House Resolution 76

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT MISSISSIPPI FARMERS AND OPPOSE CHANGES TO THE 2002 FARM BILL.

WHEREAS, as elected officials representing the citizens of Mississippi, there should be some concerns regarding various proposals included in President Bush's Budget Deficit Reduction Plan; and

WHEREAS, specifically concerned about the proposals to reduce Farm Bureau benefits for production agriculture, any reduction in the current support payment structure would severely impact the local economies of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, reduction of farm level price support will result in loss of revenue and loss of jobs in many businesses that rely on the agricultural community for their livelihood; and

WHEREAS, any reduction to the benefits allotted in the 2002 Farm Bill would not only affect production agriculture, its entire supporting infrastructure, and will ultimately negatively effect the local tax bases in already difficult times in the state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we stand firm in supporting the farmers of this state and commit ourselves to opposing any changes to the 2002 Farm Bill that would reduce income at the producer level.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Yazoo County Farm Bureau and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.