Author: Stephanie Wilkins
Grange sends congratulatory letter to new Secretary of Agriculture Thomas M. Vilsack
Following the Senate vote to confirm Thomas M. Vilsack as the next Secretary of Agriculture, National Grange president Betsy Huber sent the new Secretary a congratulatory letter in which she emphasized several National Grange rural and agricultural priorities. Secretary Vilsack, Congratulations on your confirmation to once again serve as Secretary of Agriculture. The National … Continue reading “Grange sends congratulatory letter to new Secretary of Agriculture Thomas M. Vilsack”
National Grange Asks Congress to Include Ag Organizations in Paycheck Protection Program
As Congress debates another COVID relief package to include in its budget reconciliation negotiations, the National Grange is urging the Hill to support the inclusion of PPP eligibility for 501(c)5 agricultural not-for-profit organizations . These ag-focused groups provide vital resources and support for the nation’s agriculture, food and rural economies. CLICK HERE TO READ … Continue reading “National Grange Asks Congress to Include Ag Organizations in Paycheck Protection Program”
Policy Updates and Issue News January 2021
Washington Overview President Biden’s Team is Coming Together Following his inauguration on the 20th, President Biden’s cabinet team has been rapidly coming together. So far top-level picks such as Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been confirmed, … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News January 2021”
Watch FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Farewell Message
Watch the National Grange and the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s virtual final address on the digital divide on January 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. FCC Chairman Pai discussed his contributions to bridging the digital divide for all Americans during his tenure at the … Continue reading “Watch FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Farewell Message”
OpEd: Technology Drives the Sustainable Practices Needed to Meet 21st Century Food Demand
BY BETSY HUBER December 23, 2020 at 5:00 am ET Late last week, President-Elect Joe Biden named Michael Regan, currently serving as head of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality, as the head of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. We welcome his expertise and are looking forward to working with him over the next … Continue reading “OpEd: Technology Drives the Sustainable Practices Needed to Meet 21st Century Food Demand”
Policy Updates and Issue News December 2020
Washington Overview Coronavirus Relief and Government Funding Following a week-long delay, on Sunday December 27th President Trump signed an omnibus bill into law which included Coronavirus Relief Funds and the annual bill which funds the government. In the coronavirus relief package highlights include a new round of $600 stimulus checks, an eleven-week extension of expanded … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News December 2020”
Grange thanks Congress for broadband funding and mapping aid
On Tuesday, Dec. 22, National Grange President Betsy E. Huber released a statement praising the inclusion of funding for broadband mapping in the recently passed $900 billion relief package. Huber said, “Congress has recognized the plight of rural Americans and the digital divide that separates them from the rest of the country. The $7 billion allocated in this … Continue reading “Grange thanks Congress for broadband funding and mapping aid”
Vilsack nomination to lead USDA called ‘wise choice’ by Grange president
Betsy Huber, President of the National Grange, has issued a statement on the Nomination of Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture: “The National Grange welcomes Tom Vilsack back to USDA as Secretary of Agriculture,” she said, pending his confirmation. “President-elect Biden has made a wise choice to lead the Department at a time when farming … Continue reading “Vilsack nomination to lead USDA called ‘wise choice’ by Grange president”
Grange cheers RDOF Phase 1 Auction
This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took another historic step toward closing the digital divide in 49 states through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction. National Grange President Betsy Huber said, “The sound regulatory approach and carefully calibrated incentives championed by the FCC have delivered results, yielding $9.2 billion in support during … Continue reading “Grange cheers RDOF Phase 1 Auction”
Grange reacts to new House Ag Committee leaders
Today the National Grange released statements in support of both the newly selected Democratic House Ag Chairman and Republican Ranking Member. National Grange President Betsy Huber has a long working relationship with Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, as both have worked closely with the agriculture community of Pennsylvania for decades. Huber called the move by … Continue reading “Grange reacts to new House Ag Committee leaders”
National Grange Urges Innovative COVID-19 Vaccination Options
How will rural communities fare in obtaining COVID-19 vaccine? Rural communities do not currently have the infrastructure necessary to store, maintain and distribute these new vaccines. The National Grange is urging FDA to explore multiple vaccine delivery mechanisms including pill form. Click here to read.
Policy Updates and Issue News November 2020
Washington Overview As Washington gets back to work following the election, key issues to watch for in the lame duck period before the new Congress is sworn in in January include coronavirus stimulus debates, government funding deadlines, and jockeying for leadership positions in the next Congress. As well, key picks for the Biden cabinet have … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News November 2020”
Grange Issues Statement on Final International Pricing Index Rule
Washington, DC November 24, 2020 – The National Grange released the following statement expressing its disappointment with FDA’s Final Rule and Guidance on Prescription Drug Importation and can be attributed to Betsy Huber, president of the National Grange: “The National Grange, on behalf of rural communities across the United States, is disappointed the Administration … Continue reading “Grange Issues Statement on Final International Pricing Index Rule”
Grange sends rural priority memo to Biden transition team
On November 11, the National Grange sent a memo to the transition team of President-elect Joe Biden. In it, the Grange welcomed Biden back to Washington D.C. and conveyed policy priorities for the incoming administration that are essential for rural Americans. Click here to read the full memo.
Policy Updates and Issue News October 2020
Heading into the Election Next Tuesday, November 3rd, Americans will head to the polls to vote in an election unlike any other in recent memory. Or perhaps, it’s more accurate to say that on November 3rd the election will come to a close, as 75 million Americans have already voted as of the writing of … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News October 2020”