Category: Policy Updates/Issue News
Policy Updates and Issue News November 2017
Grange Policy Developed for 2018 The National Grange 151st annual convention was held November 7-11, 2017 in Spokane, Washington. As has been the tradition of the Grange for 150 years, policy development was the centerpiece of the national meeting. State Grange delegates from around the country served on seven committees that considered resolutions passed by … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News November 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News September 2017
Tax Reform The Framework The United Framework for Fixing Our Broken Tax Code was unveiled September 27 by the President and Republican members of Congress. The so-called “Big Six” who will have tremendous influence over the details of tax reform are all supportive of the Framework blueprint. The Big Six are Senate Finance Committee Chairman … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News September 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News August 2017
Legislative Outlook – A Chronology of What to Expect After six months of stalled legislative action, Congress faces some heavy lifts this fall. When both the House and Senate reconvene September 5, several must-do items cannot be ignored. First, Congress has until September 29 to raise the United States debt limit and increase the nation’s … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News August 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News June/July 2017
The Administration What some political pundits are referring to as chaos has escalated at the White House. For months, there have been hushed rumors the senior White House staff has been a feuding, conniving, undisciplined band vying for the President’s attention. The turbulence came to a head in late July when the White House Chief … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News June/July 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News May 2017
Download/Print these updates May 2017 The Summer Challenge for Congress Will Congress be able to make major legislative achievements this summer before they break for a five week recess in August through Labor Day? There are only 31 legislative days left between the Memorial Day recess and the August recess. Here are some areas … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News May 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News April 2017
Download/Print these updates April 2017 The National Grange Fly-In The National Grange Fly-In April 24-26 was a huge success. Seventeen Grangers from eleven states made the rounds for meetings in 31 congressional offices on Capitol Hill. The youngest member of the Granger Fly-In delegation, Daniel Wilkins age 10 from Texas, can be seen … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News April 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News March 2017
March 2017 A Bit of Perspective Three months into the new 115th Congress and the new Trump Administration, the political climate in Washington is uncertain to state the obvious. The failure of the Affordable Care Act /Obamacare replacement legislation to pass the House of Representatives signaled a time-out for President Trump and the Republican majority … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News March 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News February 2017
February 2017 Washington Politics – Not As Usual Washingtonians are still talking about the phenomenon commonly referred to as “Middle America”. This is the vast expanse of geography between the coastal metropolises where folks feel ignored and forgotten. Rural economies continue to decline, small town businesses falter, factories shutter, hospitals close, schools consolidate and younger … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News February 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News January 2017
January 2017 A DIFFERENT WASHINGTON The National Grange headquarters building has a panoramic view of the White House viewing stands for the upcoming Inaugural Parade. The 115th Congress has already convened on Capitol Hill. A new President and Administration will officially take over the Executive Branch of the United States Government in Washington on Inauguration … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News January 2017”
Policy Updates and Issue News September 2016
September 29, 2016 CAPITOL HILL Congress Heading Home Senators and Representatives are leaving Capitol Hill to return to their states and districts for the next six weeks. The entire House of Representatives and a third of the Senate are up for reelection this year on November 8. Grangers are urged to study the issues, attend … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News September 2016”
Policy Updates and Issue News August 2016
August 31, 2016 NOT YOUR USUAL WASHINGTON Congress returns to Washington Tuesday, September 6 after a two-month-long recess. Funding the federal government for FY ’17 (begins October 1) will be the top priority. It may become one of the few priorities before Congress adjourns again September 30 to campaign for elections November 8. This … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News August 2016”
Policy Updates and Issue News July 2016
July 21, 2016 CONGRESS TAKES A LONG BREAK Congress is out of Washington for seven weeks until after Labor Day. First ,there’s a week off for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, then a week for the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and finally a month-long August recess . Before leaving, both houses passed legislation … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News July 2016”
Policy Updates and Issue News June 2016
June 24 2016 FOOD & AGRICULTURE ISSUES Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Labeling Deal Reached A Senate agreement on national disclosure standards for foods that may contain GMO ingredients has been reached. The agreement between Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts of Kansas and ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan would allow the disclosure of GMO … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News June 2016”
Policy Updates and Issue News May 2016
TELECOMMUNICATION ISSUES Lifeline Phone Service The National Grange has long supported the Lifeline emergency telephone program funded by the federal government’s Universal Service Fund and administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC has issued a proposal to require the rapid transition from cell phone service to internet broadband. Bills are moving through Congress … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News May 2016”
Policy Updates and Issue News April 2016
Rural Issues Lifeline Telephone Reform Harmful The Lifeline Program is a federal initiative that provides discounted low volume landline or wireless phone service to low income households. The National Grange is strongly urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to rethink and revise a reform proposal that would eliminate wireless Lifeline telephone service. The FCC proposal … Continue reading “Policy Updates and Issue News April 2016”
