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#FARMBILLFRIDAY: Rep. Ron Estes (KS-4)

Washington, June 15, 2018
In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Ron Estes (KS-4) zeroes in on the critical importance a strong farm bill has on the Kansas economy and all Americans. From crop insurance and rural broadband to nutrition assistance programs, the 2018 Farm Bill benefits farmers, ranchers and consumers alike.

"Everyone is involved in agriculture— at least, everyone who eats."

Rep Estes said [in part]:
Everyone is involved in agriculture— at least, everyone who eats. Here in the heartland, it’s more than just involvement. It’s a major part of our economy and our way of life. Countless family farms fill up the country side and grain elevators are scattered throughout the horizon in Kansas.

I grew up on a farm here in Kansas and I know first-hand, some of the challenges our farmers face in getting their products to market and that’s why it’s so important that we pass a farm bill. Not just for the producers, but also for the consumers.

The 2018 Farm Bill has a number of important pieces for all Americans. It strengthens crop insurance through 2023 which will help keep the food we eat both safe, affordable, and plentiful and it doesn’t include FEMA disaster declarations during droughts. The farm bill invests in rural broadband, to help connect our communities. It also increases the number of acres in the conservation reserve program, or CRP, allowing farmers to safely contribute to improving water quality and improving soil erosion.

Finally, the farm bill helps our friends and neighbors in need. We are compassionate here in Kansas and across the country and the farm bill makes sure that the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, also known as the SNAP food stamp program, is there for those who need it now and in the future. But we also want to help people care for their families. Simple work or education requirements of 20 hours per week for able bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 59 who aren’t disabled or don’t care for a child under the age of six, will help individuals move from poverty to prosperity.