WEEK 5: 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
STATE NEWS
Sec. Naig announces availability of grants for specialty crops, more details HERE .

Senator Jeff Danielson (D-30) announced his resignation yesterday from the State Senate and Cedar Falls Fire Department, more information HERE .

We had our CO-OP Day at the Capitol this week and it was a great success! Thank you so much to all the members that were able to make it to speak with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Kayla and our state legislators. YOU make the difference! Pictures below of the group and Governor Reynolds speaking with our members.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

HSB 173 : Beginning Farmer Credit - Establishes a new Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program replacing Agricultural Assets Transfer Credit. Also allows farmers with ag assets a tax credit for assisting beginning farmers. Caps the credit at $50,000/year per farmer. Expands replacement program from $6 million to $12 million: FOR, NEW

HSB78/ SSB1132: Property Tax Exemption for Cover Crops - Proposes 50% reduction in property taxes for those planting cover crops, concerns related to funding & impact to be ironed out: MONITORING, UNCHANGED

HSB32: Fees on Public Utilities for the use of Public Rights-Of-Way- L imiting right-of-way fees to direct/documented costs: FOR, UNCHANGED

HSB62: Savings Promotion Drawings - Allows lending institutions to offer promotions for specific savings accounts, as allowed in 29 other states: FOR, UNCHANGED

FUN FACT FRIDAY:
Cooperatives across the state have 1215 locations.

Find your state legislators HERE .
FEDERAL NEWS
REP. JAMES COMER (R-KY and Farmer)
  • AgriPulse's Open Mic spotlight of U.S. Congressman James Comer HERE.
  • "As one of only a few active farmers serving in the 116th Congress, the Kentucky 1st District Representative is committed to educating members of the new House leadership about the impacts pending legislation could have on family farmers. In this interview, Comer addresses the Green New Deal proposal, speaks to border security and immigration reform and hopes for an expedited conclusion to trade negotiations opening markets for the nation’s farmers and ranchers."

MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT...
E15 : HERE is the latest news from REUTERS
  •  "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has decided to release a single draft rule to expand sales of higher ethanol blends of gasoline and curb biofuel credit speculation, after having contemplated separating the measures..."

PRESS SECRETARY STATEMENT ON US/CHINA TRADE TALKS HERE
  • "These detailed and intensive discussions led to progress between the two parties. Much work remains, however. Both sides will continue working on all outstanding issues in advance of the March 1, 2019, deadline for an increase in the 10 percent tariff on certain imported Chinese goods. United States and Chinese officials have agreed that any commitments will be stated in a Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries."
  • "During the talks, the United States delegation focused on structural issues, including forced technology transfer, intellectual property rights, cyber theft, agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, and currency. The two sides also discussed China’s purchases of United States goods and services intended to reduce the United States’ large and persistent bilateral trade deficit with China."
Want to reach your federal legislators?
D.C. office numbers below: 
Sen. Chuck Grassley: 202-224-4120
Sen. Joni Ernst: 202-224-3254
Rep. Abby Finkenauer: 202-225-2911
Rep. Dave Loebsack: 202-225-6576
Rep. Cindy Ax ne: 202-225-5476
Rep. Steve King: 202-225-4426
STAY CONNECTED WITH IIC THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
Katie P. Hall
Director of Government Affairs
khall@iowainstitute.coop
O: 515-292-2667
C: 712-269-9838