The Daily Item
October 15, 2024
Agriculture is the backbone of our commonwealth’s economy, supporting our rural communities’ culture and family farms. According to Pa.gov, the agricultural industry supports 593,000 jobs and contributes $132.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy every year.
Sen. Bob Casey is committed to supporting small farmers. He supports a farm bill that will provide resources that uphold our strong conservation values and protect our farmland. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, Sen. Casey secured $20 million for USDA Conservation Programs.
He is committed to helping local farmers compete in global markets through policies such as his Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act. Senator Casey supports strengthening USDA programs that protect crop insurance and strengthen the safety net and price support programs that help protect farmers from poor market values.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital part of the Farm Bill. SNAP plays a critical role in the battle against hunger for children, seniors, and families in PA and nationally.
If the Farm Bill, being considered in the House Committee on Agriculture chaired by U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, becomes law, it will mean a cut of nearly $30 billion in SNAP benefits over a decade. Thompson’s version of the Farm Bill will make it more difficult for people to apply for or renew benefits.
This will be Casey’s fourth Farm Bill. I’m voting for Casey because he will help secure a Farm Bill that is good for farmers, good for families, and good for the planet.
Vance Waggoner
Lewisburg
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/330918th-congress/senate-bill/3309