May 15, 2008
States Laud Congress for Passing Farm Bill that Boosts Food, Nutrition Programs, Preserves Rural Development Assistance
By wide margins, both House and Senate push legislation on to the president
WASHINGTON - In an overwhelming vote in support of America's farmers, rural citizens and families, the House yesterday, and the Senate today, voted to reauthorize the Farm Bill. At a time when food prices are skyrocketing, more and more households will benefit from the nutrition programs authorized by this bill. The National Conference of State Legislatures, earlier this week, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to move the Farm Bill forward.
"This additional funding will help stop the erosion of food stamp benefits, and increase the Emergency Food Assistance Program so that local food banks can re-stock their shelves," said Senator Steve Morris, president of the Kansas Senate and chairman of the NCSL Farm Bill Working Group. "NCSL also appreciates the funding for rural development to address immediate and widespread needs across the rural landscape that will make our communities better places for future generations."
Enhancements to nutrition programs coupled with the additional $10 billion in the House bill will help families afford healthy food. Other changes in the bill that will benefit Americans include: increasing the food stamp program's minimum monthly benefit and the standard deductions for households of three or fewer members. It also lifts the cap on the child care deduction and indexes the food stamp household asset limits.
NCSL policy experts and state legislators are available for media interviews to discuss the implications of the farm bill passage as well as the next steps in the process for this measure to become law. For more information, log on to the NCSL press room.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
###
|
