Center for Rural Affairs' Newsletter
| The Center for Rural Affairs' newsletter surveys national events affecting Rural America. Special sections include an in-depth feature article, a section of Corporate Farming Notes, and many short, newsy pieces of general interest.
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Are You Eligible for a High Risk Insurance Pool?
Several states are now taking applications for a new high risk health insurance pool. These
insurance plans cover people who have been without health insurance for at least six months and have
been denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
Renew Rural Photo Contest Winners
This summer, we asked you to show us what renewal looks like in your community through the Renew
Rural America photo contest. It was a lofty goal, but one you reached handily. Read more about the
winners (tough choices!) in each category.
Energy Legislation Stalled in Washington
Over the last year, we organized to build support for renewable energy legislation to spur
investment in wind and other new energy generation. Investing in renewables makes sense for rural
communities, where we stand to benefit from new jobs in manufacturing, construction and maintenance
and additional tax base to support our schools and local services.
My Experience at the Energy Fair
On July 24, I attended the Nebraska Renewable Energy Fair, held in my hometown of Lyons, Nebraska.
That morning, as I drove through Lyons, I couldn’t help but notice the buzz of people throughout
town. There was a new energy about Lyons on that Saturday morning.
Big Estate Tax Reductions Undermine Family Farms
Family farms and businesses need some predictability in the estate tax, but we should be wary of
proposals that make deep cuts in the tax on big estates.
Payment Limit Legislation Introduced
On August 4, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced legislation, The
Rural America Preservation Act, to establish more stringent farm program payment limits and close
legal loopholes that render current limits meaningless.
Corporate Farming: Reforms Help Restore Competitiveness
I hate to say I told you so, but I did. In June USDA published a draft rule regarding how
meatpackers must deal with farmers and ranchers in the procurement of livestock and poultry (see the
rule at www.cfra.org/competition).
Sherrod Reader Comment
Patricia Kaminski, a Nevada City, California, farmer and microentrepreneur, wrote about the media
coverage of the Shirley Sherrod firing. Kaminski wrote she had hoped the media coverage might turn
to Sherrod’s actual work – “helping poor rural families no matter what their skin color.”
Development Matters: Bringing People Together
Drawing people to action, whether it is to improve their business, conserve scarce resources, or
advocate for fair policies, has always been a central goal and purpose of the Center for Rural
Affairs. With decades of research and study backing up our work, we have given people tools to
improve Rural America.
Rural Microbusiness Investment Credit Act
Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Wally Herger (R-CA) have introduced the “Rural Microbusiness
Investment Credit Act of 2010.” The Act would cut taxes of rural microbusinesses and beginning
farmers and ranchers by 35 bucks for every $100 dollars of eligible investment – up to $10,000
lifetime tax savings. For those who owe no taxes in the current year, the credit could be carried
back to get a refund of taxes paid in the prior five years.
Across the Nation
Montana: Bozeman Business Finds Value in Damaged Wood
Forestry experts estimate that at least 1 million acres of Montana forests have succumbed to the mountain pine beetle, leaving enormous amounts of standing dead trees. Finish carpenter Neil Wilbert finds the distinctive blue streaks caused by a fungus introduced by the pine beetle beautiful.
Forestry experts estimate that at least 1 million acres of Montana forests have succumbed to the mountain pine beetle, leaving enormous amounts of standing dead trees. Finish carpenter Neil Wilbert finds the distinctive blue streaks caused by a fungus introduced by the pine beetle beautiful.
Boomers and Seniors Desire Rural Life
I recently had a question from someone trying to get her town council to purchase a small van to
transport people about town as needed. The primary population for the van was to be the community’s
seniors, but it would be available to all.
Kansas MarketPlace Offers Exhibitor Opportunities
Connect, promote, and network! At 2010 Kansas MarketPlace, opportunities to expand and grow your
business or organization are numerous. With a little over two months until the big day, it is now
time to figure out how you can make the most out of this year’s conference!
Welcome Juan Sandoval!
This month we welcome Juan Sandoval to the Center for Rural Affairs’ staff. Juan is the new director
of the REAP Hispanic Business Center. The Hispanic Business Center has shown remarkable growth since
its inception in 2004, serving over 1,000 rural Hispanic entrepreneurs with loans, training and
technical assistance.
Development Matters: Rural Work
Summertime is full of fun and activity. Between family gatherings and abundant growth of crops and
gardens, the sights and sounds of Rural America move me.
Rural Provisions of Health Care Reform
A critical component of the new federal health care reform law is expanded health insurance coverage
– which should lead to improved health outcomes through better access to affordable and timely
medical care.
