My response to the Beckmann op-ed from yesterday's post. Printed in the Washington Times.
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The 2008 farm bill is indeed a mixed blessing ("The minority farm-bill vote," Editorial, yesterday). For hungry Americans, it's a relief that this bill, so late in coming, finally passed. At long last and much needed, the Emergency Food Assistance Program increases will start flowing in a time of rising prices and rising need. Yet it's shameful that the legislation doesn't address some root causes of hunger and poor health.
If ever there was a tool to fight poverty on both domestic and international fronts, this was it. We missed an opportunity to limit commodity subsidies that are damaging to our own farmers of modest means and poor farmers overseas who cannot compete with our artificially cheap crops. We kept in place the subsidies that make unhealthy processed foods much cheaper than fresh vegetables.
I sincerely hope that in five years we can have this debate again and pass a bill that will limit our destructive behavior instead of just giving ourselves another Band-Aid.
ccyl
Showing posts with label Farm Bill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farm Bill. Show all posts
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Farm Bill Op-ed by David Beckmann
Op-ed in the May 19th Washington Times...
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By David Beckmann - Many praise the recently passed 2008 farm bill as 'the best we can do.' But for us at Bread for the World, it is only half a loaf. We know that the United States can and should do better. True, there are things to commend in this half a loaf. We rejoice that additional funding amounting to $10.3 billion has been given to nutrition programs, especially in light of the growing global hunger crisis that is hindering the efforts of struggling parents to feed their children. The $300 billion farm bill increases benefits for the food-stamp program and opens it up so that more can participate. About 28 million low-income Americans receive help from this critical program each month, yet the benefits do not last beyond the third week.
Passage of the Hunger Free Communities grant program as part of the nutrition title will enable community-based organizations to work together to plan and implement local strategies to end hunger. The long-overdue increase in funding for TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) will help food banks meet the 20 percent increase in demand for their services.
We are also encouraged that the farm bill contains a pilot program that allows for local or regional purchase of food aid from sources closer to those in need. This will lower transport costs, speed up delivery and free up more money to buy food. Under our current system, food aid must be purchased, processed and packaged in the United States and transported only by U.S. ships.
While we commend the relief that the 2008 Farm Bill will bring to more low-income Americans, it is the missing half of the loaf — the lack of substantial reform of the bill's commodity programs — that worries us. This missing half has long-term and pernicious effects on global agriculture and trade. Current policies have helped stymie agricultural development in poor countries, leaving millions of people mired in poverty, and have helped create the current hunger crisis worldwide.
Rather than respond to the new reality of global agriculture, the 2008 farm bill locks the United States into another five-year protectionist system that hampers the desperate efforts of small farmers to feed their families. For the 10 million people in Africa who earn roughly $1 to $2 a day and depend directly on cotton farming for their livelihood, cotton subsidies in the farm bill will continue to depress their markets in Africa.
In negotiating the farm bill, funding for the highly successful McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program was reduced from $840 million in mandatory funds passed by the House to only $84 million. Congress missed a once-in-five-year chance to guarantee that funding will be available to ensure that schoolchildren in poor countries, for whom education is crucial to escaping poverty, get at least one nutritious meal a day.
Congress has also failed to make our commodity programs significantly fairer and more equitable for our own farmers here at home. The bill does little to target subsidies to where they are most needed, but continues to concentrate payments to the largest and wealthiest landowners.
At a time of record farm income and commodity prices, this farm bill will continue direct payments at around $5 billion annually and institutes a new $3.8 billion permanent disaster fund. This new fund provides the clearest evidence that the current 'safety net' programs are not functioning properly for our nation's producers.
When the House passed the 2008 farm bill last Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that "this will be the last time the farm bill looks like this." We certainly hope so and we will hold her to her promise. There is much more work to make reform a priority in the Senate. Unfortunately, too many of our senators do not realize that voters — and especially people of faith — are ahead of them on food and farm policy.
The 2008 farm bill sustains the injustice that keeps low-income people, not just in the United States but all over the world, mired in poverty and hunger. Our faith mandates us to keep working to reform the legislation until it truly serves the needs of poor farm and rural families and all people around the world who struggle to feed themselves and their children. The abuses in the 2008 bill are now exposed, and they will not just be swept under the rug.
David Beckmann is president of Bread for the World, a collective Christian voice urging an end to hunger.
--------------------------------------------
By David Beckmann - Many praise the recently passed 2008 farm bill as 'the best we can do.' But for us at Bread for the World, it is only half a loaf. We know that the United States can and should do better. True, there are things to commend in this half a loaf. We rejoice that additional funding amounting to $10.3 billion has been given to nutrition programs, especially in light of the growing global hunger crisis that is hindering the efforts of struggling parents to feed their children. The $300 billion farm bill increases benefits for the food-stamp program and opens it up so that more can participate. About 28 million low-income Americans receive help from this critical program each month, yet the benefits do not last beyond the third week.
Passage of the Hunger Free Communities grant program as part of the nutrition title will enable community-based organizations to work together to plan and implement local strategies to end hunger. The long-overdue increase in funding for TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) will help food banks meet the 20 percent increase in demand for their services.
We are also encouraged that the farm bill contains a pilot program that allows for local or regional purchase of food aid from sources closer to those in need. This will lower transport costs, speed up delivery and free up more money to buy food. Under our current system, food aid must be purchased, processed and packaged in the United States and transported only by U.S. ships.
While we commend the relief that the 2008 Farm Bill will bring to more low-income Americans, it is the missing half of the loaf — the lack of substantial reform of the bill's commodity programs — that worries us. This missing half has long-term and pernicious effects on global agriculture and trade. Current policies have helped stymie agricultural development in poor countries, leaving millions of people mired in poverty, and have helped create the current hunger crisis worldwide.
Rather than respond to the new reality of global agriculture, the 2008 farm bill locks the United States into another five-year protectionist system that hampers the desperate efforts of small farmers to feed their families. For the 10 million people in Africa who earn roughly $1 to $2 a day and depend directly on cotton farming for their livelihood, cotton subsidies in the farm bill will continue to depress their markets in Africa.
In negotiating the farm bill, funding for the highly successful McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program was reduced from $840 million in mandatory funds passed by the House to only $84 million. Congress missed a once-in-five-year chance to guarantee that funding will be available to ensure that schoolchildren in poor countries, for whom education is crucial to escaping poverty, get at least one nutritious meal a day.
Congress has also failed to make our commodity programs significantly fairer and more equitable for our own farmers here at home. The bill does little to target subsidies to where they are most needed, but continues to concentrate payments to the largest and wealthiest landowners.
At a time of record farm income and commodity prices, this farm bill will continue direct payments at around $5 billion annually and institutes a new $3.8 billion permanent disaster fund. This new fund provides the clearest evidence that the current 'safety net' programs are not functioning properly for our nation's producers.
When the House passed the 2008 farm bill last Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that "this will be the last time the farm bill looks like this." We certainly hope so and we will hold her to her promise. There is much more work to make reform a priority in the Senate. Unfortunately, too many of our senators do not realize that voters — and especially people of faith — are ahead of them on food and farm policy.
The 2008 farm bill sustains the injustice that keeps low-income people, not just in the United States but all over the world, mired in poverty and hunger. Our faith mandates us to keep working to reform the legislation until it truly serves the needs of poor farm and rural families and all people around the world who struggle to feed themselves and their children. The abuses in the 2008 bill are now exposed, and they will not just be swept under the rug.
David Beckmann is president of Bread for the World, a collective Christian voice urging an end to hunger.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Farm Bill passes Congress w/ votes to Override a Veto
So a couple of farm bill updates came out and they strike me as a little odd. America's Second Harvest is urging supporters to contact Congress to ensure Congress overrides the imminent Presidential Veto. Bread for the World states that it's pretty much a done deal and calls for no action. In fact, the presidential veto is based on Bush's viewpoint that US subsidies in the Farm Bill need to be capped...something that Bread has been advocating for all year. So, what is an anti-poverty advocate to think?
I think two things:
1) This is one of those times where the desire to eradicate domestic and international poverty diverge. Domestic hunger interest groups would want the bill passed quickly, while International hunger groups would want the veto to prevail. Groups like Bread for the World that advocate for everybody are just trying to cut the best deal as fast as possible, but it seems no longer possible to get everything for everybody.
America's Second Harvest wants this done and over with so that the increases in nutrition programs can start flowing to Americans who desperately need help. The longer we operate under the 2002 Farm Bill, the harder it is for them in this time of rising food and gas prices. Bread wanted those nutrition increases as well, but they could have been achieved with the subsidy caps to pay for them. Doing that would have helped poor farmers in developing nations as well as farmers of modest means in the US who are often on Food Stamps themselves. It would have been a more comprehensive approach. In this respect, President Bush is pushing for the more intelligent, forward-thinking plan(wow!), but his attempt to help is failing as well.
2) Advocacy at this point one way or the other wouldn't be effective because they passed with enough votes to override a veto. I'm not sure why advocacy would be necessary at this point.
This is where I could use a little feedback. Does anyone out there have more insight on this? Is my understanding amiss on points #1 or #2?
Here are the press releases I'm talking about...
From America's Second Harvest:
"Last week, the House and Senate passed the Farm Bill with an overwhelming majority. In fact, both houses were able to muster enough votes to override a presidential veto. However, the work is not yet done. The President still plans to veto the Farm Bill, sending it back to Congress before it can become law. Therefore, if your Member of Congress voted in favor of the Farm Bill, it is critically important to contact them, thank them for their vote, and urge them to override the President's veto. If they opposed the Farm Bill, you can explain why the Farm Bill and federal nutrition programs are important to you and your community. We encourage you to contact each of your legislators through the Hunger Action Center to ensure that the Farm Bill will be passed once and for all! "
From Bread for the World:
"The Farm Bill passed the House and Senate this week, in numbers large enough to withstand a presidential veto. In the House, the final vote was 318-106 in support of the bill. The Senate passed it on a vote of 81-15. It takes two-thirds of each chamber to override a presidential veto. The bill clearly has enough support in Congress if President Bush follows through on his stated intention to veto the legislation."
I think two things:
1) This is one of those times where the desire to eradicate domestic and international poverty diverge. Domestic hunger interest groups would want the bill passed quickly, while International hunger groups would want the veto to prevail. Groups like Bread for the World that advocate for everybody are just trying to cut the best deal as fast as possible, but it seems no longer possible to get everything for everybody.
America's Second Harvest wants this done and over with so that the increases in nutrition programs can start flowing to Americans who desperately need help. The longer we operate under the 2002 Farm Bill, the harder it is for them in this time of rising food and gas prices. Bread wanted those nutrition increases as well, but they could have been achieved with the subsidy caps to pay for them. Doing that would have helped poor farmers in developing nations as well as farmers of modest means in the US who are often on Food Stamps themselves. It would have been a more comprehensive approach. In this respect, President Bush is pushing for the more intelligent, forward-thinking plan(wow!), but his attempt to help is failing as well.
2) Advocacy at this point one way or the other wouldn't be effective because they passed with enough votes to override a veto. I'm not sure why advocacy would be necessary at this point.
This is where I could use a little feedback. Does anyone out there have more insight on this? Is my understanding amiss on points #1 or #2?
Here are the press releases I'm talking about...
From America's Second Harvest:
"Last week, the House and Senate passed the Farm Bill with an overwhelming majority. In fact, both houses were able to muster enough votes to override a presidential veto. However, the work is not yet done. The President still plans to veto the Farm Bill, sending it back to Congress before it can become law. Therefore, if your Member of Congress voted in favor of the Farm Bill, it is critically important to contact them, thank them for their vote, and urge them to override the President's veto. If they opposed the Farm Bill, you can explain why the Farm Bill and federal nutrition programs are important to you and your community. We encourage you to contact each of your legislators through the Hunger Action Center to ensure that the Farm Bill will be passed once and for all! "
From Bread for the World:
"The Farm Bill passed the House and Senate this week, in numbers large enough to withstand a presidential veto. In the House, the final vote was 318-106 in support of the bill. The Senate passed it on a vote of 81-15. It takes two-thirds of each chamber to override a presidential veto. The bill clearly has enough support in Congress if President Bush follows through on his stated intention to veto the legislation."
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Bread for the World Calls 2008 Farm Bill "Half a Loaf"
Washington, DC, May 14, 2008--Bread for the World president Rev. David Beckmann issued the following statement today concerning the 2008 Farm Bill that is expected to pass both houses of Congress this week and is also expected to be vetoed by President Bush:
"The 2008 Farm Bill represents half a loaf. Congress has increased funding for vital domestic nutrition programs but has failed to substantially reform the U.S. agricultural system.
"We rejoice that additional funding has been given to nutrition programs especially in light of the growing global hunger crisis that is hindering the efforts of struggling parents to feed their children. We celebrate the increases to the Food Stamp Program and funding for food banks. We are happy that the bill authorizes the Hunger Free Communities grant program, which will enable community-based organizations to work together to plan and implement local strategies to end hunger. We are also encouraged that it contains a pilot program that allows for the local purchase of food aid from sources closer to the countries in need.
"But we are missing the other half of the loaf--substantial reform of the commodity programs. Congress has failed to make our commodity programs fairer and more equitable. The bill does little to target subsidies to where they are most needed, but continues to concentrate payments to the largest and wealthiest landowners.
"This missing half has long-term and pernicious effects on global agriculture and trade. Current policies have helped stymie agricultural development in poor countries, leaving millions of people mired in poverty and helping to create the current hunger crisis worldwide. Rather than respond to the new reality of global agriculture, the 2008 Farm Bill locks the United States into another five-year protectionist system that hampers the desperate efforts of small farmers to feed their families.
"We celebrate the important and urgent increases in nutrition funding. But we deeply lament the lack of serious reform of agricultural subsidies in this bill. Many will praise the 2008 Farm Bill as 'the best we can do.' We think the United States can and should do better. Therefore, with a heavy heart, we have chosen a middle of the road stance as the bill moves toward final passage.
"Our stand on the 2008 Farm Bill comes from a Biblical imperative that calls for a 'harvest of righteousness' (James 3:18). We will keep on working to reform the farm bill until it truly serves the needs of poor farm and rural families and all people around the world who struggle to feed themselves and their children."
"The 2008 Farm Bill represents half a loaf. Congress has increased funding for vital domestic nutrition programs but has failed to substantially reform the U.S. agricultural system.
"We rejoice that additional funding has been given to nutrition programs especially in light of the growing global hunger crisis that is hindering the efforts of struggling parents to feed their children. We celebrate the increases to the Food Stamp Program and funding for food banks. We are happy that the bill authorizes the Hunger Free Communities grant program, which will enable community-based organizations to work together to plan and implement local strategies to end hunger. We are also encouraged that it contains a pilot program that allows for the local purchase of food aid from sources closer to the countries in need.
"But we are missing the other half of the loaf--substantial reform of the commodity programs. Congress has failed to make our commodity programs fairer and more equitable. The bill does little to target subsidies to where they are most needed, but continues to concentrate payments to the largest and wealthiest landowners.
"This missing half has long-term and pernicious effects on global agriculture and trade. Current policies have helped stymie agricultural development in poor countries, leaving millions of people mired in poverty and helping to create the current hunger crisis worldwide. Rather than respond to the new reality of global agriculture, the 2008 Farm Bill locks the United States into another five-year protectionist system that hampers the desperate efforts of small farmers to feed their families.
"We celebrate the important and urgent increases in nutrition funding. But we deeply lament the lack of serious reform of agricultural subsidies in this bill. Many will praise the 2008 Farm Bill as 'the best we can do.' We think the United States can and should do better. Therefore, with a heavy heart, we have chosen a middle of the road stance as the bill moves toward final passage.
"Our stand on the 2008 Farm Bill comes from a Biblical imperative that calls for a 'harvest of righteousness' (James 3:18). We will keep on working to reform the farm bill until it truly serves the needs of poor farm and rural families and all people around the world who struggle to feed themselves and their children."
Monday, May 5, 2008
Farm Bill Update: Over $10B increase for nutrition prgms
Bread for the World Celebrates Nutrition Gains in Farm Bill
Washington, DC, May 2, 2008 -– Bread for the World today welcomed the agreement reached this morning by congressional negotiators over the $10.361 billion increase for national nutrition programs included in the farm bill over a ten year period. Negotiators, however, still have to reach an agreement over the commodity payments portion of the farm bill.
The food stamp program accounts for $7.8 billion of the increase for national nutrition programs. Currently, 26 million Americans receive food stamp benefits; with an expected increase to 29 million because of high food prices. "They can claim a sizeable victory with this agreement in the nutrition title," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "Food stamps remain our first line of defense against hunger for the working poor across the country, and today is a great day for those who are most in need."
He hopes that the congressional negotiators will be as successful in reforming the commodity titles in the farm bill just as they have been in increasing the national nutrition programs.
"Even before the recent spike in food costs, 90 percent of low-income families who participate in the food stamp program ran out of benefits by the third week of the month. With food costs rising, they run out even earlier," said Rev. Beckmann.
The timing for an increase in funds for nutrition programs could not be better, since the number of people going to food banks has increased by 20 percent in the wake of soaring food prices. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) also received a significant increase and indexing for inflation.
Under the agreement hammered out early this morning, the minimum monthly benefit for food stamps increased from $10 to $14 and the standard monthly deduction for a family of three or fewer has been increased to $144 monthly. These two benefits will be implemented in step with the U.S. consumer price index which will prevent their losing ground to inflation in the future.
"Speaker Pelosi, and Representatives Rangel, DeLauro, and Peterson did the lion's share of heavy lifting on championing this proposal, and we are deeply grateful for their valiant efforts. I'm certain many hungry folks across the country will be grateful as well when they see their food stamp benefits go just a little further," said Rev. Beckmann.
One disappointing aspect of this morning's agreement was the decision to cut the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education program by $800 million.
"We hope a sizeable portion of the previously-proposed $860 million set aside for the McGovern-Dole initiative finds its way back into the legislation before it becomes law," said Rev. Beckmann. "This program not only helps feed hungry kids; it encourages them to be in school and provides the nutrition they need to grow and learn. What could be more important?"
Washington, DC, May 2, 2008 -– Bread for the World today welcomed the agreement reached this morning by congressional negotiators over the $10.361 billion increase for national nutrition programs included in the farm bill over a ten year period. Negotiators, however, still have to reach an agreement over the commodity payments portion of the farm bill.
The food stamp program accounts for $7.8 billion of the increase for national nutrition programs. Currently, 26 million Americans receive food stamp benefits; with an expected increase to 29 million because of high food prices. "They can claim a sizeable victory with this agreement in the nutrition title," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "Food stamps remain our first line of defense against hunger for the working poor across the country, and today is a great day for those who are most in need."
He hopes that the congressional negotiators will be as successful in reforming the commodity titles in the farm bill just as they have been in increasing the national nutrition programs.
"Even before the recent spike in food costs, 90 percent of low-income families who participate in the food stamp program ran out of benefits by the third week of the month. With food costs rising, they run out even earlier," said Rev. Beckmann.
The timing for an increase in funds for nutrition programs could not be better, since the number of people going to food banks has increased by 20 percent in the wake of soaring food prices. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) also received a significant increase and indexing for inflation.
Under the agreement hammered out early this morning, the minimum monthly benefit for food stamps increased from $10 to $14 and the standard monthly deduction for a family of three or fewer has been increased to $144 monthly. These two benefits will be implemented in step with the U.S. consumer price index which will prevent their losing ground to inflation in the future.
"Speaker Pelosi, and Representatives Rangel, DeLauro, and Peterson did the lion's share of heavy lifting on championing this proposal, and we are deeply grateful for their valiant efforts. I'm certain many hungry folks across the country will be grateful as well when they see their food stamp benefits go just a little further," said Rev. Beckmann.
One disappointing aspect of this morning's agreement was the decision to cut the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education program by $800 million.
"We hope a sizeable portion of the previously-proposed $860 million set aside for the McGovern-Dole initiative finds its way back into the legislation before it becomes law," said Rev. Beckmann. "This program not only helps feed hungry kids; it encourages them to be in school and provides the nutrition they need to grow and learn. What could be more important?"
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Farm Bill Update
From Bread for the World...a Farm Bill update as of April 25. Sorry I'm a bit late in posting it here!
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Bread for the World Celebrates Half a Victory as Farm Bill Deal Seems Imminent
The following is a statement from the Rev. David Beckmann, president, Bread for the World, regarding the tentative deal reached this afternoon by Congressional negotiators on the multibillion-dollar Farm Bill:
“Congress is very close to finishing its marathon negotiations on the Farm Bill. We do not yet have the details, and there will probably be some last-minute wrangling over the weekend and next week.
“But Bread for the World is celebrating because Congress has, by all accounts, substantially increased funding for food assistance to hungry people. This is the right thing to do, especially now that hunger and poverty are on the increase. Poor families in this country are facing higher food and fuel prices, higher unemployment, and more restricted access to credit. The increase in world hunger is even more dramatic.
“It would have been wrong to continue past policies at a time when the need for food assistance is acute.
“Reportedly, the new Farm Bill also increases farm subsidies, despite record commodity prices and farm income. Congress has added a whole new subsidy program, a permanent disaster fund, even while they are modestly trimming some ongoing subsidy programs. Bread for the World wanted money shifted from subsidies to affluent landowners into investments that would benefit farm and rural families who really need help. That same shift would reduce the extent to which U.S. farm policies interfere with agriculture in Africa and other poor parts of the world.
“So if Congress and the President finalize the deal that was negotiated today, it will be a half victory for Bread for the World and the other reform groups – more help for hungry people, but no significant reform yet in the subsidy programs.
“The organizations that lobby for big farm subsidies spent $80 million lobbying Congress last year, according to the Wall Street Journal. For the church, environmental, and taxpayer groups who are seeking reform, half a victory is indeed cause for celebration.”
----------------------------------------
Bread for the World Celebrates Half a Victory as Farm Bill Deal Seems Imminent
The following is a statement from the Rev. David Beckmann, president, Bread for the World, regarding the tentative deal reached this afternoon by Congressional negotiators on the multibillion-dollar Farm Bill:
“Congress is very close to finishing its marathon negotiations on the Farm Bill. We do not yet have the details, and there will probably be some last-minute wrangling over the weekend and next week.
“But Bread for the World is celebrating because Congress has, by all accounts, substantially increased funding for food assistance to hungry people. This is the right thing to do, especially now that hunger and poverty are on the increase. Poor families in this country are facing higher food and fuel prices, higher unemployment, and more restricted access to credit. The increase in world hunger is even more dramatic.
“It would have been wrong to continue past policies at a time when the need for food assistance is acute.
“Reportedly, the new Farm Bill also increases farm subsidies, despite record commodity prices and farm income. Congress has added a whole new subsidy program, a permanent disaster fund, even while they are modestly trimming some ongoing subsidy programs. Bread for the World wanted money shifted from subsidies to affluent landowners into investments that would benefit farm and rural families who really need help. That same shift would reduce the extent to which U.S. farm policies interfere with agriculture in Africa and other poor parts of the world.
“So if Congress and the President finalize the deal that was negotiated today, it will be a half victory for Bread for the World and the other reform groups – more help for hungry people, but no significant reform yet in the subsidy programs.
“The organizations that lobby for big farm subsidies spent $80 million lobbying Congress last year, according to the Wall Street Journal. For the church, environmental, and taxpayer groups who are seeking reform, half a victory is indeed cause for celebration.”
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
GCFD Farm Bill Call-in/Web message
From the Greater Chicago Food Depository:
We are happy to report that our Congressional leaders are making progress toward passing a Farm Bill, which is the legislation that provides critical resources for national nutrition programs including both the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Stamp Program. If passed, the Farm Bill will provide more food to food banks through TEFAP and will make important improvements to the Food Stamp Program. These improvements are needed more than ever due to skyrocketing fuel and food prices. Additionally, the nation’s economic slowdown makes it increasingly difficult for many struggling families and individuals to make ends meet.
As negotiations enter the homestretch a final push is needed to ensure that Members of Congress get the message that they need to adequately fund critical hunger programs that help the hungry secure the food they need.
Please take action today and urge your Members of Congress to pass a final Farm Bill that provides strong support for national nutrition programs that feed low-income Americans.
Call your rep and senators now or take action now at this page...
https://secure2.convio.net/gcfd/site/AdvocacyJServSessionIdr007=2ymmlcrgm6.app6b&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=119
We are happy to report that our Congressional leaders are making progress toward passing a Farm Bill, which is the legislation that provides critical resources for national nutrition programs including both the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Stamp Program. If passed, the Farm Bill will provide more food to food banks through TEFAP and will make important improvements to the Food Stamp Program. These improvements are needed more than ever due to skyrocketing fuel and food prices. Additionally, the nation’s economic slowdown makes it increasingly difficult for many struggling families and individuals to make ends meet.
As negotiations enter the homestretch a final push is needed to ensure that Members of Congress get the message that they need to adequately fund critical hunger programs that help the hungry secure the food they need.
Please take action today and urge your Members of Congress to pass a final Farm Bill that provides strong support for national nutrition programs that feed low-income Americans.
Call your rep and senators now or take action now at this page...
https://secure2.convio.net/gcfd/site/AdvocacyJServSessionIdr007=2ymmlcrgm6.app6b&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=119
Sunday, April 27, 2008
David Beckmann's letter to W: Hunger Crisis
The President of Bread for the World recently wrote to the President of the United States to offer advice on alleviating poverty in the face of the recent food crisis. The formatting may be a little messed up, but the text is here:
----------------------
April 25, 2008
Subject: The Hunger Crisis
Dear President Bush,
You have already responded to the increase in global food prices, and I understand you are considering yet bolder action. This letter recommends elements for a Presidential hunger Initiative. It would include completion of a reformed Farm Bill, funding for assistance to hungry people and agricultural development in poor parts of the world, and global policy initiatives.
- The hunger crisis strengthens your case for finalizing an improved Farm Bill. You have conveyed your views via the Secretary of Agriculture and White House statements, but I hope you will now speak out and intervene personally to close the deal. Congress and the administration must reach agreement on a reformed Farm Bill, so that U.S. farmers know the rules as they plant this spring, and because the hunger crisis requires an urgent response:
-You are right to insist on reducing market-distorting subsidies to affluent landowners. This would make U.S. agriculture more efficient and reduce the extent to which U.S. and European farm policies depress agriculture in developing countries. The money can be better used to help struggling U.S. farm and rural families, for investments in U.S. agricultural productivity and to increase food assistance to hungry people.
-The Farm Bill should include reforms and funding to get more food aid to hungry people in poor countries. Your proposed local-purchase reform would provide about $150 million a year in additional food to hungry people at no extra cost to taxpayers. You should also support the House’s proposed expansion of the McGovern-Dole child nutrition initiative as part of our country’s response to the current hunger crisis.
Higher food and fuel prices, unemployment and more constrained credit have increased hunger and poverty in our own country. Your administration has indicated you are willing to go along with the $10 billion increase in nutrition funding that Congress wants to include in the farm bill. In view of the changed situation, you should actively support increased funding for food stamps and food banks.
A compromise on the Farm Bill is within reach. But in any case, it would be wrong to extend the current Farm Bill for another year in the midst of today’s hunger crisis without strengthening food assistance to hungry people.
Looking beyond the Farm Bill, a Presidential Hunger Initiative should also include additional funding for food assistance and for agricultural development in Africa and other poor parts of the world.
We are impressed by the proposal that is being discussed within your administration -- $2 billion (half for immediate assistance to hungry people and half for agricultural development) and complementary policy initiatives. The immediate assistance component should include $600 million for food aid in this year’s emergency supplemental.
Agricultural development is the way to turn the current hunger crisis into powerful and permanent progress against world hunger. The high prices that are causing hardship for 100 million of the world’s poorest people represent opportunity for another 600 million undernourished people who make their living from agriculture. Agricultural development will reduce food prices and also increase incomes in rural areas. About half of Millennium Challenge Account commitments are for agriculture and rural development, because that is what good governments in poor countries are asking for. But USAID’s agriculture programs were drastically cut in the FY08 appropriations. A Presidential Hunger Initiative should include money for USAID agriculture programs, starting with $300 million in this year’s supplemental. We urge the largest possible increase in poverty-focused development assistance for FY09, including $600 million for USAID agriculture.
We understand that administration officials are considering a presidential speech on the hunger crisis and several global policy initiatives: completing the Doha agriculture deal, steps to make agricultural technology available internationally, and developing biofuels in a way that does not add to hunger. These are great ideas, and we would add one more. A recent assessment of different approaches to child hunger (sponsored by the Gates Foundation and World Bank) shows that the highest impact interventions focus on nutrition for pregnant women and babies and add missing vitamins and minerals to basic foods. Child and maternal undernutrition causes more death and disability than any disease, and you could provide leadership for a targeted, cost- effective global campaign to improve global health through child nutrition.
Finally, the next economic stimulus package in this country should include funding for food stamps. Hungry and poor families were left out of the first stimulus package, even though they are hardest hit by the economic slowdown. The best way to reduce hunger in America is through improvements in earnings, income and assets among low-income people. But the fastest, most direct way to reduce hunger – and stimulate the economy – is to strengthen the food stamp program.
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision-makers to end hunger at home and abroad. We pray for you and other leaders of this richly blessed nation.
Sincerely yours,
The Rev. David Beckmann
President
----------------------
April 25, 2008
Subject: The Hunger Crisis
Dear President Bush,
You have already responded to the increase in global food prices, and I understand you are considering yet bolder action. This letter recommends elements for a Presidential hunger Initiative. It would include completion of a reformed Farm Bill, funding for assistance to hungry people and agricultural development in poor parts of the world, and global policy initiatives.
- The hunger crisis strengthens your case for finalizing an improved Farm Bill. You have conveyed your views via the Secretary of Agriculture and White House statements, but I hope you will now speak out and intervene personally to close the deal. Congress and the administration must reach agreement on a reformed Farm Bill, so that U.S. farmers know the rules as they plant this spring, and because the hunger crisis requires an urgent response:
-You are right to insist on reducing market-distorting subsidies to affluent landowners. This would make U.S. agriculture more efficient and reduce the extent to which U.S. and European farm policies depress agriculture in developing countries. The money can be better used to help struggling U.S. farm and rural families, for investments in U.S. agricultural productivity and to increase food assistance to hungry people.
-The Farm Bill should include reforms and funding to get more food aid to hungry people in poor countries. Your proposed local-purchase reform would provide about $150 million a year in additional food to hungry people at no extra cost to taxpayers. You should also support the House’s proposed expansion of the McGovern-Dole child nutrition initiative as part of our country’s response to the current hunger crisis.
Higher food and fuel prices, unemployment and more constrained credit have increased hunger and poverty in our own country. Your administration has indicated you are willing to go along with the $10 billion increase in nutrition funding that Congress wants to include in the farm bill. In view of the changed situation, you should actively support increased funding for food stamps and food banks.
A compromise on the Farm Bill is within reach. But in any case, it would be wrong to extend the current Farm Bill for another year in the midst of today’s hunger crisis without strengthening food assistance to hungry people.
Looking beyond the Farm Bill, a Presidential Hunger Initiative should also include additional funding for food assistance and for agricultural development in Africa and other poor parts of the world.
We are impressed by the proposal that is being discussed within your administration -- $2 billion (half for immediate assistance to hungry people and half for agricultural development) and complementary policy initiatives. The immediate assistance component should include $600 million for food aid in this year’s emergency supplemental.
Agricultural development is the way to turn the current hunger crisis into powerful and permanent progress against world hunger. The high prices that are causing hardship for 100 million of the world’s poorest people represent opportunity for another 600 million undernourished people who make their living from agriculture. Agricultural development will reduce food prices and also increase incomes in rural areas. About half of Millennium Challenge Account commitments are for agriculture and rural development, because that is what good governments in poor countries are asking for. But USAID’s agriculture programs were drastically cut in the FY08 appropriations. A Presidential Hunger Initiative should include money for USAID agriculture programs, starting with $300 million in this year’s supplemental. We urge the largest possible increase in poverty-focused development assistance for FY09, including $600 million for USAID agriculture.
We understand that administration officials are considering a presidential speech on the hunger crisis and several global policy initiatives: completing the Doha agriculture deal, steps to make agricultural technology available internationally, and developing biofuels in a way that does not add to hunger. These are great ideas, and we would add one more. A recent assessment of different approaches to child hunger (sponsored by the Gates Foundation and World Bank) shows that the highest impact interventions focus on nutrition for pregnant women and babies and add missing vitamins and minerals to basic foods. Child and maternal undernutrition causes more death and disability than any disease, and you could provide leadership for a targeted, cost- effective global campaign to improve global health through child nutrition.
Finally, the next economic stimulus package in this country should include funding for food stamps. Hungry and poor families were left out of the first stimulus package, even though they are hardest hit by the economic slowdown. The best way to reduce hunger in America is through improvements in earnings, income and assets among low-income people. But the fastest, most direct way to reduce hunger – and stimulate the economy – is to strengthen the food stamp program.
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision-makers to end hunger at home and abroad. We pray for you and other leaders of this richly blessed nation.
Sincerely yours,
The Rev. David Beckmann
President
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Farm Bill Call in by Friday!
A call-in action about the Farm Bill! This message is from Bread for the World...
-------------------
We need you to take action right away to ensure the gains we've fought so hard for over the past year and half are not lost.
Please call your representative and senators by noon Eastern time Friday, April 25, at 1-800-826-3688. Tell them we must pass a new farm bill now, and must not lose the nutrition increases and food aid changes already passed. At a time of sharply rising food prices, these increases are especially critical. Modest commodity reform could pay for these increases without resorting to tax increases or other cuts.
Read the talking points below.
[Note: This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your representative's office in order to leave your message.]
Background:
The House passed its version of the farm bill in July; the Senate did the same in December. Key representatives and senators are meeting now to reconcile the two different versions and prepare a conference report that sets out the terms of the final bill. However, conferees have been unable to agree on total funding for the bill and how to pay for it. The president has threatened to veto the bill if it includes funding mechanisms he does not approve or fails to incorporate adequate commodity program reform. The current farm bill is scheduled to expire on April 25.
Both the House and Senate bills included significant increases to the farm bill's nutrition programs, especially food stamps. These increases represented a powerful recognition of current needs in the food stamp program and food bank programs. Since then, food price inflation has accelerated, squeezing many low-income families. However, if Congress does not pass a new farm bill, we will lose the nutrition increases currently on the table. This will mean fewer families will receive the assistance they need to be assured of an adequate, nutritious diet.
Rising food prices are also having a devastating impact on poor people outside our country. Our food aid assistance is a critically important tool to help the poorest people in the world cope with the rapidly rising food prices that we are currently seeing. However, some provisions of our food aid programs cause inefficiencies that cost lives. One of the most direct changes we could make to our food aid programs is to provide the flexibility to purchase some of our food aid locally or regionally. A pilot study of how to buy food locally or regionally was rightly included in the Senate version of the farm bill. Though the original language was weakened by an amendment during the Senate floor debate, it is a good first step and should be retained in the final bill.
At the same time, the Senate- and House-passed bills do very little to make commodity programs fairer or more equitable. Neither version includes meaningful payment limits and both actually increase the most trade-distorting programs.
It's not too late to pass a final farm bill that addresses these issues. A few changes to the commodity programs would make the programs fairer for farm families of modest means while producing enough savings to pay for the nutrition increases we know are necessary. Funding is not an issue for the food aid pilot program, but conferees do need encouragement to include it in the final bill. The result would be farm bill that is better for poor people, in our own country and around the world.
See my recent interview on Bill Moyers Journal about rising food prices and the ways the farm bill could help mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable among us:
Message to Congress:
In this time of rising food prices, your statement of support for nutrition funding in the farm bill is especially critical! Modest reforms to make commodity programs more equitable could provide funds without risking a presidential veto. Please show your support for finishing the farm bill with the strongest nutrition title to help make great strides against hunger and poverty.
Key points:
Over 35 million Americans--including more that 12 million children--struggle to put food on the table.
With skyrocketing food prices, food stamp households need assistance now more than ever.
Failure to pass a new farm bill or extension of the current bill would mean that millions of low-income people will miss out on food stamp benefit increases on offer under the current conference proposals.
Modest reform of commodity programs could produce savings to redirect to low-income families through the food stamp program.
The Congress will miss a huge opportunity if they pass this Farm Bill without addressing the inefficiencies of our current food aid program. The local and regional purchase pilot program passed by the Senate should be retained in the final bill.
Calls need to be completed by: 12 noon (EST), April 25.
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of poor and hungry people,
David Beckmann
President of Bread for the World
-------------------
We need you to take action right away to ensure the gains we've fought so hard for over the past year and half are not lost.
Please call your representative and senators by noon Eastern time Friday, April 25, at 1-800-826-3688. Tell them we must pass a new farm bill now, and must not lose the nutrition increases and food aid changes already passed. At a time of sharply rising food prices, these increases are especially critical. Modest commodity reform could pay for these increases without resorting to tax increases or other cuts.
Read the talking points below.
[Note: This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your representative's office in order to leave your message.]
Background:
The House passed its version of the farm bill in July; the Senate did the same in December. Key representatives and senators are meeting now to reconcile the two different versions and prepare a conference report that sets out the terms of the final bill. However, conferees have been unable to agree on total funding for the bill and how to pay for it. The president has threatened to veto the bill if it includes funding mechanisms he does not approve or fails to incorporate adequate commodity program reform. The current farm bill is scheduled to expire on April 25.
Both the House and Senate bills included significant increases to the farm bill's nutrition programs, especially food stamps. These increases represented a powerful recognition of current needs in the food stamp program and food bank programs. Since then, food price inflation has accelerated, squeezing many low-income families. However, if Congress does not pass a new farm bill, we will lose the nutrition increases currently on the table. This will mean fewer families will receive the assistance they need to be assured of an adequate, nutritious diet.
Rising food prices are also having a devastating impact on poor people outside our country. Our food aid assistance is a critically important tool to help the poorest people in the world cope with the rapidly rising food prices that we are currently seeing. However, some provisions of our food aid programs cause inefficiencies that cost lives. One of the most direct changes we could make to our food aid programs is to provide the flexibility to purchase some of our food aid locally or regionally. A pilot study of how to buy food locally or regionally was rightly included in the Senate version of the farm bill. Though the original language was weakened by an amendment during the Senate floor debate, it is a good first step and should be retained in the final bill.
At the same time, the Senate- and House-passed bills do very little to make commodity programs fairer or more equitable. Neither version includes meaningful payment limits and both actually increase the most trade-distorting programs.
It's not too late to pass a final farm bill that addresses these issues. A few changes to the commodity programs would make the programs fairer for farm families of modest means while producing enough savings to pay for the nutrition increases we know are necessary. Funding is not an issue for the food aid pilot program, but conferees do need encouragement to include it in the final bill. The result would be farm bill that is better for poor people, in our own country and around the world.
See my recent interview on Bill Moyers Journal about rising food prices and the ways the farm bill could help mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable among us:
Message to Congress:
In this time of rising food prices, your statement of support for nutrition funding in the farm bill is especially critical! Modest reforms to make commodity programs more equitable could provide funds without risking a presidential veto. Please show your support for finishing the farm bill with the strongest nutrition title to help make great strides against hunger and poverty.
Key points:
Over 35 million Americans--including more that 12 million children--struggle to put food on the table.
With skyrocketing food prices, food stamp households need assistance now more than ever.
Failure to pass a new farm bill or extension of the current bill would mean that millions of low-income people will miss out on food stamp benefit increases on offer under the current conference proposals.
Modest reform of commodity programs could produce savings to redirect to low-income families through the food stamp program.
The Congress will miss a huge opportunity if they pass this Farm Bill without addressing the inefficiencies of our current food aid program. The local and regional purchase pilot program passed by the Senate should be retained in the final bill.
Calls need to be completed by: 12 noon (EST), April 25.
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of poor and hungry people,
David Beckmann
President of Bread for the World
Thursday, April 17, 2008
David Beckmann on Bill Moyer's Journal: Farm Bill
David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, appeared again on the Bill Moyer's Journal to talk about the Farm Bill. His summary is clear, concise and passionate. If you want some info about the really important stuff going on in the nation's capitol, check it out. It's hard not to be engaged in this debate after hearing what he has to say...
http://www.bread.org/take-action/david-beckmann-on-bill-moyers.html
http://www.bread.org/take-action/david-beckmann-on-bill-moyers.html
Snackin' with Jerome McDonnell of Worldview
Yesterday, I had a wonderful opportunity to go down to the Chicago Public Radio studio on Navy Pier and enjoy some great conversation about activism and world hunger. Our wonderful Chicago Bread for the World staff put together a program where we could meet Jerome McDonnell, host of Worldview. What a warm and wonderful individual! We got to hear about how Worldview came about, his goals for the program and insights on his hosting philosophy. BFW passed out white papers on the upcoming global poverty issues we are advocating about and we had time for some lively discussion about the state of poverty in the world.
Which brings me to a story about me re-learning a fundamental lesson: you don't get to stop paying attention even when you're out of college! Some of you seem to particularly enjoy personal stories about my missteps on this journey, so here it is:
WBEZ had really rolled out the red carpet for us with a wonderful lunch, a conference room with a phenomenal view of Lake Michigan (on a particularly beautiful spring day), and ample time with Jerome. I firmly told myself "Less talking, more listening!!" as there were many people there I could learn from. Conversation ranged from micro-loans to Share Our Soles to the Farm Bill. I was basking in the conversation, heady with that mid-afternoon I'm-playing-hooky-in-the-middle-of-the-day feeling because I was getting to hear about all this good stuff instead of the normal lunch conversation I usually engage in. I was on the edge of my seat learning all this new stuff, but when they turned to the Farm Bill, I suppose my brain sort of drifted since I have a handle on that after advocating on it for a year. I allowed my mind to sort of drift through the window and down to those lovely boats on the lake. Vaguely aware that someone was asking Jerome what he had done on the show on the Farm Bill and Jerome was wanting to know what we wanted, suddenly I was pulled back by our Bread coordinator turning to me and saying, "You're an advocate. Why don't you take this one?" To which my brain (not my mouth, thankfully) responded, "Boats???" My moment and I was missing it! I came up with an answer that hit on the main topics, but it was definitely on the rambling side and might have come off like I was telling Mr. McDonnell how to run his show after giving it 2 milliseconds of thought! Fortunately, I saw him later that night at the Expo and got a chance to follow up with him. So, the take away is, if you're going to bother to become educated on a topic and advocate about it...be prepared to do so at any time!
Anyway, that aside, it really was a great afternoon followed by the Global Activism Expo that night filled with orgs and people with the common goal of making the world a better place. An uplifting day overall!
Which brings me to a story about me re-learning a fundamental lesson: you don't get to stop paying attention even when you're out of college! Some of you seem to particularly enjoy personal stories about my missteps on this journey, so here it is:
WBEZ had really rolled out the red carpet for us with a wonderful lunch, a conference room with a phenomenal view of Lake Michigan (on a particularly beautiful spring day), and ample time with Jerome. I firmly told myself "Less talking, more listening!!" as there were many people there I could learn from. Conversation ranged from micro-loans to Share Our Soles to the Farm Bill. I was basking in the conversation, heady with that mid-afternoon I'm-playing-hooky-in-the-middle-of-the-day feeling because I was getting to hear about all this good stuff instead of the normal lunch conversation I usually engage in. I was on the edge of my seat learning all this new stuff, but when they turned to the Farm Bill, I suppose my brain sort of drifted since I have a handle on that after advocating on it for a year. I allowed my mind to sort of drift through the window and down to those lovely boats on the lake. Vaguely aware that someone was asking Jerome what he had done on the show on the Farm Bill and Jerome was wanting to know what we wanted, suddenly I was pulled back by our Bread coordinator turning to me and saying, "You're an advocate. Why don't you take this one?" To which my brain (not my mouth, thankfully) responded, "Boats???" My moment and I was missing it! I came up with an answer that hit on the main topics, but it was definitely on the rambling side and might have come off like I was telling Mr. McDonnell how to run his show after giving it 2 milliseconds of thought! Fortunately, I saw him later that night at the Expo and got a chance to follow up with him. So, the take away is, if you're going to bother to become educated on a topic and advocate about it...be prepared to do so at any time!
Anyway, that aside, it really was a great afternoon followed by the Global Activism Expo that night filled with orgs and people with the common goal of making the world a better place. An uplifting day overall!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Beckmann on PBS this Friday: Farm Bill
The president of Bread for the World, David Beckman (World Bank Economist, Lutheran Pastor), will be appearing on PBS again on Friday night for another Bill Moyers interview. This time it is a special on domestic hunger and the Farm Bill. Every five years, the Farm Bill goes up for reauthorization. Last year, was one of those year, but the process is dragging and the Farm Bill is currently being renewed in the Senate. It's a huge and complicated piece of legislation, but if you eat it effects you! This special one-hour episode will explain how our food policy affects what we eat, how much we pay for it, and how it helps or hurts people in need.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
When nothing to lose is a good position
It's astounding how far this country has come in awareness about the US Farm Bill! Newspapers all over the US have editorialized on behalf of Farm Bill reform. Many people are now aware how our subsidy system for commodity crops largely helps already wealthy people, hurts impoverished farmers overseas who can't compete with our artificially cheap crops, hurts small US farmers in poverty, and could be (but isn't) funding the food stamps. Yet we were not able to pull out a win this year. Not in the House, not in the Senate. In both instances, back room dealings undermined real change. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is so eloquent about helping children in poverty (that's not sarcasm..she really is!) and stands at the head of the party that is supposed to care the most about hungry people, encouraged the Dems to back a status quo bill with no change in the subsidy system. Senate democrats won a majority for reform, but because of back room deals didn't get it. They had traded away their position and needed a "super majority" (60 votes) to win. How is this possible? Why didn't members of Congress (especially Democrats) rise up to help the poor and hungry at home and in the world?
I think it has a lot to do with people wanting to keep their seats. Representatives and Senators of farm states have big farm lobbies to contend with. They will have a huge fight on their hands to keep their seats if Big Agriculture turns against them. Don't get me wrong now, there are reform champions in farm states. Senator Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Lugar (R-IN) are the big guns fighting for Farm Bill reform and they are not alone. But they are senior senators with supportive constituencies. Younger reps and senators with less certain support didn't go out on a limb. I think Pelosi was worried about keeping Democratic seats and gave the command for the kids in the hall to support the old tradition of commodity subsidies so they wouldn't lose their seats. So, farm reform failed in Congress.
But wait! Isn't there someone else who can help us? Someone in a position to send it all back to the drawing board? Someone with a veto stamp??? Why yes, there is! President George W. Bush. A man holding a lot of power and nothing to lose. This is exactly the kind of hero the Farm Bill needs. An unlikely anti-hero at this point, but the right guy for this job. Republicans are distancing themselves from him, Democrats paint him as a complete and utter failure, the public that elected him because he seemed to be the "kind of guy you'd want to have a beer with" has found other drinking buddies. But he can be our guy. He has said that he wants subsidy caps and Congress didn't listen. So, here's his chance. Farm Bill reform may not sound like a very sexy legacy, but this could be the most positive accomplishment of his presidency. He can stand up and take the position that is so unpalatable to Big Agriculture. What are they going to do? Make sure he never works in this town again? People may try to say that it's his fault for stalling the Farm Bill if he does veto, but I'd rather have a more just legislation later, than continue a system of social injustice sooner. Bush's "nothing to lose" position makes his veto threat the best thing we have going for us. I hope he uses it.
I think it has a lot to do with people wanting to keep their seats. Representatives and Senators of farm states have big farm lobbies to contend with. They will have a huge fight on their hands to keep their seats if Big Agriculture turns against them. Don't get me wrong now, there are reform champions in farm states. Senator Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Lugar (R-IN) are the big guns fighting for Farm Bill reform and they are not alone. But they are senior senators with supportive constituencies. Younger reps and senators with less certain support didn't go out on a limb. I think Pelosi was worried about keeping Democratic seats and gave the command for the kids in the hall to support the old tradition of commodity subsidies so they wouldn't lose their seats. So, farm reform failed in Congress.
But wait! Isn't there someone else who can help us? Someone in a position to send it all back to the drawing board? Someone with a veto stamp??? Why yes, there is! President George W. Bush. A man holding a lot of power and nothing to lose. This is exactly the kind of hero the Farm Bill needs. An unlikely anti-hero at this point, but the right guy for this job. Republicans are distancing themselves from him, Democrats paint him as a complete and utter failure, the public that elected him because he seemed to be the "kind of guy you'd want to have a beer with" has found other drinking buddies. But he can be our guy. He has said that he wants subsidy caps and Congress didn't listen. So, here's his chance. Farm Bill reform may not sound like a very sexy legacy, but this could be the most positive accomplishment of his presidency. He can stand up and take the position that is so unpalatable to Big Agriculture. What are they going to do? Make sure he never works in this town again? People may try to say that it's his fault for stalling the Farm Bill if he does veto, but I'd rather have a more just legislation later, than continue a system of social injustice sooner. Bush's "nothing to lose" position makes his veto threat the best thing we have going for us. I hope he uses it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Farm Bill proposal makes CUTS to nutrition title! WHAT!!??!!
Dammit!
I'm usually not this informal and I know this is lowering the reading level of my blog, but I'm rather apoplectic about this. Despite a recent letter writing campaign which resulted in 28 senators and 153 reps signing a dear colleague letter to include permanent funding for Food Stamps and other nutrition title programs which help Americans at risk for hunger for AT LEAST the House approved levels...the Ag committee proposed a Farm Bill that CUTS those programs. All this before the House conferees are even announced!
F!
I just can't continue....here, read on....
-----------------------------------------------------
New Farm Bill Proposal Cuts Nutrition Programs
Washington, DC, February 13, 2008 – Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, issued the following statement today in response to a new proposal sent to the Senate by Representatives Collin Peterson, chairman, and Bob Goodlatte, ranking member, of the House of Representative’s Agriculture Committee:
“House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte today sent the first proposal to the Senate in order to move the Farm Bill forward. Their outline proposes changes in the commodity title to pay for needs in other parts of the Farm Bill. Yet, significant cuts were made to the nutrition title which provides funding for the Food Stamp Program—our first line of defense against hunger.
“The proposal significantly cuts back the $11.5 billion increase for nutrition programs over ten years passed by the full House in July 2007.
“More than a third of House members recently signed a letter declaring that a final Farm Bill that ‘under-funds improvements in the nutrition title would be unacceptable’ and urges the conference report to ‘include permanent funding at no less than the House-passed levels.’ We couldn’t agree more.
“The final Farm Bill must provide a safety net for people who have the most to lose. Tens of millions of Americans, many of them children and working families, are at risk of hunger every day. Congress cannot compromise the safety net for them.”
I'm usually not this informal and I know this is lowering the reading level of my blog, but I'm rather apoplectic about this. Despite a recent letter writing campaign which resulted in 28 senators and 153 reps signing a dear colleague letter to include permanent funding for Food Stamps and other nutrition title programs which help Americans at risk for hunger for AT LEAST the House approved levels...the Ag committee proposed a Farm Bill that CUTS those programs. All this before the House conferees are even announced!
F!
I just can't continue....here, read on....
-----------------------------------------------------
New Farm Bill Proposal Cuts Nutrition Programs
Washington, DC, February 13, 2008 – Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, issued the following statement today in response to a new proposal sent to the Senate by Representatives Collin Peterson, chairman, and Bob Goodlatte, ranking member, of the House of Representative’s Agriculture Committee:
“House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte today sent the first proposal to the Senate in order to move the Farm Bill forward. Their outline proposes changes in the commodity title to pay for needs in other parts of the Farm Bill. Yet, significant cuts were made to the nutrition title which provides funding for the Food Stamp Program—our first line of defense against hunger.
“The proposal significantly cuts back the $11.5 billion increase for nutrition programs over ten years passed by the full House in July 2007.
“More than a third of House members recently signed a letter declaring that a final Farm Bill that ‘under-funds improvements in the nutrition title would be unacceptable’ and urges the conference report to ‘include permanent funding at no less than the House-passed levels.’ We couldn’t agree more.
“The final Farm Bill must provide a safety net for people who have the most to lose. Tens of millions of Americans, many of them children and working families, are at risk of hunger every day. Congress cannot compromise the safety net for them.”
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Romney and Giuliani on Farm Subsidies
I missed this November debate question on CNN. Romney and Giuliani flat out ignore the fact that our subsidies are overwhelmingly going to the wrong people and harmful to developing countries. They support commodity subsidies...Romney says he doesn't want a food shortage.
http://www.breadblog.org/2007/11/index.html
Whether or not you like or believe the dem candidates stances about reform, least the dems are talking about the harmful effects of subsidies! This debate hardly touched on it at all before moving on to Rudy's tax record.
http://www.breadblog.org/2007/11/index.html
Whether or not you like or believe the dem candidates stances about reform, least the dems are talking about the harmful effects of subsidies! This debate hardly touched on it at all before moving on to Rudy's tax record.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Action for IL residents: Call-in to Obama
From Bread for the World...
----------------------------------
Although we were not able to win the type of commodity reform that we wanted this time around, the Senate's farm bill does make significant new investments to anti-hunger programs like Food Stamps. HOWEVER, we have discovered that these new investments in the Food Stamp Program are not secure and will be taken away in 5 years unless we act. This represents a false promise to millions of vulnerable Americans who will see their benefits expand in 2008, only to have the increase taken away five years later.
MESSAGE: Please call Senator Obama by 5:00 pm Eastern time on Friday, January 25, at 1-800-826-3688. Ask the Senator to sign the dear colleague letter on farm bill nutrition funding that Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) are currently circulating. The letter urges leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to make sure the farm bill conference report includes permanent funding for nutrition programs at the higher Senate-passed levels. Click here to let us know you called.
[Note: This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your senator’s office in order to leave your message.]
Calls completed by: 5 pm Friday, January 25.
----------------------------------
Although we were not able to win the type of commodity reform that we wanted this time around, the Senate's farm bill does make significant new investments to anti-hunger programs like Food Stamps. HOWEVER, we have discovered that these new investments in the Food Stamp Program are not secure and will be taken away in 5 years unless we act. This represents a false promise to millions of vulnerable Americans who will see their benefits expand in 2008, only to have the increase taken away five years later.
MESSAGE: Please call Senator Obama by 5:00 pm Eastern time on Friday, January 25, at 1-800-826-3688. Ask the Senator to sign the dear colleague letter on farm bill nutrition funding that Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) are currently circulating. The letter urges leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to make sure the farm bill conference report includes permanent funding for nutrition programs at the higher Senate-passed levels. Click here to let us know you called.
[Note: This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your senator’s office in order to leave your message.]
Calls completed by: 5 pm Friday, January 25.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Obama's response for Farm Bill vote absence
You may have read here that I was pretty miffed at Obama's absence at the Farm Bill voting. I was rather torn because I thought I might want him to be president, but I thought his absence from the majority of reform amendment votes was a sign that he just wasn't walking the walk for all of his talk. Well, I told him about it and he (or his office anyway)emailed me back a very detailed letter about the subject. I am actually pretty satisfied with his response. It was so detailed and so long that I will not post the whole thing here, but here is a highlight:
"Thank you for advising me of your concern that my presidential campaign is detracting from my responsibilities as a United States Senator. I appreciate your candor.
I initially ran for the Senate because I felt this venue would provide an opportunity to work to improve our society for all its citizens. I arrived in the Senate in January 2005, and it quickly became clear to me that until the Democrats regained the ability to set the legislative agenda by being the majority party in Congress, not much would change. "
"After much reflection, I concluded that I could best address these problems by running for president in 2008. I initiated this campaign in February 2007, but my top priority remains serving the people of Illinois. My work as a Senator continues – listening to the concerns and needs of constituents, advancing legislation that will make our country safer, stronger, and more just, and fighting for our shared priorities in Congress. "
"You mentioned your concern that I have missed some votes this year. As I engage in my dual challenge, I have made a point of keeping Majority Leader Reid and Assistant Leader Durbin apprised of my travel schedule so that I can adjust it any time they think I might miss a contested vote. As a result, I have not missed any votes where my vote would have changed the outcome."
There is a LOT more than that with specifics on what he has done as a senator this year. I am officially mollified for now and if it is true that Durbin could have called him back at any time, then I bow to the judgement of Senator Durbin as he is one of the top Reform Dudes. I appreciate that his office gave a response, so I feel obligated to retract my ire in this format!
"Thank you for advising me of your concern that my presidential campaign is detracting from my responsibilities as a United States Senator. I appreciate your candor.
I initially ran for the Senate because I felt this venue would provide an opportunity to work to improve our society for all its citizens. I arrived in the Senate in January 2005, and it quickly became clear to me that until the Democrats regained the ability to set the legislative agenda by being the majority party in Congress, not much would change. "
"After much reflection, I concluded that I could best address these problems by running for president in 2008. I initiated this campaign in February 2007, but my top priority remains serving the people of Illinois. My work as a Senator continues – listening to the concerns and needs of constituents, advancing legislation that will make our country safer, stronger, and more just, and fighting for our shared priorities in Congress. "
"You mentioned your concern that I have missed some votes this year. As I engage in my dual challenge, I have made a point of keeping Majority Leader Reid and Assistant Leader Durbin apprised of my travel schedule so that I can adjust it any time they think I might miss a contested vote. As a result, I have not missed any votes where my vote would have changed the outcome."
There is a LOT more than that with specifics on what he has done as a senator this year. I am officially mollified for now and if it is true that Durbin could have called him back at any time, then I bow to the judgement of Senator Durbin as he is one of the top Reform Dudes. I appreciate that his office gave a response, so I feel obligated to retract my ire in this format!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2007 Farm Bill good from a Food Pantry perspective
If you read this blog, you are getting my perspective on the Farm Bill that is heavily swayed toward wanting those subsidies to be reined in for the benefit of global poverty and domestic. As I've pointed out already, the amendments related to reform did not get passed. Which is disappointing except for the magnificent fact that so many more people are aware and talking about it! Yet there was another side to what many of us were pushing for, which was increased support for domestic hunger programs. This type of support is the money that helps out local food pantries. From that end, it seems to have been a success...at least for now. There was increased support with the concern being that funding for it is not completely secure for the future. Nevertheless, here are optimistic statements from two main organizations that help out our local food pantries around here....
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From the Greater Chicago Food Depository's website:
On Friday, Dec. 14, the Farm Bill passed out of the U.S. Senate. As you know, this is an important step toward securing additional resources for both the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Stamp Program which provides food for hungry families throughout the country. Your advocacy helped to make this victory possible so give yourself a round of applause!
There are still obstacles ahead as the bill must go through conference committee and be signed into law by the President. Keep an eye out for future action alerts on this issue. Now that the bill has passed out of the Senate, please take a moment to call your U.S. Senators to thank them for their support of a strong nutrition title in the Farm Bill.
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From America's Second Harvest:
On Friday, December 14th, the Senate passed the 2007 Farm Bill by a vote of 79-14. The bill now will go before a House-Senate conference committee that will work to iron out the differences between the House and Senate-passed proposals.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) have both voiced their strong support for wrapping up negotiation quickly on a final Farm Bill. Chairman Peterson has indicated that he plans to spend part of the winter congressional recess in Washington working with his staff on the Farm Bill. Chairman Harkin will chair the conference committee on the Farm Bill, but conferees apparently will not be named until January.
The Senate approval of the Farm Bill was a critical step in the process towards enactment of a final Farm Bill conference report. However, it is essential that the process continue to move forward to help ensure that the Congress passes a final Farm Bill that strengthens and enhances critical nutrition programs, like the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Food Stamp Program, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), that help hungry Americans. The number of individuals and families seeking assistance from food banks across the country remains strong; however, federal commodities to food banks have declined drastically over the past several years due to high food prices. Quick passage of a final Farm Bill is essential for charitable feeding providers and the low-income Americans they serve every day.
Please send a letter to your Senators today and urge them to support the swift passage of a final Farm Bill conference report with a strong nutrition title as quickly as possible. Thank you for your help!
------------------------------
From the Greater Chicago Food Depository's website:
On Friday, Dec. 14, the Farm Bill passed out of the U.S. Senate. As you know, this is an important step toward securing additional resources for both the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Stamp Program which provides food for hungry families throughout the country. Your advocacy helped to make this victory possible so give yourself a round of applause!
There are still obstacles ahead as the bill must go through conference committee and be signed into law by the President. Keep an eye out for future action alerts on this issue. Now that the bill has passed out of the Senate, please take a moment to call your U.S. Senators to thank them for their support of a strong nutrition title in the Farm Bill.
----------------------
From America's Second Harvest:
On Friday, December 14th, the Senate passed the 2007 Farm Bill by a vote of 79-14. The bill now will go before a House-Senate conference committee that will work to iron out the differences between the House and Senate-passed proposals.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) have both voiced their strong support for wrapping up negotiation quickly on a final Farm Bill. Chairman Peterson has indicated that he plans to spend part of the winter congressional recess in Washington working with his staff on the Farm Bill. Chairman Harkin will chair the conference committee on the Farm Bill, but conferees apparently will not be named until January.
The Senate approval of the Farm Bill was a critical step in the process towards enactment of a final Farm Bill conference report. However, it is essential that the process continue to move forward to help ensure that the Congress passes a final Farm Bill that strengthens and enhances critical nutrition programs, like the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Food Stamp Program, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), that help hungry Americans. The number of individuals and families seeking assistance from food banks across the country remains strong; however, federal commodities to food banks have declined drastically over the past several years due to high food prices. Quick passage of a final Farm Bill is essential for charitable feeding providers and the low-income Americans they serve every day.
Please send a letter to your Senators today and urge them to support the swift passage of a final Farm Bill conference report with a strong nutrition title as quickly as possible. Thank you for your help!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Bread for the World: Farm Bill update
The Farm Bill Isn't Finished
In mid-December the Senate passed its version of the farm bill. This legislation must now be reconciled with the House version through a conference. Bread for the World will continue to campaign for reform as the House, Senate and administration negotiate the final version of the farm bill next year.
Bread for the World and many religious bodies joined forces with environmental and taxpayer groups to campaign for reform of the farm bill. We have shaken up traditional farm bill politics and made the House and Senate farm bills better than they would have otherwise been. About 300 newspapers have editorialized in favor of reform, and surveys show that most voters now understand that there are serious abuses in the farm bill.
On December 14, the Senate passed a problematic farm bill that:
-fails to make farm support programs fairer
-proposes increases in trade-distorting commodity programs
These programs have a negative impact on prices and earning opportunities for poor farmers in the developing world. Savings from much-needed reforms to these programs could be better used to fund nutrition and conservation programs and help U.S. farm and rural families of modest means.
A majority of senators voted for two reform amendments (see how your Senators voted)– no more than $250,000 in annual payments per household and no subsidies to households with incomes above $750,000. But the Senate's leadership caved to a filibuster threat from Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), whose family received big farm subsidy payments worth $715,000 between 1995 and 2005.
Because Senate Democratic leaders did not want to be blamed for further delay of the farm bill, they changed the rules to require 60 votes for passage of those three amendments, rather than a simple majority. The Dorgan-Grassley and Klobuchar amendments received the support of a majority of the senators voting, but they were defeated as they fell short of the manufactured 60-vote requirement.
The best feature of the Senate bill is an increase in food assistance to hungry families, but unfortunately this increase would expire in 2012. This budget gimmick represents a false promise to millions of families who struggle to put food on the table. On the positive side, the Senate bill includes the Hunger-Free Communities Act, which requires the next administration to develop a plan for cutting U.S. hunger and strengthen community anti-hunger coalitions across the nation.
The House of Representatives passed its farm bill in July. The House also failed to curtail subsidies and raised support levels for certain crops, though it did not increase them as substantially as the Senate did. On a positive note, the House bill increased funding for:
-domestic food assistance;
-school meals in developing countries; and
-assistance to minority farmers.
The House and Senate bills do include good things for hungry people, the environment, rural communities and minority farmers, but the funding for these improvements is not secure. Congress should finance the improvements by capping subsidies to affluent farmers.
Stay tuned for future actions and developments.
In mid-December the Senate passed its version of the farm bill. This legislation must now be reconciled with the House version through a conference. Bread for the World will continue to campaign for reform as the House, Senate and administration negotiate the final version of the farm bill next year.
Bread for the World and many religious bodies joined forces with environmental and taxpayer groups to campaign for reform of the farm bill. We have shaken up traditional farm bill politics and made the House and Senate farm bills better than they would have otherwise been. About 300 newspapers have editorialized in favor of reform, and surveys show that most voters now understand that there are serious abuses in the farm bill.
On December 14, the Senate passed a problematic farm bill that:
-fails to make farm support programs fairer
-proposes increases in trade-distorting commodity programs
These programs have a negative impact on prices and earning opportunities for poor farmers in the developing world. Savings from much-needed reforms to these programs could be better used to fund nutrition and conservation programs and help U.S. farm and rural families of modest means.
A majority of senators voted for two reform amendments (see how your Senators voted)– no more than $250,000 in annual payments per household and no subsidies to households with incomes above $750,000. But the Senate's leadership caved to a filibuster threat from Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), whose family received big farm subsidy payments worth $715,000 between 1995 and 2005.
Because Senate Democratic leaders did not want to be blamed for further delay of the farm bill, they changed the rules to require 60 votes for passage of those three amendments, rather than a simple majority. The Dorgan-Grassley and Klobuchar amendments received the support of a majority of the senators voting, but they were defeated as they fell short of the manufactured 60-vote requirement.
The best feature of the Senate bill is an increase in food assistance to hungry families, but unfortunately this increase would expire in 2012. This budget gimmick represents a false promise to millions of families who struggle to put food on the table. On the positive side, the Senate bill includes the Hunger-Free Communities Act, which requires the next administration to develop a plan for cutting U.S. hunger and strengthen community anti-hunger coalitions across the nation.
The House of Representatives passed its farm bill in July. The House also failed to curtail subsidies and raised support levels for certain crops, though it did not increase them as substantially as the Senate did. On a positive note, the House bill increased funding for:
-domestic food assistance;
-school meals in developing countries; and
-assistance to minority farmers.
The House and Senate bills do include good things for hungry people, the environment, rural communities and minority farmers, but the funding for these improvements is not secure. Congress should finance the improvements by capping subsidies to affluent farmers.
Stay tuned for future actions and developments.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Obama talks the talk, but didn't walk the walk
Some Obama quotes from Iowa this week as reported by Mike Glover (Associated Press):
"Once again the lobbyists stepped in to make sure that big agribusinesses got the multimillion-dollar giveaways that they've come to count on," said Obama.
"Tom Harkin fought hard to pass a farm bill that stressed support for conservation and support for specialty growers," Obama said, contending the effort was deflected by the power of the agribusiness lobby.
"While the farm bill is a step in the right direction, I am disappointed that those who blocked payment limitations chose to put big agribusiness ahead of family farmers," Obama said. He said he "will continue to fight for meaningful payment limitations."
Amen to all of that, Mr. Obama. Nice speech. But where were you when you could have been making a difference??? We know you voted for Grassley-Dorgan, but you were gone (back making speeches in Iowa) for every other reform amendment that was offered. You even missed the final vote and stated that you would not have voted for Lugar-Lautenberg. I'm wondering how you will "continue to fight" when apparently casting your vote was not one of the methods you liberally employed. I was kinda thinking I'd like you to be my president, but last week... you weren't doing that great of a job being my senator.
"Once again the lobbyists stepped in to make sure that big agribusinesses got the multimillion-dollar giveaways that they've come to count on," said Obama.
"Tom Harkin fought hard to pass a farm bill that stressed support for conservation and support for specialty growers," Obama said, contending the effort was deflected by the power of the agribusiness lobby.
"While the farm bill is a step in the right direction, I am disappointed that those who blocked payment limitations chose to put big agribusiness ahead of family farmers," Obama said. He said he "will continue to fight for meaningful payment limitations."
Amen to all of that, Mr. Obama. Nice speech. But where were you when you could have been making a difference??? We know you voted for Grassley-Dorgan, but you were gone (back making speeches in Iowa) for every other reform amendment that was offered. You even missed the final vote and stated that you would not have voted for Lugar-Lautenberg. I'm wondering how you will "continue to fight" when apparently casting your vote was not one of the methods you liberally employed. I was kinda thinking I'd like you to be my president, but last week... you weren't doing that great of a job being my senator.
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