Wisconsin Ag Connection - Sen. Kohl Proposes Nutrition, Rural Projects in Stimulus Bill

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Sen. Kohl Proposes Nutrition, Rural Projects in Stimulus Bill
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 01/28/2009

Although the latest federal stimulus package designed to help boost the economy is caught up in the political process, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl says he is working to include major boosts for federal nutrition programs and fund other projects to encourage rural economic growth into the bill. The Milwaukee Democrat, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, says the policies will help Americans during some extremely tough economic times.

"With people losing their jobs, it is essential substantial resources remain in place for struggling families throughout the country to put food on the table," Kohl said. "It is also important we promote job creation and economic stability in our rural communities, among the areas hardest hit by the slowdown."

For nutrition initiatives, the legislation includes $16.5 billion for a temporary increase in Food Stamps.

"Most economists agree that a food stamp increase, because of the way food stamps are distributed and spent, is one of the quickest ways for government to put resources into economic circulation," Kohl says.

An additional $500 million would be allocated for the WIC program; $198 million to help school districts pay for school breakfast and lunch equipment; and $150 million to help food banks meet unprecedented demand.

For agriculture and rural communities, the legislation includes $1.3 billion to support loans and grants of $3.8 billion for rural water and waste disposal; $395 million for watershed rehabilitation and flood prevention operation to provide for construction of flood prevention and water supply facilities; $17.530 million to support $400 million in direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans; $24.9 million to support $250 million in direct and guaranteed farm operating loans; $200 million to support $11.5 billion in single family housing loans that will assist about 105,000 low income rural households with home ownership or foreclosure avoidance; $127 million to support $1.5 billion in loans and grants for Rural Community Facilities including hospitals, health clinics and public buildings; $150 million to support $3 billion in loans and grants to support rural business expansion; $200 million for biorefinery funds to assist in development of advanced biofuels; $50 million for Rural Energy for America Program to promote energy efficiency on farms and rural small businesses; and $200 million to support $993 million in loans and grants for distance learning, telemedicine and the broadband program.

As of Tuesday, the measures were approved by the committee, but has not yet been discussed on the Senate floor.