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This page is the archive for news stories that appeared in 2022. Articles are by date issued in desending order.
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WASHINGTON - OVERVIEW
• Congress Passes Government Funding
• Additional Challenge to Canadian Dairy Quotas
• More Liability Protection for Donated Foods
• Farm Share of Food Dollar Hits Historic Low
• “Smart” Agriculture Drawing Billionaire Investments
• Foreign Ownership of Farmland Update
• Billionaires Guiding Climate Policy?
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT
• Climate Projects Target
• Minority Farmers
HEALTH CARE
• USDA Joins Cancer Moonshot Initiative
• Food As Medicine A Farm Bill Priority
• Look for Broadband Coverage Gaps
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
• Senate Hearing Raises Concern
OF INTEREST
• The American Chestnut is Coming Back
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This is the first issue of eNews from the California State Grange.
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POLICY UPDATES and ISSUE NEWS NOVEMBER 2022 WRAP-UP
WASHINGTON OVERVIEW
IN THIS ISSUE
Midterm Elections:
• Congressional Leadership Changes:
• Lame Duck Session Begins:
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
• USDA Funds Processing Capacity Expansion
CONSERVATION/CLIMATE CHANGE
• Major Food Companies Commit to Regenerative Agriculture
• Carbon Capture Pipeline
• You Want to Tax What?
HEALTH CARE
• New Antibiotics Needed
• Extend Telehealth Benefits
• National Rural Health Day
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
• New Broadband Coverage Maps Available
• Some Providers Leaving Rural Broadband
TRANSPORTATION
• Grange urges Congress to Avert Rail Strike
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IN THIS ISSUE
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IN THIS ISSUE
• National Grange Convention will set off “Sparks”
• National Grange Convention Program
• National Grange Convention Livestream Schedule
• 156th Attendee Passport Challenge
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Welcome New Presidents!
• Advocacy Playbook: National Grange and Resolutions
• Grange Supply Store Updates
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IN THIS ISSUE
• National Grange Convention combines familiar and fun
• Junior Grange Updates
• Seeking nominations for Quilts of Valor
• November Heirloom
• National Grange Convention Livestream Schedule
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• 2023 National Grange Guide to Contests
• Welcome New Presidents!
• Analysis: Access Is Not Everything – With Inadequate Broadband Digital Dignity Is Lacking
• Census Bureau Shares Details on 2030 Census Preparations and Encourages Additional Public Input
• Grange Supply Store: Junior Grange Supplies
• Grange Member Benefit: CVS Caremark
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IN THIS ISSUE
Washington Overview
Elections Fast Approaching
Washington has been quiet in October with both the House and Senate out of town for the majority of the month campaigning for the midterm election on November 8th. Control of both the House and Senate are up for grabs with tight races across the nation. The results of the election will have major impacts on the contours of legislation for the next two years and also shape the last few months of 2022 as the current Congress finishes out the current session. To learn about how to register and vote in your state, information can be found at https://vote.gov/
If Republicans take control of either the House or the Senate, Democrats are likely to rush to pass as many priorities as they can during their final months of total control in 2022. Priorities are likely to include funding the government for another year, passing the National Defense Authorization Act, spending related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, codification of same sex marriage laws, elections reforms, a ban on congressional stock trading, executive branch and judicial confirmations, and more. Of interest to the National Grange, legislation on issues such as concentration in cattle markets, railroad shipping troubles, voluntary carbon credits in agriculture, expanded coverage for early cancer detection through Medicare, and more.
Agriculture and Food
Inflation Hikes Price of Holiday Meals
Shoppers are adjusting their holiday food shopping to address rising food costs according to FMI-The Food Industry Association. Here are some ways the 71% of shoppers concerned about inflation are adjusting to cost concerns:
• 28% are looking for deals
• 21% are buying more store brands
• 17% are sharing menu responsibilities such as potluck dishes
• 17% are substituting more affordable options
• Interestingly, 45% of shoppers are more concerned about the price of holiday meals than travel or gifts
USDA Intervenes in Farm Debt
USDA and Secretary Vilsack are unrolling plans for the $3.1 billion provided by the Inflation Reduction Act to assist USDA farm loan borrowers whose direct or guaranteed loans are considered “distressed”. A separate $2.2 billion from the IRA will go to producers who have experienced discrimination through USDA’s lending programs. USDA is seeking public comment on how to best implement these assistance mandates.
Study Looks at Foreign Land Ownership
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is planning to conduct a farmland ownership study to focus on several key questions raised by lawmakers, producers and national security experts. The study will address the following:
• What is known about the extent of and trends in foreign investment of domestic ag land?
• How does USDA’s Farm Service Agency collect data on foreign investment in U.S. land and how does FSA ensure data reliability?
• What procedures are in place to ensure disclosure of foreign acquired, sold and transferred land?
• Are there standards to ensure land acquired through a U.S. company is accurately disclosed as a foreign investment?
• What improvements could be made to strengthen reporting of foreign investment in agricultural land?
• What government agencies should be partnering to ensure accurate disclosure?
Support Agriculture Research
The National Grange and 87 food, agriculture, academic and producer groups called on the appropriations committees in Congress to support increased investments in a broad suite of research, education and extension programs at USDA
Health Care
Food as a Medicine?
The recent White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, the Rockefeller Foundation, American Heart Association and Kroger announced their food as medicine research initiative. The initiative is in line with the White House’s national food strategy that calls for testing the use of medically tailored meals through Medicare and Medicaid. FDA meanwhile, has pledged to work toward reducing diet-related diseases by giving consumers more information about what they’re eating and pressuring food companies to reformulate products, actions that are key elements of the White House’s new national food strategy.
Guidance for New Pneumonia Vaccines
The National Grange joined several patient and medical groups to request guidance from the CDC on whether previously vaccinated patients age 65 and older are eligible for two new and improved pneumonia vaccine options as the winter flu and pneumonia season approaches.
Physician Fees for Telehealth
The National Grange and 53 patient groups filed comments with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support physician fees that would utilize a tailored combination of virtual and in-person care. Telehealth visits increased 63-fold during the pandemic.
Bring Farm Youth into Mental Health Conversations
Considerable research has centered on farm stress but it’s been predominately focused on adults. Youth with farm responsibilities have largely been left out of studies and mental health conversations. The Farm Adolescent and Adult Mental Health Study at the University of Illinois is now in year two of the five -year program. A collaborative group, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, convened a roundtable focused on farm youth mental health. Roundtable participants discovered specific stressors are common to farm youth:
• Weather
• Family finances
• Negative interactions with those who have disconnect with agriculture
• Pressure to carry on farming tradition
• Inability to participate in extracurricular activities
Telecommunications
Streamline Permitting for Broadband Buildout
Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Cathy Rogers McMorris (R-WA) have asked the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to streamline the permitting process for some of the broadband buildouts subsidized with billions of taxpayer dollars. NTIA is allocating most of the $65 billion from the infrastructure act package. Wicker and McMorris want states to work with local governments to reduce buildout barriers by reducing red tape, using existing infrastructure, promoting dig-once policies, and cost-effective access to poles, conduits, easements and rights of ways. The National Grange has filed several comments with the NTIA advocating these same policies.
Transportation
Continued White House Engagement Necessary
The National Grange, members of the Agriculture Transportation Working Group, and members of the retail industry (over 260 total) have urged President Biden and key administration officials to continue to work diligently with the railroads and railroad unions to get contracts ratified. One major union has rejected the administration-negotiated agreement and there are concerns that others may follow.
Perspective
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop
"You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." ~ Scott Adams
"Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused." ~ Tommy Lee Jones
"Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life." ~ Jackie Chan
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Use your voice in the resolution process
• People are searching for a place to belong – make it the Grange
• Seeking nominations for Quilts of Valor
• Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• National Grange Convention Livestream Schedule
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• 2023 National Grange Guide to Contests
• Rural Opportunity Zone and Recovery Playbook
• Grange Supply Store: October Good Day! magazine
• Grange Member Benefit: UPS Holiday Shipping
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Do not doubt your ability to connect
• Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
• Seeking nominations for Quilts of Valor
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• National Grange Convention Livestream Schedule
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Advocacy Playbook: Midterm Elections
• 2023 National Grange Guide to Contests
• Grange Supply Store: Pewter Belt Buckle
• Grange Member Benefit: Avis & Budget
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Farm Aid 2022
• Importance of Leadership in Grange Youth
• October Grange Heirloom
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Communications Zoom-torial: How to Create a Facebook Page / Membership Matters
• California State Grange welcomes new President
• Grange Supply Store: Agate Greeting Cards
• Grange Member Benefit: Lenovo
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Use social media to your advantage
• Endings and Beginnings
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Rural Suicide Awareness and Prevention Webinar
• Announcing the National Grange Youth Officer Team and Horizon Leadership Class of 2022 Participants
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Introducing Sunday Sharing Sessions
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Grange Supply Store: Subordinate Manual
• Grange Member Benefit: Start Hearing
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The newly occupied Officers elected at Annual Session.
• President - Joe Stefenoni - Somona County
• Vice President - Vince Scholten - Somona County
• Lecturer - Suzanne Davis - Shasta County
• Steward - Chad Smith - Trinity County
• Assistant Steward - Paul Hanks - Sacramento County
• Lady Assistant Steward - Suzi Laskowski - Kern County
• Chaplain - Barbara Geiger - Santa Cruz County
• Treasurer - Susan Hanks - Sacramento County
• Secretary - Lillian Booth - Butte County
• Gatekeeper - Robert Smith - Mendocino County
• Ceres - Ellie Bruce - Mendocino County
• Pomona - Marilla Peeler - Mendocino County
• Flora - Emily Casterson - Santa Cruz County
• Execuitive Committee - Will Shaw - Trinity County
• Musician - Wendy DeWitt - Mendocinto County
IN THIS ISSUE
• A little mentoring goes a long way
• “Trick-or-treat, smell my feet…” Give me something for… UNICEF!
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Providing Protection Against Omicron Variant Available at No Cost
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Tune in for Membership Matters
• Advocacy Playbook: Permitting Reform Bill
• Vote for the National Grange Youth Officer Team T-Shirt
• Rail Strike Avoided
• Grange Supply Store: Junior Grange Supplies
• Grange Member Benefit: UPS Shipping
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Installation reminds us of our pledge
• The impact of “Thank You”
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• National Grange Community Service Project
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Youth Officer Team T-Shirt Design Contest
• Next week: Rural Minds / National Grange webinar
• Make Your Voice Heard: Promoting Efficiency and Equity within CMS Programs
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Support the National Grange “Raised Right Here” fundraiser – final week!
• Grange Supply Store: Community Citizen Awards
• Grange Member Benefit: Nationwide Pet Insurance
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IN THIS ISSUE
Overview
Inflation Reduction Act Becomes Law
On August 16th, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law, marking the completion of a lengthy effort by Democrats in the House and Senate to pass a bill addressing their climate and spending priorities. As outlined in greater detail in last month’s newsletter, the bill raises an estimated $739 billion through select tax increases, increased funding for tax enforcement by the Internal Revenue Service, and prescription drug price negotiation for Medicare. This money will then be used to fund extended Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, and significant spending on climate and energy related priorities, with the remainder allocated to deficit reduction. The Inflation Reduction Act is likely to be the last major piece of legislation passed by the current Democratic congressional majority as only a few more months remain before a new Congress is sworn in next year.
President Biden Orders Student Loan Forgiveness
In late August, President Biden signed an executive order providing partial debt forgiveness on many federally owned student loans. Specifically, individuals earning less than $125,000 annually ($250,000 for married couples) will have $10,000 of their federal student loans forgiven. Furthermore, for individuals who were the recipients of Pell Grants they will see $20,000 in loan forgiveness. Non-governmental groups have estimated that the total cost of forgiving these loans will be around $500 billion across the next ten years. Beyond immediate loan forgiveness, President Biden also announced a December 31, 2022 end for the student loan payment moratorium which had been initiated at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As well, the executive order included provisions intended to change the current repayment structure for federal student loans and address future concerns over the initial loan price.
Congress Shifts Focus to Fall Elections
With August ending, the majority of states have completed their primary elections and Congressional candidates are turning their focus towards the final months of campaigning before the November 8th general election. Between the end of July and election day the House will only be in for a total of 3 weeks and the Senate a total of 6, with members taking August and October as times to focus on work in their districts and campaigning. As a result, it is unlikely that much more serious legislation will come to pass until after election day during the lame duck period before a new Congress is sworn in come January of 2023. The amount of legislative work that is done during the lame duck period is highly dependent on the outcome of the midterm elections. If Democrats are able to keep or expand their congressional majority then they will likely push their legislative work into the next Congress, however if they lose either the House or Senate then it is likely that they will try to complete any major legislative priorities which they can before the end of the year.
Agriculture and Food
Poultry Contracting Practices Under Review
USDA has released the first of three proposed rules to strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. The rule targets the poultry industry system of processors contracting with growers on the so-called “tournament system”. Under that common practice, grower contractors in a given region are compensated based on a ranking formula between growers which means the lower the rank, the less compensation the farmer receives. The rule, if adopted, would require poultry processors to provide details of the inputs the processor provides each farmer and information about the input differences among farmers being ranked. Contracts would also be required to contain guaranteed annual flock placements and density. The tournament system has long been criticized by growers as being unfair, deceptive, discriminatory, and anticompetitive.
More Cattle Market Bills Introduced
House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) introduced the Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act to compensate producers when their share of the retail dollar drops below 51.7% and make funds available to small producers and cooperatives to market meat products locally. Senators Thune (R-SD) and Tester (D-MT) introduced the American Beef Labeling Act to more accurately label the country of origin where beef is raised. It would require the Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative to develop a “Product of the U.S.A” beef labeling plan that includes only beef produced domestically yet is compliant with World Trade Organization rules. These bills come on the heels of the introduction of the bipartisan Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act and other legislative efforts.
White House Schedules Food Conference
For the first time in 53 years, a White House food summit dubbed the Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health will be held September 28. It aims to bring government leaders, academics, activists, and others together with the goal of ending hunger and reducing diet-related diseases by 2030. A task force established to advise the conference issued recommendations in late August that included requiring nutrition labeling on the front of food packages, easing SNAP eligibility rules, and making school meals free to more students.
Environment and Climate Change
Inflation Reduction Act Spends Big on Rural, Ag
Congress’ revived budget reconciliation package, dubbed The Inflation Reduction Act, allocated $40 billion to agriculture, forestry and rural community programs. Approximately $20 billion will go to USDA programs that incentivize green farming and limit greenhouse gas emissions such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Additional funding will go to support rural electric cooperatives transition to cleaner energy, help rural communities and businesses invest in renewable energy, expand infrastructure for home-grown biofuel, expand forest health projects on both public and private forests, and plant trees in urban communities. A Princeton University analysis estimates the bill will close two-thirds of the emissions gap between current policy and the Biden administration’s 2030 climate target.
Health Care
HHS Invests in Rural Health Care
The Department of Health and Human Services is spreading about $60 million across 63 organizations to target rural staffing shortages and quality of health care in rural areas. Projects are to help expand rural workforce development, establish new rural physician residency programs, improve quality and delivery of care, and improve access to health care services for rural veterans.
Telecommunications
USDA Releases Next Round of Broadband Funding
USDA’s Rural Development division is offering more than $1 billion from its Reconnect Program to further expand rural broadband connectivity and will begin taking applications in September. The Rural Utility Service has added a new funding category for projects where 90% of households lack access to high-speed internet. Applications submitted under this category will not be required to provide matching funds.
Transportation
Regulators Tell Railroads to Haul Grain
In late August, the Surface Transportation Board notified major Class I railroads it expects them to outline plans to move grain to market during the coming fall harvest season. The National Grange and the Agriculture Transportation Working Group called for this action earlier this summer. Major railroads have experienced major delays this year which rail executives have blamed on shortage of workers.
Freight Rail Shipping Bill Introduced in House
The Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act has been introduced by Payne (D-NJ), Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, DeFazio (D-OR), Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Scott (D-GA), Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and Costa (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. The bill strengthens the Surface Transportation Board’s authority to address rail service emergencies, gives the Board clear direction to resolve common carrier obligation complaints, and requires rail contracts to include service delivery standards and remedies. The National Grange supported the bill and worked to secure the bill’s cosponsors.
For Your Information
Rural Groups Seeking Federal Grants Face Challenges
Federal programs targeted to help farms, ranches and other rural businesses have complicated application processes and/or payment structures that may render them useless to their targeted recipients. At a House Agriculture Committee hearing this summer, it became clear that the competitive design of federal programs gives the advantage to organizations large enough to have a professional grant writer. In addition, recipients are often asked to front the money then seek reimbursement. Reimbursable grants disadvantage smaller applicants who do not have the cash flow to spend the money first then then wait four weeks to four months for reimbursements. Hearing witnesses suggested making the application process simpler and providing technical assistance that can help applicants walk through the process.
Perspective
• “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles”. ~ Tim Cahill
• “In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration”. ~ Ansel Adams
• “Adventure isn’t hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude we must apply to the day to day obstacles in life”. ~ John Amatt
• “Life is a blank canvass, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can”. ~ Danny Kaye
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Seeking nominations for Grange Foundation Board Members
• Visit a Grange in your summer plans
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Junior Grange Deadlines Extended
• Youth Officer Team T-Shirt Design Contest
• Register for Rural Minds / National Grange webinar
• Attention Secretaries: Membership Recognition Costs
• Potomac Grange (DC) welcomes new President
• FDA finalizes historic rule enabling access to over-the-counter hearing aids for millions of Americans
• Join a Standards Committee
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Support the National Grange “Raised Right Here” fundraiser
• Grange Supply Store: Belt Buckles
• Grange Supply Store: Good Day! magazine
• Grange Member Benefit: Harvest Hosts
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Growing Hope Together
• Challenge Apathy – Start with yourself
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Register for Rural Minds / National Grange webinar
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Support the National Grange “Raised Right Here” fundraiser
• Grange Supply Store: Vintage Hall Plaques
• Grange Supply Store: Good Day! magazine
• Grange Member Benefit: Lenovo
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Remember your Youth going back to school
• The challenge of the Perfect Square
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Western Region Poker Chip Fundraiser
• Register for Rural Minds / National Grange webinar
• National Grange President publishes op-ed
• Advocacy Playbook – Inflation Reduction Act
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Grange Supply Store: Promotional Materials
• Grange Member Benefit: Member Options
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Wonderama!
• Learning and growing through failure
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Rural Minds releases July newsletter
• New York State Grange Photographs on display through August
• National Grange and Morning Consult release rural voters survey results
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Grange Supply Store: Promotional Materials
• Grange Member Benefit: Avis and Budget
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IN THIS ISSUE
• CHIPS Bill Moves
After months of negotiations between both parties and chambers of Congress, the Senate and House were at last able to pass a final version of the $280 billion CHIPS Act which would fund domestic semiconductor manufacturing and high-tech research. Over the past few months, the package has varied dramatically in size and scope as members of Congress from both parties have sought to fit funding for their own issues and projects into the bill. On July 27th, the Senate passed the bill in a bipartisan vote of 64 to 33 and the following day the House was able to pass the bill with more modest bipartisan margins.
• Reconciliation Process Begins
As outlined in our last overview, Democrats have spent the last year negotiating over the contours of a large package of social and environmental spending priorities and tax increases which they could pass on a party-line vote through the budget reconciliation process. Throughout this process, moderate Democratic Senators like Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have served as gatekeepers of how much and what type of spending can be included in the bill. For many months it seemed as though Democrats would only be able to come to an agreement on a smaller package allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies through 2025.
However, following the passage of the CHIPS Act in the Senate, Democrats revealed a somewhat larger package dubbed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). Beyond drug price negotiations and ACA subsidy extension the bill includes revenue raising tax provisions closing the carried interest loophole, increasing funding at the Internal Revenue Service for tax enforcement, and setting a 15% corporate minimum tax on businesses earning greater than $1 billion. With the estimated $739 billion raised by the changes to drug price negotiations and tax increases the IRA would use this money to fund a variety of energy and climate related spending totaling $369 billion and would use the remainder to pay down the federal deficit (estimated at $300+ billion). With this package outlined, Senate Democrats will have to begin the time-consuming and arduous budget reconciliation process which will likely take up the rest of the current congressional work period before the August recess. Following Senate passage, the bill will make its way to the House which will likely have to reconvene during the August recess to move it forward.
• Miscellaneous Priorities
Beyond the CHIPS bill and beginning of the Reconciliation Process, both the House and Senate have a lot of smaller issues with varying levels of controversy which they want to address before the start of the August recess.
In the Senate, both parties want to undertake consensus votes on providing American approval to admitting Sweden and Finland as new NATO member states and passing the PACT Act, an important bill providing benefits to veterans who have been exposed to toxic chemicals. As well, Democratic Senate leadership would like to move forward a vote on the House passed Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the protections extended to same-sex marriages that were created in the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, that received some Republican support in the House, but has an unclear path in the Senate.
Meanwhile, as the House awaits Senate action on the CHIPS bill and Reconciliation package, leadership is pursuing votes on public safety which are dividing Democratic membership. Recently, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee moved a bill which would ban assault weapons that a number of front-line Democratic members have already declared their opposition to. At the same time, a group of moderate Democrats has been pushing a bill which would significantly increase funding to a variety of local policing programs which has seen some opposition from progressive Democrats. House Democratic leadership is currently trying to bridge the divide between moderates and progressives on both of these issues in the hope that they can pass something before the August recess, though odds seem unlikely.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
• Grange Prepares for White House Conference
The National Grange sent comments to the White House in advance of the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September. In America today, 91% of counties with the highest rates of overall food insecurity are rural, and 86% of the counties with the highest percentage of children at risk of food insecurity are rural. Grange suggested that the regulatory framework be adjusted to facilitate localized food programs, direct farm- to-consumer sales, local meat processing, farm-to-school feeding programs and more. Incentives to expand grocery retailers in underserved rural areas and the addition of mobile food banks should also be considered.
• Grange Urges Senate to Support Ag Research
The National Grange and nearly fifty agriculture and academic groups sent a letter to the leadership of the Senate Subcommittee in Agriculture Appropriations asking for robust investments in agriculture and food research during the 2023 fiscal year. Support for USDA’s research, education, and extension programs are critical to ensuring agricultural productivity, nutrition security, sustainability, and food system equity.
• France Gets Jump on America
Starting in October, France will ban the use of terms like steak, sausage and other meat terms on plant-based protein food. European countries have already banned terms like milk, butter and cheese on products not of animal origin. The National Grange has strong policy supporting similar actions in the U.S.
CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT
• Supreme Court Narrows EPA Authority
The Environmental Protection Agency does not have clear direction from Congress to require power plants to shift to cleaner energy sources according to the recent 6-3 decision from the Supreme Court. The ruling said administrative agencies must be able to point to clear congressional authorization to make decisions of vast economic and social significance and no such authorization exists in the Clean Air Act. The decision could have
implications for other administrative agencies which may be using broad interpretations of regulatory authority delegated by Congress to issue and enforce regulations.
HEALTH CARE
• National Grange Rural Voter Poll Sheds Light on Health Care Priorities
The National Grange sponsored a Morning Consult poll of 1,004 rural voters in July that focused on barriers to health care and participation in mental health care. The survey found that rural voters feel their health care concerns are not being addressed by Congress and their health care priorities focus on lowering out-of-pocket costs and the overall cost of coverage. Rural voters support increasing transparency, requiring rebates to patients at the pharmacy counter, making sure vulnerable communities have access to health care and can afford it, and capping out-of-pocket cost-share. Mental health care is an issue for rural voters. The survey identifies several unique obstacles to mental health care which include cost, accessibility, and awareness of help or treatment. Interestingly, 68% of rural voters polled said they would definitely vote and another 14% said they would probably vote in November. When asked what is the most important issue impacting their vote in the midterm elections, the answer was inflation/cost of goods from 49% of those polled. The next closest issue of concern was the economy/jobs among 15% of the respondents.
• Give Patients Cost Savings at the Pharmacy Counter
The National Grange joined the National Community Pharmacists Association and over 200 patient advocacy and health care groups to support S. 4293, the bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2022 cosponsored by Senators Cantwell (D-WA.) and Grassley (R-IA). The Act would require greater transparency when pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) contract with plan sponsors and employers. It would also give the Federal Trade Commission greater enforcement authority to prohibit unfair or deceptive business practices. The goal is to assure rebates and other drug-cheapening measures actually reach the patient who is paying the bill at the pharmacy counter.
• Immunocompromised Populations Need Additional Treatment Options
As many as seven million individuals in the U.S. currently have limited options for protection against COVID-19. The National Grange joined Healthy Women and numerous other patient advocacy groups on a letter to Food and Drug Commissioner Califf to consider additional treatment options for these patients. Such patients include those with organ transplants, cancer, HIV, other autoimmune diseases, and older Americans who manage their chronic conditions through multiple medications and may be fearful of drug interactions.
Taxes
• Grange Says No to New Taxes
The National Grange and nearly 200 national and state signatories sent a letter to Senate and House leadership opposing a tax increase on small, individually-owned, family-owned and closely-held businesses, farms and ranches. A special tax rate increase was being considered on these entities by Congress in its budget reconciliation package. With high inflation, supply-chain challenges and labor shortages, raising taxes n small business is a bad idea the group said. This new tax increase was not in the Senate Democrat’s agreement announced July 27 called the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 which will become part of the budget reconciliation package.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
• Congressional Rural Broadband Champions Named
Connect the Future coalition members have worked tirelessly to serve as a voice for the millions of unserved people around the country who remain without broadband access. The coalition recently announced the recipients of its 2022 Rural Broadband Champions Award. National Grange’s Burton Eller was present on Capitol Hill to present these awards to Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Representative Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-1) and Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-1). Each lawmaker has demonstrated exceptional leadership to break down barriers that stand in the way of swift and efficient broadband buildout to rural areas.
TRANSPORTATION
• Railroad Logjams
Freight railroads have seriously contributed to supply chain shortages for more than two years. In just the last six months, rail service delivery issues have caused flour mills to temporarily cease operations, livestock producers to ration feed for their animals, power plants to run low on fuel, and manufacturers to seek costly shipping alternatives. With fall harvest just around the corner, demand for rail cars will increase dramatically and cause even more supply chain disruptions. The National Grange joined 88 other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group to support introduction of the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act. This legislation would reauthorize the federal Surface Transportation Board and give the board more direction to address insufficient, unreliable rail service for the U.S. commodities supply chain. National Grange’s Burton Eller and Sean O’Neil were in Capitol Hill offices this month to urge members of the House to become original cosponsors of the legislation. Ironically, the National Grange was fighting similar rail issues in the late 1800’s.
• President Staves Off Rail Strike
In mid-July, President Biden signed an executive order to appoint an emergency board to find compromise with the railroads and their Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union, thus temporarily avoid a rail strike. The board has 30 days to investigate the facts of the dispute and report to the President. If no agreement is reached during this cooling-off period, work stoppages would be permitted beginning September 16.
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IN THIS ISSUE
• National Grange heads to NYC
• Impact your community by being the gathering place
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Analysis: Inflation’s Impact Likely to be Rougher on Rural Households
• Rural Educators’ Digital Skills Summit
• Are You a Grange In Action?
• Grange Supply Store: Public Service Awards
• Grange Member Benefit: Choice Hotels
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Busy Grange weekends yield great results
• Virtual Telethon a resounding success for Grange Foundation
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• A new national lifeline provides direct support during a crisis
• Salsas Recipe
• One Year to Grange Revival
• Rural Educators’ Digital Skills Summit
• Advocacy Playbook
• Grange Supply Store: Junior Grange Manuals and Songbooks
• Grange Member Benefit: Member Options
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Use the Summer to grow your Grange
• Tune in for a “Fiesta” during this year’s Virtual Telethon
• Consumer research drives sales – and membership
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Former National Grange Community Service Director honored
• National Grange Vice President interviewed by Save Family Farming
• Welcome to the new Oregon State Grange President
• Scraps: They make your garden grow
• Grange Supply Store: Grange Orientation Kit
• Grange Member Benefit – ODP Business Solutions
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JUNE 2022 WRAP-UP Washington Overview
Bipartisan Gun Bill Passes
On June 24th, Congress passed a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing a variety of challenges related to gun violence. The bipartisan bill is one of the first significant bills passed to address gun violence in decades, which came as a result of serious compromise efforts made by a group of Democratic and Republican Senators. The bill includes:
• $750 million in funding to help states create and operate crisis intervention programs, which can range from red flag laws (laws which allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from individuals who are deemed to pose an imminent threat to themselves or others) to more general mental health and drug rehabilitation programs
• Ending the ‘boyfriend loophole’ which had allowed individuals convicted of domestic violence crimes against intimate partners who they did not live with, be married to, or have children with to own guns
• Increased requirements for gun sellers to register as Federally Licensed Firearm Dealers
• More stringent reviews of people aged 18-21 when purchasing guns
• Strengthened federal statutes against gun trafficking and straw purchasing (when an individual buys a gun for someone who is legally barred from doing so)
• Increased funding for mental health programs and school security
Supreme Court Makes Major Decisions
In June the Supreme Court released many highly impactful decisions which reflect the new balance of six conservative and three liberal justices which was created when Justice Amy Coney Barrett was appointed in the final months of President Trump’s term. As well, in late June Justice Stephen Breyer, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, formalized his retirement from the court and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was recently appointed by President Biden, took his place.
In the gun rights case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, the court ruled that states did not have the right to deny law-abiding citizens the right to carry weapons outside the home for ‘ordinary self-defense,’ meaning that states must now allow some form of concealed carry permitting without onerous restrictions. In the abortion rights case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the court overturned the historic cases which provided a right to some access to an abortion (Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey) and so returned authority to set abortion restrictions to the states. Finally, in a case about federal regulatory authority, the court ruled in West Virginia v. EPA that the EPA did not have broad authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act and also forecasted a shift in jurisprudence away from broad regulatory authority to interpret statutes. These cases all reflect the new ideological balance of the court toward more conservative jurisprudence, and will certainly have an effect on electoral politics.
Other Major News
Beyond the concrete news of gun legislation and Supreme Court decisions, a number of other major pieces of news have occurred in June. In late June, the roadblocks to Sweden and Finland formally joining the NATO alliance were finally overcome and both nations are currently poised to become members in a sign of the shifting balance of power created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Congress the bipartisan House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the US Capitol has begun to hold public hearings which have made serious political waves.
Agriculture and Food
Cattle Markets Legislation on the Move
Grange-supported bipartisan market reform bills have advanced in the Senate and House. The Senate Agriculture Committee passed both the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022 and the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022. The Special Investigator Act (S. 3870) will establish a special Investigator office in USDA to probe allegations of unfair marketing practices. The Price Discovery and Transparency Act (S. 4030) authorizes USDA to mandate minimum levels of cash cattle trading by region of the country, creates a library of marketing contracts, mandates box beef reporting, and requires packers to report the number of cattle scheduled for processing each day for the next 14 days. Chairwoman Stabenow hopes to have the bills on the Senate floor after the August congressional recess. The full House has approved the Special Investigator Act.
Meal Waivers for Kids Extended
A bill passed by Congress and signed by the President will extend a series of waivers to ensure meals are available for kids during the summer and upcoming school year. The bill allows for grab-and-go meals this summer and increases reimbursement for meals during the school year. Existing meal waivers implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were set to expire June 30.
Comments Filed for White House Conference
In comments filed for the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, the National Grange urged full consideration of these issues as they affect rural citizens. Rural Americans face disproportionately higher levels of hunger, experience high poverty levels, lack convenient access to grocery stores and food banks, and are an older population compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. The White House was urged to include the facilitation of localized food systems, direct farm-to-consumer sales, localized meat processing opportunities, and mobile food banks in its conference discussions.
Health Care
Senate Committee Targets Drug Prices
The Senate Commerce Committee has advanced a bill designed to reduce prescription drug out-of-pocket costs for patients. The bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2022 (S. 4293) prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from engaging in “spread pricing“ by charging health plans, employers and other payers more for prescription drugs than they reimburse to pharmacies and pocket the difference. These rebates and discounts on drug prices are supposed to be passed to patients. Three PBMs, CVS/Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts, control roughly 80% of the prescription drug market. The Federal Trade Commission has solicited public comments on how PBMs are affecting drug affordability and access. Determining the effect PBMs have on patient drug costs continues to be a priority for the National Grange.
Bipartisan Majority of the House Supports Early Cancer Detection
The majority of the U.S. House of Representatives have cosponsored the Medicare Multi-Cancer early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 1946) introduced by Sewell (D-AL-7), Arrington R-TX-19), Ruiz (D-CA-36) and Hudson (R-NC-8). The bill allows Medicare to cover multi-cancer early detection tests as soon as approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Under current law, it could take several years after FDA approval for Medicare coverage to begin. Detecting cancer early can result in less invasive treatments, reduced costs and better outcomes for patients. This legislation is a long-time priority for National Grange.
Waiving Intellectual Property Protections Dangerous for Future Medical Development
The World Trade Organization and the Office of the United States Trade Representative are prioritizing efforts to improve COVID-19 vaccine assess and equity around the world. However, that must not come at the expense of waiving intellectual property protections in the United States. That was the message from the National Grange and several patient groups in a letter to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Compromising intellectual property protections would have unprecedented effects on future medical development. Today, vaccines are plentiful and available. The barriers hindering the ability to adequately distribute COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable communities are patient education and vaccine hesitancy along with health care infrastructure challenges in many parts of the world.
Telecommunications
Access to Utility Poles Lynchpin for Rural Broadband
Nearly one-fourth of rural residents still don’t have high-speed broadband and as many as 29 percent of farms and ranches still lack any access to broadband. In most rural areas, the easiest, most cost- effective way to deploy broadband to remote families is to use the existing utility poles which carry electricity and telephone services. Unfortunately, that may require attaching to many poles just to reach one family, farm or ranch. The National Grange filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission to support guidelines that will help ensure fair, equitable, cost-effective and timely access to poles, as well as expedited resolution of pole owner and attached disputes and timely processing of applications seeking access to poles.
National Strategy Needed to Close Digital Divide
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congress says federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping with more than 100 programs administered by 15 federal agencies. The U.S. broadband efforts are not guided by a national strategy with clear roles, goals, objectives, and performance measures. Programs may have differing definitions of eligible areas, populations, and broadband speeds. GAO recommends that the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) identify key statutory limitations to program alignment and develop legislative proposals as appropriate. GAO also recommended the Executive Office of the President develop and implement a national broadband strategy.
Transportation/Supply Chain
Ocean Shipping Reform Implemented
Empty shipping containers are no longer able to leave U.S. ports without American goods. During the pandemic, ocean carriers raised prices as much as 1,000% and often refused to load containers with U.S. food and ag commodities back to Asia. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act, supported by the Grange, passed by Congress and signed by the President, has changed that. The Act authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission to broadly regulate ocean shipping to ensure timely delivery of American goods.
Rail Improvement Not Good Enough
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has told four major railroads (BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific) their plans for improving shipping delays are inadequate and ordered them to provide more key information. As grain elevators sit full, the freight rail network is fraught with delays, disruptions and staggering rate increases.
Livestock Exemption Extended
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the hours-of-service exemption for livestock haulers until August 31. The exemption will allow longer driving hours to accommodate the health and well-being of animals in transport during the summer heat.
Perspective on Summer
• "To see the summer sky is poetry, though never in a book it lie--true poems flee." ~ Emily Dickinson
• "Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you." ~ Langston Hughes
• "Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine." ~ Oprah Winfrey
• "Summer is our best season: it is sleeping on the back screened porch in cots or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer is everything good to eat; it is a thousand colors in a parched landscape." ~ Harper Lee
• "Summer bachelors, like summer breezes, are never as cool as they pretend to be." ~ Nora Ephron
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Inject your meetings with meaning for maximum results
• Use the Heirloom Program in your meetings
• How are you optimizing your social media?
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Vermont State Grange kicks off 150th anniversary
• The Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon seeks sponsors (and talent)
• Communication Fellows Applications due soon
• Barkhamsted veterans, Grange hold flag retirement ceremony
• Bipartisan and Bicameral agreement to extend school and summer meals for kids
• Grange Supply Store: Grange Promotion Kit
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Be sure to share Thanks to make your events successful
• Youth Officers will be selected soon for National Grange convention
• Register for 156th Annual Convention
• Vermont State Grange kicks off 150th anniversary
• The Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon seeks sponsors (and talent)
• Communication Fellows Applications due in three weeks
• Advocacy Playbook: American Agriculture and Supply Chain Issues
• National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and Grange Foundation 2022 Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award
• Grange Supply Store: Good Day! Summer issue
• Grange Member Benefit - Member Options
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Official Notice - Official Notice - Official Notice
• The 147th Annual Session of the California State Grange will be an in-person session this year.
• Date: September 22-25, 2022
• Location: Prunedale Grange Hall, 17890 Moro Rd, Salinas, CA Monterey County
ALL members in good standing are invited and encouraged to attend. This is the business meeting of the State Grange but has a lot of fun built in too!! Each Grange is entitled to two (2) voting Delegates. But there is something for everyone!
Deadlines:
• Resolution Deadlines -July 23, 2022 - Resolutions to amend the By-Laws of the CALIFORNIA STATE GRANGE (not the National Grange Digest of Laws).
• July 23, 2022 - Resolutions to amend California State Grange Bylaws Article IX - Funds (i.e. dues)
• September 8, 2022 - All other Resolutions, (including those to amend the National Grange Digest of Laws) are due to the State Secretary by this date for inclusion in the Delegate Packet. Resolutions received after this date will be referred to the appropriate Resolution Committee for review. If accepted by the committee, the resolution will be presented as a Committee Resolution to the Delegates without the Grange's identity. Note: Committees will begin working on resolutions via Zoom as the resolutions are received by the State Grange Secretary.
• On August 23, 2022, any resolutions received to amend the CA State Grange Bylaws will be mailed (by USPS) to the Community & Pomona Grange Secretary whose address is on file with the California State Grange. This is to allow your members time to discuss these changes prior to the State Grange Session, where your Grange Delegates will vote on any changes.
IN THIS ISSUE
• National Grange sees quarterly net gain in membership - By Betsy Huber, National Grange President
• Weather Awareness Summer - By Ann Bercher, National Grange Community Service Director
• Register for the 156th Annual Convention - By Samantha Wilkins, National Grange Operations Coordinator
• The Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon is seeking sponsorships!
• Take a listen!
• Congratulations to Morgan Browning (Mossyrock Grange #355, WA) and Ryan Patton (Ewing Grange #2082, OH) for winning the GROW Club Academic Scholarship for 2022!
• The Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon is seeking sponsorships!
• National Grange helps launch “Hear Well” campaign
• Communication Fellows Applications due in July
• American National Standards Institute Launches Consumer Participation Fund - Courtesy of ANSI
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IN THIS ISSUE
Washington Overview
• Primary Season Heats Up
• Another Reconciliation Package?
• Competition/Supply Chain Bill Negotiations Continue
• Gun Control on the Agenda
Agriculture and Food
• Agriculture Supply Chain Disrupted by Railroads
• Food Inflation Investigation
• Canada’s Dairy Quotas Fix Still Unacceptable
• Transforming Our Food System
Conservation and Environment
• Proposed Rulemaking Adds Regulatory Burden
• USDA Allows Early CRP Termination
• Ag Research Can Improve Climate Outcomes
• Direct Air Carbon Capture
Health Care
• Leverage Federally Qualified Health Centers in Rural Areas?
• Patient Groups Say Pharmacy Benefit Managers Harm Drug Access and Affordability
• Grange Helps Launch Hear Well Campaign
Telecommunications
• Unserved Must Get Broadband First
• New Program Cuts Internet Costs
More
• Water for the West
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Regional conferences have something for everyone By Betsy Huber, National Grange President
• Rural Minds Collaboration puts focus on mental wellness By Pete Pompper, National Grange Community Service Director
• Register for the 156th Annual Convention By Samantha Wilkins, National Grange Operations Coordinator
• The Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon is seeking sponsorships!
• Applications open for 2022 Communication Fellows
• Slight Change to Grange in Action program By Loretta Washington, National Grange Sales, Benefits, and Program Director
• Initiative to Support Rural Pastors Could Be Helping Save Farmers’ Lives By Russell Lackey and Trisha Wheelock Courtesy of The Daily Yonder
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IN THIS ISSUE
• National Grange partners with Rural Minds to provide webinar By Betsy Huber, National Grange President
• 156th Annual Convention registration is now open! By Samantha Wilkins, National Grange Operations Coordinator
• The Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon is seeking sponsorships!
• Applications open for 2022 Communication Fellows
• Rural Minds and National Grange to host webinar
• Change to Grange in Action program By Loretta Washington, National Grange Sales, Benefits, and Program Director
• Patriot’s Program
• Benefits Available for Farmers Courtesy of benefits.gov
• National Grange Member Benefit – Harvest Hosts
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The National Grange is excited for you to join us at the 156th National Grange Convention Convention
November 15-19, 2022
Nugget Casino Resort
1100 Nugget Avenue
Sparks, Nevada 89431
Open National Grange Registration Page.
On Saturday afternoon, 5/14/2022, shaded by the oak canopy, the Dobbins Grange #745 was reorganized with 13 members of the community. Organizers, Martha Stefenoni, Chad Smith, and Lillian Booth spent the afternoon talking with the members of the community. After their questions were answered, the community members chose to reorganize the Grange, elected officers, and set their bylaws and their next meeting date.
In this very rural area, the Grange will be a huge benefit to the community. For their first community project, the Dobbins Grange will continue the work of the Dobbins Farmers Market on the Grange property on Marysville Road each Saturday. They look forward to growing the Grange, adding a recycling project, starting a Grange Youth Fair Program, and giving back to the community.
Welcome to the Grange!!!
Officers Left to Right: Stacey Hinton, President; Rosemary Blevins, Secretary; Sara Fowler, Executive Committe; Teresa McFall, Treasurer.
IN THIS ISSUE
• Bring fun and connection to communities through events and celebrations
• Time to do some Spring Cleaning! By Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Membership/Leadership Development Dir.
• Vintage Grange Songs presentation
• Click here to join the “Youth Yammering & Junior Jibber-Jabber” on Sunday
• Click here to join Membership Matters on Tuesday
• Applications open for 2022 Communication Fellows
• Rural Minds and National Grange to host webinar
• Patriot’s Program
• Advocacy Playbook By Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant | Email
• National Grange Member Benefit – Lenovo
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IN THIS ISSUE
APRIL 2022 WRAP-UP
Washington Overview
• Competition/Supply Chain Bill Moves Forward
• Ukraine, COVID-19 Funding, and Title 42
Agriculture and Food
• Cattle Markets in the Spotlight
• Incentive to Increase Food Production
• Shipping Backlogs and Rail Rates Squeeze Food Supply Chain
• Support USDA Funding
Conservation and Environment
• Farmers and Ranchers Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Farmers and Ranchers Challenge the SEC
Health Care
• House Bill Caps Insulin Cost
• Cancer Test Held Hostage by Merger
• More on Drug Pricing
Telecommunications
• More Broadband Bucks
• Heard on the Hill
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Fly-In Connects Grange members to Capitol Hill
• Keep "Grange Month" Going
• Applications open for 2022 Communication Fellows
• PREVIOUS ISSUES OF A QUARTER'S WORTH
• National Grange Member Benefit – Start Hearing - American Hearing Benefits is now Start Hearing!
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Sunday, April 24th, Cool California was the site of the reorganization meeting of the Pilot Hill Grange No. 1 with 18 charter members.
Martha Stefenoni and Lillian Booth of the State Grange conducted the meeting. They explained about how to Grange can be the center for Community Action in the Cool area. Joe White was elected President. Plans are being made for future meetings where the new members will have the opportunity to get to know each other and to plan projects for the Grange.
Over the last few months the State Grange has reorganized the Redding Grange, Chico Grange, Lockeford Grange, Woodbridge Grange, Pleasant Valley Grange, Rough and Ready Grange, Rutherford Grange and Redcreast Community Grange. The State Grange is working on several other reorganizations. Watch for more news in the near future.
IN THIS ISSUE
• Ritual brings a sense of belonging and community By Betsy Huber, National President
• Virtual Telethon for Juniors and Youth is coming up – seeking sponsorships, talent and testimonials By Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth and Young Adults Development Director
• Applications for the GROW Club Academic Scholarship are due on Saturday, April 30th.
• Upcoming Grange Month Events
• April 27 – Online Trivia Zoom Night – 9:00pm Eastern on Zoom
• April 29 – E-Member Forum with Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Membership and Leadership Development
• Questions about Grange Month? Contact Philip Vonada, Communications Director
• Grange Month Challenge: National Grange Youth Trash Pick-Up
• Speakers slated for Legislative Fly-In
> Will McIntee - Associate Director of Public Engagement at the White House
> Betsy Huber - President of the National Grange
> Sen. Debbie Stabenow - (D-MI), Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
> Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson - (R-15-PA), Ranking Member, House Agriculture Committee
> Debbie Witchey - Executive Vice President and CEO, Healthcare Leadership Council
> Mike Saperstein - General Counsel and Head of Government Affairs, Lumos Fiber
> Brittany Jablonsky - VP, Public Policy and Stakeholder Relations, Farm Credit Council
> Jeff Winton - Founder and Chairman, Rural Minds
• The Power of Ritual By Rob Herring, Executive Director, Earth Conscious Life
• Applications open for 2022 Communication Fellows
• Biden-Harris Administration Launches Nationwide Network of Partners to Tap Resources for Rural America
• Background: Rural Partners Network
• Grange Supply Store Note: Effective May 1, any Grange Supply Store “rush” orders that require expedited arrival (7 days or fewer from time of order) will have a $25.00 expedition fee added to the order, in addition to the shipping fee. This includes any seals, certificates, and membership recognition applications."
• National Grange Member Benefit – Avis & Budget Rental Cars
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Diversity Task Force aims to expand - By Betsy Huber, National President
• Advocacy Playbook - How Does the Grange Advocate for You? - By Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant
• Upcoming Grange Month Events
• Coming next week, three new Grange Month Zoom events!
• Visit the Grange Month 2022 - Philip Vonada, Communications Director
• Speakers slated for Legislative Fly-In
• Applications open for 2022 Communication Fellows
• Commentary: Telehealth and Broadband Adoption - By Craig Settles Reprinted with permission from The Daily Yonder
• Grange Supply Store Note - “rush” orders expedition fee added to the order.
• National Grange Member Benefit - Lenovo
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Come one, come all to our second destination on the 2022 Grange Roadshow. Hands on activities, sharing ideas, and renewing connections with other members, are just some of the weekend's events. Perfect for new or seasoned members. Members of all ages are encouraged to attend. Registration includes two meals, all printed materials, snacks, and a few surprises.
• Saturday, April 30 - Sunday May 1st
• Humboldt Grange Hall
• Registration Fee: $50.00 per person.
The doors of Humboldt Grange Hall will open at 9 AM on Saturday April, 30. Located at 4845 Humboldt Hill Rd., Eureka, CA, our host Grange features the diversity of California's north coast. Not only will there lots of great Grange information offered during the Grange Roadshow, it will also provide the opportunity to receive the 5th Degree before dinner on Saturday. A journey to another nearby Grange after dinner will include a Grange dance. On Sunday we support Freshwater Grange in their first Grange breakfast, learn about applying for grants, and enjoy the exemplification of the 6th Degree in preparation for the National Grange Session this November in Sparks, NV.
Use this online registration form: Register Online
Hope to see you there,
The California State Grange
IN THIS ISSUE
• Grange Month brings renewed Spirits By Betsy Huber, National President
• Grange Month is the time to "brag!" By Pete Pompper, National Grange Community Service Director
• Questions about Grange Month? Contact Philip Vonada, Communications Director
• Speakers slated for Legislative Fly-In
• Bipartisan Bill to Create a Permanent Office for Rural Prosperity at the White House By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder
• Registration information for conferences is now available on the National Grange website.
• National Grange Member Benefit - Member Options
• Introducing a new benefit: “Member Options”
• Save Money with Multiple Quotes!
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IN THIS ISSUE
MARCH 2022 WRAP-UP
• Supreme Court Nominee Moves Forward
• Supply Chain Bills Move Forward
• President Biden Releases 2023 Budget
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
• Keep West Coast Ports Shipping During Labor Negotiations
• Pass Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
• USDA Commits More Processing Capacity Funds
• Supreme Court to Review California Animal Housing Law
• Fund Wildlife Damage Protection
CONSERVATION AND AND ENVIRONMENT
• Extend Deadline for Climate-Smart Pilot Projects
• Farmers Willing but Conservation Programs Can’t Pay
• Bring CRP Land into Production?
HEALTH CARE
• Rule to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
• Keep Critical Pharmacist Services
POSTAL REFORM
• Postal reform is now a reality!
• Grange Meets with Postmaster General
RIGHT -- TO REPAIR
• Senator John Tester (D-MT) has introduced a bill that would legally require agricultural equipment manufacturers to make their software, parts and tools information available to those looking to repair their own machines. Class-action lawsuits have been filed
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
• Senator Wants Broadband Build-Out Oversight
• Pole Attachment Dispute Rules Sought
• Universal Service Fund in Trouble
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Grange Month Details
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Regional Meetings are coming up soon! By Betsy Huber, National Grange President
• Grange Month Events start soon!
• Join us for the National Grange Legislative Fly-In – Register by April 1
• National Grange Member Benefit – Travel Perks from Avis and Budget
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Washington DC Experience brings excitement and education to HQ By Betsy Huber, National President
• IMPORTANT - READ THIS - Effective immediately, all Years of Membership pins are now available from the National Grange office. You can no longer order them through Monroe Classic’s Grange store.
• National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference – Registration Open
• National Grange Youth Trash Pick-Up Challenge - By Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth and Young Adults Director
• Join us for the National Grange Legislative Fly-In
• Wicker Calls for Oversight Review on COVID-19 Broadband Spending
• Advocacy Playbook - By Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant
• National Grange Member Benefit - Office Depot
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IN THIS ISSUE
• National Grange meets with Postmaster General DeJoy By Betsy Huber, National President
• Effective immediately, all Years of Membership pins are now available from the National Grange office. You can no longer order them through Monroe Classic’s Grange store.
• “Suit Up!” – Make Your Grange Stand Out By Amanda Brozana Rios, Membership and Leadership Development Director
• Grange Month is just around the corner
• National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference – Registration Open
• National Grange Youth Trash Pick-Up Challenge - By Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth and Young Adults Director
• Join us for the National Grange Legislative Fly-In
• Postal Service Reform Act Passes Senate
• Falling Costs of Broadband Show Promise for Rural Communities
• National Grange Member Benefit - Grange Members save 20% at over 4,000 Comfort Inns, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inns, Clarion, MainStay Suites, EconoLodge, and Rodeway Inn hotels worldwide. Receive Choice Privileges membership please call 1-800-258-2847 or visit www.choicehotels.com and provide the National Grange ID code number 00211660.
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Presidents’ Conference leaves Grange leaders educated and inspired By Betsy Huber, National President
• Where does the information go? Be the Connector! By Philip J. Vonada, Communications Director
• Heirloom Program Begins in March By Amanda Brozana Rios, Membership and Leadership Development Director
• National Grange Youth Trash Pick-Up Challenge By Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth and Young Adults Director
• Regional Leaders Conferences - Date Announced
• Legislative Fly-In Information
• National Grange Vice President named to Quilts of Valor Board
• 2021 Journal of Proceedings Now Available
• National Grange Member Benefit:
Exclusive Grange Worldwide Hotel and Car Rental Discounts Program
Exclusive Grange Worldwide Car Rental Discount Program
Exclusive Grange Worldwide Hotel Discounts
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IN THIS ISSUE
Washington Overview
• Congressional Funding Delayed Again
• Russia Invades Ukraine
• Biden Administration Announcements to Come
Agriculture and Food
• Price Discovery Divides Cattle Industry
• Farmers and Ranchers Can Report Anticompetitive Practices
• Grange Urges Research Support
Conservation and Environment
• USDA Funding Climate Pilot Projects
• President’s 30x30 Plan a Tough Sell in Rural Areas
• Carbon Pipelines Concern Farmers
Health Care
• Grange Urges Reconsideration of Alzheimer’s Treatment
Postal Service Reform
• Reform Legislation Moving Through Congress
Telecommunications
• Broadband Has Money. Now What?
• States Gear Up for Broadband Funds
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Presidents’ Conference in Myrtle Beach By Betsy Huber, National Grange President
• Regional Conferences – Not Just for the Youth By Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth and Young Adults Director
• Grange Month Preview
• Broadband expansion has the money. Now what? By Betsy Huber, National Grange President
• Heirloom Program Introductory Series on Zoom
• Join us for the National Grange Legislative Fly-In
• USDA Unveils Resource Guide to Help Rural Entrepreneurs Start and Grow Businesses, Create Good-Paying Jobs and Strengthen America’s Economy
• Donation to SkillUSA to help prepare for trade careers
• National Grange Member Benefit Office Depot Shares the Love this February
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Comunication is Key to Growth and Resilience By Betsy Huber, National President
• Lecturer’s Programming – What’s New, What’s the Same By Ann Olson Bercher, National Grange Lecturer
• Join us for the National Grange Legislative Fly-In
• THE GRANGE MUSIC KIT
• National Grange Member Benefit
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Gardening - Good for the mind, body and soul By Betsy Huber, National President
• Washington DC Experience - Final Week to Register!
• National Grange President Named to AAAA Board of Directors
• National Grange Roster Now Available!
• WINTER EDITION OF GOOD DAY!
• National Grange Member Benefit
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IN THIS ISSUE
Washington Overview
• Democracy Reform Comes to a Head
• Bipartisan Competitiveness Bill on the Move
• Justice Breyer Announces Retirement
• War Looms in Ukraine
Agriculture and Food
• Price Inflation Hits Producers and Consumers
• Some Good News for Dairymen
• Bioengineered Replaces GMO
• Stigma Around Rural Mental Health Down Slightly
Conservation/Environment
• Supreme Court to Review Clean Water Act
Health Care
• No Surprises Act Now in Effect
• Drug Makers Receiving Less on Brand Names
• New Rural Health Care Funding
Telecommunications
• States are Lynchpin to Broadband Expansion
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration Will Coordinate
• Affordability Should Not be a Roadblock
• National Grange Submits Comments to NTIA
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Growing the Grange through Seed Distribution By Betsy Huber, National President
• 1 in a 1000 Zoom meetings
• Time to Pack Your Bags and Book Your Flights! By Samantha Wilkins, Junior Grange Director
• Raised Right Here - Using the National Grange theme in your Community Grange
• National Grange Partners with Rural Minds
• Associate Membership Brouchers Available
• Secretary Vilsack Announces New 10 Year Strategy to Confront the Wildfire Crisis From the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• National Grange Member Benefit - Unwrap Winter Savings with Avis and Budget
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Planting the Seeds of Agriculture in our Youth - By Betsy Huber, National President
• Impart Grange lessons at every meeting with the Heirloom Program By Amanda Brozana Rios, Membership/Leadership Development Director
• AFOP Releases Annual Children in the Fields Campaign Report Reprinted with permission
• Washington DC Experience 2022
• Advocacy Playbook – Infrastructure Package and Rural America
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IN THIS ISSUE
• Use the New Year to make resolutions for your Grange By Betsy Huber, National President
• Hitting the Ground Running – new Communications Director says hello By Philip J. Vonada, National Grange Communications Director
• HHS Kicks Off New Year with New Protections from Surprise Medical Bills From the Department of Health and Human Services Beginning January 1, 2022
• Washington DC Experience 2022 Youth, Young Adults, and Juniors are invited
• FDA Authorizes First Oral Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19: by Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant
• Good Day! Volume 5, Issue 3
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IN THIS ISSUE
Washington Overview
• Manchin Opposes Build Back Better Act
• Congress Completes Housekeeping Before Winter Recess
Agriculture and Food
• Food Prices Continue to Surge
• House Passes Bipartisan Beef Market Transparency Bills
• School Lunch Gets $1.5 Billion for Supply Chain Challenges
• Funds to Address Ag Stress
AG Workforce/immigration
• Fewer Immigrant Workers Slow Economy
Climate Change/Conservation
• Technical Assistance and Cover Crop Incentives
Health Care
• Medicare Part D Should Pay for Essential Immunizations
• New Medicines to Treat Rare Diseases
Telecommunications
• Funds Delivery May Slow Broadband Progress
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