WHAT WE STAND FOR

Citizenship Policy Statement (2026)

Broadcasting

The National Grange supports public broadcasting concepts, improved service for our rural communities, and continuing federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through self-supporting sources of financing.

Broadband

Broadband and cellular connectivity must be priorities to ensure every American equitable connectivity.

Elected Officials

The National Grange urges all elected officials to work across party lines to ensure the best outcome for all persons they represent. The National Grange supports an amendment to the United States Constitution that should read: “Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to Senators and/or Representatives, just as Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States.” Further, when the federal government is shut down because Congress has failed to pass proper funding, Congress should not be paid for the period of the shutdown.

Elections

The National Grange urges all of its members to exercise their right to vote. We further recommend that all ballots and pertinent instructions for all elections be printed in the English language only. Proof of citizenship is to be required at the time of voter registration, at the polls and/or anyone requesting an absentee ballot with federally approved photo identification to verify they are a legal voter within this country and proper state. We oppose same day registration voting laws.

Government and Legislative Affairs

The National Grange believes all government-mandated programs and agencies must contain “sunset” provisions, including a target termination date; systematic and continuous reviews of all mandated programs be made periodically by an appropriate board of review and all mandated programs must be funded and financed by the government of origin and that at any point funding is not provided, the mandate will be removed.

The National Grange strongly opposes the use of any commission, council, or other consortium of non-elected appointees to create legislative mandates that Congress must adhere to, that are not subject to judicial review or the American system of checks and balances.

Government Service

The National Grange encourages the federal government to provide assistance immediately following the successful request by a State Governor for a declaration of a national disaster in the United States, supports efforts to improve the collection and dissemination of accurate and timely statistical data by all federal agencies, encourages legislation to require the Commerce Census Bureau to return to inclusion of a separate category for farm families.

Government Spending

The National Grange strongly advocates for Congress to put aside partisan politics to pass a balanced budget, prevent federal government shutdowns, and ensure a permanent solution to our deficit problems. The National Grange believes the issuance of Social Security, other critical social service monetary supplements, military salaries, benefits, or expenses should not be affected, delayed or reduced, should a federal government shutdown occur.

Native Americans

The National Grange supports the continuation of all rights and privileges enjoyed by Native Americans as U.S. citizens, including fulfilling all responsibilities associated with such citizenship, which includes being subject to the same laws as other citizens.

Patriotism, Prayer, and Religious Observances

The National Grange strongly supports joining with like-minded organizations along with churches and individuals to protect our religious freedoms and the First Amendment.

Social Security

The National Grange encourages Congress to positively reform the Social Security System to ensure its future solvency and use of Social Security funds for Social Security programs only.

Social Welfare Programs

The National Grange supports legislation that would require drug testing to be included in the eligibility requirements for welfare recipients. The National Grange supports requiring additional means to facilitate the identification and location of each child’s parent for purposes of welfare recovery.

Veterans Affairs

The National Grange supports the continued operation of all Veterans’ Hospitals and veterans’ eligibility for medical care and benefits.

Miscellaneous

The National Grange supports the creation of a Presidential Blue-Ribbon Commission on the preservation of the American Dream to ensure that our country is stronger tomorrow than it is today.

The National Grange supports a simpler, legal route to employing guest workers, which will permit them to enter the country, work for a specific time in a specific location, and then return home.

The National Grange supports all rights that are granted in the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights and urges Congress not to consider legislation eliminating or repealing these rights.

Taxation Policy Statement (2026)

Business, Investment, Capital Gains, and Inheritance Taxation

We support depreciation schedules for agricultural capital assets that accurately reflect the useful life of those assets.

Personal Income Tax

The National Grange supports developing a simpler and fairer federal income tax code, written in precise, plain and understandable language. We further support simplifying the language that is used in the government’s instruction pamphlets for filing individual income taxes.

Sales, Excise Taxes, and Internet

The National Grange opposes the enactment of any national sales tax or any form of value added tax.

Taxes - General

The National Grange supports the tax treatment of agricultural cooperatives as non-profit entities.

Conservation Policy Statement (2026)

Conserving our abundant but delicate natural resources is essential for sustaining life. These resources, like pure water, clean air, fertile soil, and robust forests, are national treasures, and the source of our nation’s economic prosperity. However, it is critical we maintain an environmental balance. We encourage responsible stewardship of our natural resources. We define responsible stewardship as a balance between use, preservation, and the environmental standards appropriate to regional needs.

The National Grange is a strong advocate for land stewardship. We believe protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources are vital. We further believe education of the public regarding the importance of natural resources is an absolute necessity. Good stewardship begins with preparation for natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and seasonal storms.  Further steps should be taken to mitigate wildfire and risks of other natural disasters, including clearing dry brushes, clearing spillways, and other common-sense measures.

As critical drought conditions become more prevalent nationwide, this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach including technological solutions like upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities to recycle effluent. Also vital are efficient water management practices in both agriculture and industry. Granges can educate their community by hosting programs which share conservation measures such as rainwater collection methods, and gardening and landscape enhancements that could replace lawns which need excessive volumes of water. Many of the initiatives outlined in the National Grange’s Project Sustenance program connect to conservation measures, and we applaud their adoption on the local level.

The National Grange recognizes the unique role agriculture plays in land and environmental management. The National Grange supports transparent data disclosure of any environmental testing and/or modifications conducted by any governmental agency. We advocate for flexibility in the interpretation of environmental laws for traditional land uses, taking into consideration environmental situations across the country and encouraging agricultural producers to engage in Best Management Practices in their operations.

Federal financial assistance programs have enabled conservation practices to be implemented on farms and at-risk lands that would not otherwise be possible.  The National Grange should demand follow-through on financial agreements already approved. 

The National Grange understands that agriculture is part of climate change and efforts to accomplish Net-Zero. To provide a more accurate picture of greenhouse emissions in our nation, consistent and reliable sources of data must be used. The National Grange supports the use of Best Management Practices and any mandates regarding agriculture reducing emissions be accompanied by economic incentives to lower the impact on agricultural producers.

Food waste is a problem, as approximately half of the food grown in the country is thrown away without being consumed. The Grange should be involved in efforts to reduce food waste while helping the environment. We recognize plastic and other non-biodegradable materials are a significant environmental nuisance. The National Grange supports legislation that will promote the use of shorter life plastic and biologically degradable materials.

The National Grange seeks a strong and effective Farm Bill that is critical to producers and consumers of American agricultural goods. It is fishers and hunters who look to the Farm Bill to secure access and preservation of land through conservation titles.

Education Policy Statement (2026)

• Fully fund rural education and teacher development programs, ensuring equitable access and modern resources for every school.
• Expand broadband-enabled learning, providing every student with the tools to learn from anywhere.
• Strengthen workforce development initiatives, including apprenticeships, trade education, and partnerships with local industries.
• Support rural colleges, agriculture universities, and scholarship programs that tie education to local opportunities and encourage students to return home.
• Encourage legislators to introduce a student loan debt forgiveness program that will entice graduating medical students to work in a rural community for a set period of time.

Health Policy Statement (2026)

• Encourage legislation to address healthcare in Rural America. Rural Healthcare is at a breaking point. Almost every rural health issue can be traced to one root problem: Lack of access. Rural hospitals closing, maternal health declining or even nonexistent, lack of specialty care physicians, and preventive care is not an option for rural America.
• Support legislation that eliminates the Inflation Reduction Act “Pill Penalty” to keep affordable oral treatments on the market.
• The Grange continues to support the 340b Program as it was intended to be managed and run. Offering discounted medications and charity care to the underserved communities in Rural America.  340b was not intended as a loophole for hospitals to increase profits.
• We will continue to be the voice in raising awareness about these disparities and inequities for rural residents related to healthcare access, affordability, and more. We will continue to partner with organizations to educate our members and the public about ways in which this gap can be closed.
• We urge Congress to ensure sustainable programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. These programs are investments in the health, dignity, and productivity of our members.
• The Grange calls on Congress to pass legislation such as the Credit for Caring Act, which would benefit over 90 million Americans who are caregiving for their loved ones.
• We continue to advocate on behalf of our military veterans whose physical and mental health has been neglected for so long. Over 32,000 veterans (men and women) are classified as homeless.  Let’s get these veterans the support network that they need at the VA Hospitals to handle the overcrowded conditions.
• Mental health is a major concern of the Grange, not only does it affect veterans and seniors, but it is also a major concern in rural America. We need to continue to fund programs that address this national epidemic.
• Reform the Pharmacy Benefit Manger (PBM) practices to ensure transparency and prevent pricing manipulation that harms patients and hospitals.
• Invest in broadband expansion to ensure telehealth reaches every household, especially those in rural areas. Connectivity is essential to providing fast and needed healthcare that otherwise would not be accessible.

Labor Policy Statement (2026)

The National Grange supports the rights of employers and employees to thrive in an environment of prosperity and safety. We believe America’s workforce deserves to earn a fair wage with adequate retirement benefits. We encourage the preservation of existing private and public pension benefits.

We support improved efficiency in agricultural guest worker programs for temporary and permanent workers.

Judiciary Policy Statement (2026)

The National Grange is a staunch defender of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and privileges it protects for all persons.

The National Grange strives to support and respect the hard work and bravery of the nation’s first responders.  We believe that elected officials should strive to put democracy above partisanship. (President’s External Address 2025)

The National Grange believes citizens and elected officials are the appropriate individuals to adopt the laws by which we will be governed. Administrative agencies and other governing bodies should be prohibited from implementing regulations that dramatically impact our daily lives without periodic review by elected officials. We further oppose the use of eminent domain to take private property for private commercial use.

We support legislation to increase cybersecurity for all personal banking and credit card data by all internet providers to prevent fraudulent use of that data. We encourage citizens to apply due diligence in protecting themselves from cyberfraud.

The Grange supports federal and state programs that invest in small business grants, rural cooperatives and entrepreneurship, local food systems, and community revitalization.  Rural and workforce housing initiatives should be expanded so that those who serve their communities can afford to live in them.

Transportation Policy Statement (2026)

The National Grange believes our nation’s overall infrastructure (broadband, transportation, drinking water, waste management, ports, aviation, parks, schools, etc.) is in critical need of repair and upgrade. We encourage Congress to appropriate adequate funding to repair/upgrade our nation’s infrastructure. We also support the posting of fuel tax amounts on every fuel pump.

All drivers must guard against distractions from cell phones and other devices. We support enhancing the visibility of school buses, construction, farm equipment, rail cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, etc. We encourage walkers, joggers, bicyclists, etc. to wear highly reflective clothing.

The National Grange urges all states to have the same criteria/standards for Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) drivers.