generation of America's agricultural producers. 10.
Address the Needs of Foster Children and Foster Parents
in our Communities - The Grange has been a strong advocate in supporting
foster families through its Foster Parent Program. The Grange seeks to restore
dignity, raise self-esteem and create a safe haven for foster children through
educational efforts, advocacy and the upholding of family values.
Through continually updating and re-evaluating the ten-point plan in the "Blueprint
for Rural America," the National Grange is better able to stay relevant and fulfill
its role as a leader and advocate for our America's farmers and rural citizens.
Copies of the "Blueprint for Rural America 2003" will soon be available as a brochure,
as part of the 2003 National Grange Legislative Policy Book and Grassroots Training
Manual.
top National
Grange Urges Congress to Support Emergency Disaster Assistance
The National
Grange has joined forces with over 30 agricultural and public interest organizations
in producing a coalition letter urging Congress to support emergency disaster
assistance to agricultural producers suffering losses during the 2001 and 2002
production years. As a result of these disasters, farmers throughout the U.S.
have suffered tremendously due to circumstances beyond their control. Catastrophes
such as droughts have destroyed crops and reduced available water for livestock;
in other areas, production problems and economic setbacks are experienced due
to flooding, frost and damage incurred by crop pests. The
negative impact of natural disasters on American agriculture is increasing at
an alarming rate. During the year 2002, nearly 90 percent of U.S. counties have
received USDA disaster designation status, with over 40 percent of all producers
having received this type of assistance over the last two years! Although the
new Farm Bill provides increased economic support and stability across a broad
range of programs administered by the USDA, it must allocate additional resources
to disaster assistance. The financial stress this places on farmers is even more
pronounced because commodity laws under the new Farm Bill are less than the annual
average expenditures incurred since 1998. Although
crop insurance, disaster loans and emergency haying and grazing of Conservation
Reserve Program acreage, and the Livestock Compensation Program have been beneficial,
they are insufficient for coping with the devastation experienced throughout America
within the last couple of years. That is why the National Grange encourages the
108th Congress to make passage of emergency disaster assistance a priority.
top National
Grange Urges Continuation of J-1 Visa Waivers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's
withdrawal as an Interested Government Agency (IGA) of the J-1 visa waiver program
poses a major threat to rural health care. Since the mid 1990's, the J-1 program
has provided needed physicians for underserved rural areas. Since its inception,
this program has brought approximately 3,000 physicians to these areas. The
National Grange wrote a letter to Tommy Thompson, Secretary of the Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing appreciation for his decision to
have HHS reinstate and continue this program. Without it, many rural areas would
have no access to necessary health care services. By supporting the waiver of "return home" policies to medical professionals in underserved areas, HHS is helping
ensure the health and well being of rural Americans.
Connecticut
Grange Addresses Dairy Crisis
The Connecticut State Grange is actively
working to address the dairy crisis in Connecticut and across New England. One
way they address this issue is through working with coalitions of like minded-
organizations, like the Connecticut Working Lands Alliance (WLA). Gordon Gibson,
Legislative Director for the Connecticut State Grange serves as a board member
of the WLA, a multi-interest coalition dedicated to the preservation of Connecticut's
farmland. Farmers and organizations with an interest to halt the rapid disappearance
of Connecticut's farmland, such as conservation organizations, food security groups
and local government agencies, support the WLA. On December 23, 2002 the WLA published
a working paper entitled "Dairy Crisis in Connecticut: the Working Lands Alliance
Position" that outlines the scope of the crisis. Excerpts from that paper follow. "Connecticut
dairy farmers utilize between 85,000 - 100,000 acres for feed crops, pasture and
grazing. As such, dairy farms represent a significant share (over 25%) of the
total agricultural landbase that is already under intense development pressure."
"The current
dairy crisis highlights the mutuality of needs between farmers and consumers.
While low prices paid for liquid milk hurts farmers, the high price of milk in
supermarkets also hurts consumers. It is clear that processors and retailers are
making a hefty profit at the expense of both consumers and farmers." To
find out more information about the steps that the WLA is recommending to address
the long-term solution to the viability of dairy farming in Connecticut, please
visit the Working
Lands Alliance website.
top
Applebees' Coupon Offer Hoax
There has been an
Internet scam being generated on behalf of Applebees Restaurant that targets rural
Americans. The scam consists of an email supposedly from the restaurant founder
offering $50 gift certificates to anyone who forwards this email to 9 of their
friends. As soon as you arrive at their web site, you will find a notice saying
that the offer is a hoax.
If you come across similar solicitations in the future, you can verify their legitimacy
by contacting the Better Business
Bureau or the Office of Consumer Protection at the Federal
Trade Commission. At the following web address is an article specifically
dealing with the issue of chain emails. View
the article. Anything that sounds too good to be true most likely is, so be
informed and don't be a victim of another hoax.
Fly-In
Registration Begins Soon
Be sure to mark your calendars for the National
Grange's Legislative Fly-In this spring. This year's Fly-In will be taking place
May 18th - 20th, 2003. This event will provide Grange members and their guests
a unique opportunity to witness how our system of government works, meet with
their Senators and Congressmen and take advantage of the sites and cultural activities
Washington, DC has to offer. We hope to see you there!
top Take
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