Though the COVID-19 virus has taken a horrific toll on our state, our disciplined adoption of social-distancing practices has prevented even worse outcomes. Public-health experts were hopeful that a rigorous commitment to social distancing could prevent an onslaught of cases from completely overwhelming the emergency capacity of our health system. They were right. While we […]
Though the COVID-19 virus has taken a horrific toll on our state, our disciplined adoption of social-distancing practices has prevented even worse outcomes. Public-health experts were hopeful that a rigorous commitment to social distancing could prevent an onslaught of cases from completely overwhelming the emergency capacity of our health system. They were right. While we continue to pray with heavy hearts for those who have been taken from us by the virus, we know that our collective mitigation efforts have saved lives.
These efforts also came with a cost. New Yorkers across the state are suffering great economic hardship, especially our dedicated farm families. With restaurants closing, consumers struggling, and our economy at a standstill, our farmers are facing declining demand for their products and vanishing revenues on their balance sheets.
Recently, my colleagues and I sent a letter to President Trump, Senator Schumer, and key administration officials seeking immediate relief for New York farmers. We asked them to ensure that farmers are eligible for key provisions of the federal stimulus package, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans. We sought a greater share of the state funding allocated in the CARES Act, and we petitioned the federal government to reimburse New York State for any revenue loss triggered by actions we take to provide farmers with financial relief. Most importantly, we called for an additional economic-stimulus allocation that makes targeted investments in our agriculture industry.
My colleagues and I have also released an aggressive relief plan for the agricultural sector at the state level, and we pushed our proposal in a letter sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders. Our plan would roll back misguided labor mandates and costly regulations that made our farm families vulnerable even before this crisis. Our plan pauses costly DMV registration requirements, waives tolls, hauling permits, and highway fees for vehicles transporting agricultural products.
The plan also expands the Milk Producers Security Fund. We’re also asking state government to direct new federal aid to farm-relief efforts spearheaded by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and to make new investments in rural broadband accessibility.
Our family farms have built their operations on a bedrock of hard work, tireless dedication, and family traditions. They are the cornerstone of our regional economy. State and federal governments must prioritize relief for our agricultural sector. If you’re able, please support our farmers by purchasing fresh, local products the next time you make a trip to the grocery store.
Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C–Canandaigua) represents the 131st Assembly District, which encompasses all of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County. Contact him at kolbb@nyassembly.gov