WASHINGTON DC (Februrary 1, 2019) — Representative Dave Loebsack announced today that he will be holding roundtables in DeWitt and Eldridge to discuss the recently-passed farm bill, his efforts to expand broadband-access in rural communities and other issues facing rural Iowans. Throughout his Investing in Rural Iowa Tour, Loebsack will meet with farmers and other leaders in the rural community to discuss the issues important to farmers and rural Iowans.
The series of roundtables will continue, TODAY, Friday, February 1st in DeWitt and Eldridge. Loebsack will be making stops throughout Iowa’s Second District. Additional locations and details will be announced at a later time. Media are invited to attend.
Investing in Rural Iowa Tour – Friday, February 1st
11:00am
DeWitt
DeWitt Library
505 10th Street
1:00pm
Eldridge
Eldridge Library
200 N. 6th Avenue
Information on the 2018 Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm Bill contains two pieces of legislation that Loebsack has been championing, including the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act and the SIREN Act.
- The Precision Agriculture Act establishes a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) task force, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to evaluate the best ways to meet the broadband connectivity and technological needs of precision agriculture.
- Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act creates a $10 million grant program for EMS agencies in rural areas to help address issues they face, including personnel recruitment and retention, providing continuing education and preparedness training, purchasing updated equipment, maintaining adequate coverage during prolonged transport times, and obtaining qualified medical oversight,
Additional highlights of the 2018 Farm Bill that Loebsack fought to include:
Rural Development:
- Authorizes $350 million per year for new broadband infrastructure.
- Reauthorizes rural water and sewer infrastructure programs.
Commodities:
- Allows farmers to update program yields for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage as a way to boost their eligibility for support.
Miscellaneous:
- The bill continues to support a strong Energy title.
- The bill supports a strong Conservation Title, including maintaining Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and increasing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage to 27 million acres over the course of the farm bill.
- $300 million in mandatory funding for new animal pest and disease prevention and response programs, including $30 million annually for a national animal vaccine bank.
- Maintains current SNAP benefits.
