To make sure you receive future emails,
please add ppt@infarmbureau.org to your address book or safe list.
Click PPDispatch1407 to see as a webpage.

STATE NEWS

BREAKING NEWS   On Thursday evening, Rep. David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) and his 23-year-old daughter were injured in a two-car crash at an intersection adjacent to the Statehouse. Both had to be pulled from the vehicle by members of the Indianapolis Fire Department and were taken to Eskenazi Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rep. Niezgodski and his daughter.

ACTIVE LINK TO SURVIVING BILLS BEING FOLLOWED BY INDIANA FARM BUREAU   Members wishing more details about legislation being followed by Farm Bureau Statehouse lobbyists see IFB Tracking Report.

AG TRESPASS BILL TO BE HEARD FEB. 17   SB 101, Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle), will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, Feb. 17. The bill adds causing property damage to an agricultural operation to the existing crime of institutional criminal mischief. Indiana farmers will not be required to post no trespassing signs to protect the production areas of their farms. If a trespasser commits an intentional act that causes property damage, it could result in additional penalties, depending on the amount of damage caused. To get more involved and take action, please visit our website. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY STILL A HOT TOPIC   On Monday, SB 1, the Senate’s proposal for addressing personal property tax relief was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee. SB 1 was presented by the author, Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Buck Creek). Katrina Hall supported the measure as a first step in looking at personal property tax relief. The bill would exempt personal property tax for those owning less than $25,000 taxable value of equipment. It also includes a blue ribbon commission to study not only personal property tax, but the tax base as a whole, which Indiana Farm Bureau also strongly supported. Any kind of personal property tax relief is being opposed by “Replace Don’t Erase”, a new coalition of local governments and schools who are worried about lost revenue. While fiscal leaders representing the majority caucuses in both houses dispute their claims, the coalition has made considerable progress in creating doubt about the measures in SB 1 and HB 1001. HB 1001, authored by Rep. Eric Turner (R-Cicero), is sponsored by Sen. Hershman and will be heard in the Senate next week.    
 
DIPPING INTO STATE MAJOR MOVES 2020 FUND REVIEWED IN THE SENATE   On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard HB 1002, sponsored by Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville), which included a briefing by INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning about the state’s plans for the $400 million in the fund. There are mixed reactions within the General Assembly about whether or not to dip into this savings account. Arguments focus on the present value of dollars, as well as the concept of better road preservation reducing future costs. Projects outlined by INDOT amounted to more than $3 billion. The idea to dip into this trust fund, created last year, originated as a part of the governor’s legislative agenda. The bill to release the funds passed the House 91-2 with a provision to provide $25 million to a grant program for local road projects.  The Senate committee response to cashing out savings so soon appears cautious. The committee is expected to vote on the proposal next week.
 
AMENDMENT TO ANNEXATION BILL WOULD PROTECT LANDOWNERS   On Tuesday, the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee heard SB 273, which deals with attorney representation during an annexation remonstrance. Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo), author of SB 273, presented the bill and an amendment was offered by Rep. Greg Beumer (R-Farmland), which was, in turn, presented by Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield). The amendment deletes, for all future annexations, the requirement for remonstrating landowners to present their case in court when attempting to defeat a proposed annexation. It also strengthens the requirements on a municipality’s fiscal plan, which is meant to inform those being annexed about proposed services and tax impact. The amendment patterns new requirements for a fiscal impact analysis along the lines of language adopted last year to the Government Modernization statute. The amendment that meets Indiana Farm Bureau priority objectives was held for vote next week. IFB members who are represented by the following state representatives are asked to contact them asking for support of amendment #2 to SB 273. The members of the Government and Regulatory Committee are: Chair Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City), Reps. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola), Greg Beumer (R-Farmland), Tim Harman (R-Bourbon), David Wolkins (R-Warsaw), Wendy McNamara (R-Mt. Vernon), Kathleen Heuer (R-Columbia City), John Bartlett (R-Indianapolis), Christina Hale (R-Indianapolis), Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis) and Mara Reardon (D-Munster).

STATE FAIR EXCUSED ABSENCE STILL MOVING   On Tuesday, Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg), presented SB 114 to the House Education Committee. The Senate version of the bill allowed three days of excused absence for participation in the state fair. The committee stripped out the Senate language and added language of HB 1056, authored by Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield), which allows five days of excused absence. The bill moved quickly and unanimously, following supportive testimony by Katrina Hall.

HOUSE COMMITTEE SUPPORTS CHANGE IN REGULATED DRAIN PROJECT REVIEW   The House Environmental Affairs Committee heard SB 217, Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) and Rep. Dave Wolkins (R-Warsaw), which eliminates the mandatory requirement for onsite field review by state agencies of regulated drain projects and allows them to be used only when needed. This will reduce the overall cost of projects to government and increase efficiency, since many projects can be reviewed solely by technical information and imagery. Farm Bureau supports the bill, and Justin Schneider testified in favor of the bill, which passed by a vote of 8-0.

SENATE AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE MOVES SEVERAL BILLS   On Monday, Feb. 10, the Senate Ag Committee, chaired by Sen. Carlin Yoder (R-Middlebury), moved HB 1013 (release of animal veterinary records), HB 1300 (dairy products), HB 1332 (office of small business and entrepreneurship) and HB 1350 (agricultural seed testing) out of committee. The committee is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 17. 

INDIANA FARM BUREAU SUPPORTS MICRO-BREWERIES AND ALCOHOL AT THE STATE FAIR   Amy Cornell testified in the House Public Policy committee, chaired by Rep. Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte), in support of SB 339 (alcohol at the state fair) and SB 16 (micro-breweries and artisan distilleries). IFB policy supports the sale of beer and wine in a controlled environment at the Indiana State Fair, with a specific emphasis on state wineries and micro-breweries. State fair leadership should determine the products sold and the location of their distribution. IFB also supports diversity in agricultural production and marketing systems in Indiana. Micro-breweries and artisan distilleries are entrepreneurial initiatives that provide opportunities for producers to add value and diversify their operations.

AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND FARMERS’ RIGHTS BILL OUT OF HOUSE COMMITTEE   On Thursday, Feb. 13, the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston), passed SB 186 with a vote of 12-1. Sen. Carlin Yoder (R-Middlebury) testified that his bill simply lets judges know "the General Assembly stands with our farming communities."  The bill states that the Indiana Code shall be construed to protect the right of farmers to choose among all generally accepted farming and livestock production practices, including the use of ever changing technology.

Talking points for SB 186:

• Farm Bureau strongly supports SB 186, a bill that strengthens and reaffirms Indiana’s vision for, and commitment to, agriculture.
• Agriculture is vital to Indiana's economy. It represents $25 billion to the state economy.
• Farmers need to be able to choose from all farming and husbandry practices to be successful in raising food, feed, fiber and fuel for this and future generations.
• SB 186 does not trump existing laws. Breaking the law is not a generally accepted ag practice.
• The General Assembly historically has demonstrated its support of agriculture. The bill simply voices the legislators’ support and clarifies their intent regarding interpretations of statutes.
• Farmers are committed to growing the very best food for Hoosier families.
• Farmers are proud of their tradition of hard work and dedication that puts safe and affordable food on the table.
• Indiana Farm Bureau supports law that protects the rights of all farmers, regardless of size or commodity, to choose among generally accepted ag practices.

SOIL PRODUCTIVITY MEASURE YET TO BE HEARD IN HOUSE   While Indiana Farm Bureau does not expect a problem in the House on SB 111, which deals with the soil productivity factor debacle, members should still be asking for action on the issue, which has the potential to raise farmland taxes approximately 20 percent.​

OTHER STATE NEWS

NEW STATE TOURISM SLOGAN “HONEST TO GOODNESS INDIANA” RELATABLE TO AGRICULTURE   On Wednesday, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development unveiled its replacement: “Honest to Goodness Indiana.”  The new tourism slogan leads a state rebranding campaign. The change was made at the Indiana Historical Society by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann. “Everywhere you go in Indiana, the people and the experiences are genuine. Even our busiest attractions satisfy and delight visitors because here, more so than anywhere else, hospitality matters,” said Ellspermann. It is clear that the office of Tourism Development will be pursuing increased funds to promote the attractions in our great state.

RURAL CAUCUS DISCUSSES AG COLLABORATION ON LIVESTOCK SITING AND WATER QUALITY  The rural caucus, a bipartisan group of State Senators and Representatives, met to learn about ag initiatives to  reduce water quality impacts from agriculture and to work with farmers in making livestock barn siting decisions. Farm Bureau’s Justin Schneider spoke about the nutrient management/soil health strategy developed by Indiana’s agricultural organizations and Purdue Extension, in partnership with state and federal agencies and conservation organizations. The plan proposes non-regulatory solutions to addressing nutrient loss from agricultural production areas by focusing on research on best management practices, education about nutrient management and soil health, and verification of practice effectiveness through water quality monitoring. Andy Tauer with the Indiana Soybean Alliance/Indiana Corn Marketing Council discussed outreach through the Before You Build a Livestock Barn project. The project was developed by Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Pork. The project’s goal is to provide assistance to farmers who are considering building or expanding a livestock farm, to help them better understand how to be a good neighbor and to address issues such as permitting, local approvals, working with government officials and media.

FAEGRE BAKER DANIELS HOSTS RECEPTION FOR INDIANA AGRICULTURE   The Indianapolis law firm of Faegre Baker Daniels and Indiana Agriculture Industry Leaders hosted a reception at the Downtown Marriott to highlight the agriculture industry. Special guests included Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and newly-appointed Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Ted McKinney.

FEDERAL NEWS

FARM BILL SIGNED INTO LAW, USDA TURNS TO IMPLEMENTATION   After nearly three years of stalled discussions and debate, the U.S. Senate approved the new five-year farm bill, known as the Agricultural Act of 2014, by a margin of 68-32 on Feb. 4. The new bill was signed into law by President Obama Feb. 7, on the campus of Michigan State University, the nation’s first land-grant university. The event represented only the second time the President has signed a piece of legislation outside of the Beltway. Many of the specific program details and planned implementation are currently unknown. According to USDA Secretary Tom Villsack, the agency has formed steering committees for each title and discussions are underway regarding roll-out and specifics.  Read more on our website.

FARM BUREAU CONTINUES TO HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM DURING FEBRUARY   Farm Bureau has joined forces with the Partnership for New American Economy on a grassroots campaign highlighting the need for immigration reform in the agricultural sector. See more information on the PNAE website. PNAE is implementing a broad campaign titled #IVoteImmigration and will be coordinating a multiple month effort. February is agriculture’s month to have the spotlight and share producer stories with Congress. They hope to spotlight individual growers that have changed business decision, had crop losses or experienced grave H-2A issues. In conjunction with the #ifarmimmigration campaign, Farm Bureau released an updated labor study titled “Gauging the Farm Sector’s Sensitivity to Immigration Reform via Changes in Labor Costs and Availability.”  See a copy of the press release.

USDA ANNOUNCES ‘CLIMATE HUBS’—REGIONAL NETWORKS ON CLIMATE SCIENCE,  FORECASTING   Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Wednesday announced the creation of the first-ever Regional Hubs for Risk Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change at seven locations around the country. Climate hubs will address increasing risks such as fires, invasive pests, devastating floods and crippling droughts on a regional basis, aiming to translate science and research into information that farmers, ranchers and forest landowners can use to adapt and adjust their resource management. The announcement is part of the president’s Climate Action Plan to responsibly cut carbon pollution, slow the effects of climate change and put America on track to a cleaner environment.  Read More  

ExampleEMarketingForwardLink

MPP