WEEK 8: 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
STATE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE TRACKING
SSB1227 / HSB236 : Ag Trespass - Provides penalties for people that lie to obtain employment or access to a facility that is not open to the public: FOR, NEW ON MONDAY-PASSED OUT OF BOTH COMMITTEES

HSB218 / SSB1217 : Weight Limits on Equipment - Moves all self-propelled implements applying plant food, agricultural limestone, or ag chemicals to the category of "implement of husbandry." Amended to maximum of 25,000 lbs. and specifically stating that equipment must still meet posted limits on bridges/overpasses (allowing for permits to pass on weight capped roads/bridges): FOR, PASSED OUT OF BOTH COMMITTEES

HSB 173 / SSB1181: 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, PASSED OUT OF BOTH COMMITTEES

HSB62/ SSB1191: Prize Linked Savings - Allows lending institutions to offer promotions for specific savings accounts, as allowed in 29 other states. DYK 44% of Americans don't have $400 saved to cover an emergency expense?: FOR, HELD UP IN COMMITTEE: DID NOT SURVIVE FUNNEL

FUN FACT FRIDAY:
1 in 3 Americans are cooperative members.

Find your state legislators HERE .

Picture below: U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo speaks in Des Moines on Monday, March 4th.
FEDERAL NEWS
USDA FOCUSES EFFORTS ON KEEPING AFRICAN SWINE FEVER (ASF) OUT OF THE U.S.
  • "... USDA is continuing to enhance our planning so that we’re prepared in case we ever have to combat ASF. Along with our wide range of partner groups, we are working through several different ASF planning and response exercises. These cover different aspects – from trade implications to policy discussions to the boots-on-the-ground realities of a response. These will help everyone involved ensure their response plans are ready and identify any preparedness gaps that must be addressed." Full article HERE
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