I am in Oklahoma City this week with agriculture commissioners and secretaries from 16 other states and U.S. territories for the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA) annual conference. SASDA meets prior to our national and international meetings, which follow later this year, to allow us to take a more focused look at the issues that affect our southern region.
We are sharing concepts and ideas on how to assist our farmers and ranchers in generating additional income through agritourism; how to create a strategy to ensure the voice of agriculture is not ignored in the negotiations over environmental issues; and how to receive updates directly from the new administration regarding key items.
One such item is the disaster payment program schedule. These payment programs, administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide assistance for natural disaster losses resulting from drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornadoes, pest infestation and other calamities. FSA passed on great news that the new Livestock Indemnity Program will be announced any week now, allowing Texas livestock producers to be compensated for losses they have experienced since the 2008 Farm Bill was passed a little over a year ago. I advocated for this program and look forward to the results soon.
We also are on working with the Market Access Program (MAP) to maximize export opportunities. This program uses funds from USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation to help U.S. producers, exporters, private companies and other trade organizations finance promotional activities for U.S. agricultural products. The MAP encourages the development, maintenance and expansion of commercial export markets for agricultural commodities. The southern states are working together to ensure trading relationships are strengthened.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Special session should include eminent domain reform
Governor Perry has confirmed a need for a special session of the Texas Legislature to address unfinished business. There are five agencies that were not reauthorized and will expire if the legislature does not take action, including the Texas Department of Insurance and the Texas Department of Transportation.
While you could probably count on one hand the people who really want to see the legislature back in session, even among our representatives and senators, this is welcomed news for millions of Texans who are gravely concerned about the rights of property owners.
With a special session, the governor chooses what is on the “call” or agenda for the designated 30-day period. With the dangerous erosion of private property owners’ rights over the years, reforming our eminent domain laws must be added to the vital to-do list.
There was progress during the legislative session with the passage of HJR 14, a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot this November. It will provide much-needed protection to ensure when government exercises condemnation power, it’s for a clear public purpose. This is a necessary bill, which was signed by the governor today, and I commend Governor Perry for his efforts in bringing the needs of private property owners' rights to the forefront. HJR 14 is critical, but greater steps are necessary to protect landowners.
The good news is most of the hard work to correct these deficiencies has already been done. Senate Bill 18, authored by Senator Craig Estes, had already passed the full Senate and a House committee, and was set for a vote on the Major State Calendar in the House when the clock ran out. This proposal had strong bi-partisan support in both chambers and was strongly backed by many trade organizations throughout the state.
Action by our state officials to pass this bill and protect our state’s property owners is essential. I have officially written Governor Perry a letter to ask him to add eminent domain reform to the call.
While you could probably count on one hand the people who really want to see the legislature back in session, even among our representatives and senators, this is welcomed news for millions of Texans who are gravely concerned about the rights of property owners.
With a special session, the governor chooses what is on the “call” or agenda for the designated 30-day period. With the dangerous erosion of private property owners’ rights over the years, reforming our eminent domain laws must be added to the vital to-do list.
There was progress during the legislative session with the passage of HJR 14, a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot this November. It will provide much-needed protection to ensure when government exercises condemnation power, it’s for a clear public purpose. This is a necessary bill, which was signed by the governor today, and I commend Governor Perry for his efforts in bringing the needs of private property owners' rights to the forefront. HJR 14 is critical, but greater steps are necessary to protect landowners.
The good news is most of the hard work to correct these deficiencies has already been done. Senate Bill 18, authored by Senator Craig Estes, had already passed the full Senate and a House committee, and was set for a vote on the Major State Calendar in the House when the clock ran out. This proposal had strong bi-partisan support in both chambers and was strongly backed by many trade organizations throughout the state.
Action by our state officials to pass this bill and protect our state’s property owners is essential. I have officially written Governor Perry a letter to ask him to add eminent domain reform to the call.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
International partnerships are key to economic success
I recently hosted a delegation of Brazilian ranchers and elected officials who were in Texas as guests of the TCU Institute of Ranch Management. Although our countries have had strong differences in recent years over agricultural programs, such as those that have made Texas a global powerhouse in cotton production, we also have a lot of room for partnership. Major exports from Texas to Brazil, which has a population of more than 195 million, include wheat, prepared foods, pecans, animal by-products and feeds. Texas genetics are also highly sought by many cattle producing countries, such as Brazil, making them important markets for our ranching industries.
These agricultural representatives are dealing with issues similar to those facing our ranchers in Texas – issues involving the environment, trade and certain government programs. They also understand that although we are competitors in one sense, we also are partners. We discussed the ever-expanding European Union and other agricultural producing countries that are growing in market share like China and India. We also discussed the need to have international trading standards based on sound science, rather than political science, and how we must work for sustainable, long-term policies that will benefit agriculture and our mutual consumers.
I look forward to continuing to develop these international relationships. As we look to the future, maintaining a sound and productive dialogue with other countries in Central and South America will be essential to our success.
These agricultural representatives are dealing with issues similar to those facing our ranchers in Texas – issues involving the environment, trade and certain government programs. They also understand that although we are competitors in one sense, we also are partners. We discussed the ever-expanding European Union and other agricultural producing countries that are growing in market share like China and India. We also discussed the need to have international trading standards based on sound science, rather than political science, and how we must work for sustainable, long-term policies that will benefit agriculture and our mutual consumers.
I look forward to continuing to develop these international relationships. As we look to the future, maintaining a sound and productive dialogue with other countries in Central and South America will be essential to our success.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
USA Today Article Highlights TDA's Effort to Increase Broadband Access in Rural Texas
A recent article in USA Today focused on broadband access to rural Texas. According to the information provided, “Currently, about 57% of urban households and 60% of suburban households subscribe to broadband. In rural areas, only 38% do, according to a report by the Communications Workers of America.”
You can see why we at the Texas Department of Agriculture have begun teaming with stakeholders and service providers to maximize federal stimulus funds for Texas. We recently partnered with the Public Utility Commission and are currently seeking proposals from telecommunications companies to map the state of Texas for broadband availability, which will help provide service to those areas lacking high-speed Internet connectivity.
Farm-to-Market is more than the name of a road. It is the lifeline that enables our state’s farmers and ranchers to provide us with the food, feed, fuel and fiber that is the cornerstone of our economy. They need access to the latest technology to move their quality goods to willing buyers and to compete in the global market.
It is essential our families, rural schools, hospitals and small businesses have fast access to the information superhighway if we are going to maintain a competitive advantage in Texas.
You can see why we at the Texas Department of Agriculture have begun teaming with stakeholders and service providers to maximize federal stimulus funds for Texas. We recently partnered with the Public Utility Commission and are currently seeking proposals from telecommunications companies to map the state of Texas for broadband availability, which will help provide service to those areas lacking high-speed Internet connectivity.
Farm-to-Market is more than the name of a road. It is the lifeline that enables our state’s farmers and ranchers to provide us with the food, feed, fuel and fiber that is the cornerstone of our economy. They need access to the latest technology to move their quality goods to willing buyers and to compete in the global market.
It is essential our families, rural schools, hospitals and small businesses have fast access to the information superhighway if we are going to maintain a competitive advantage in Texas.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Coverage of Mayors' Challenge to Increase Awareness of Summer Nutrition Programs
Check out news coverage from Tuesday's Mayors' Challenge announcement:
News 8 Austin, June 9, 2009
Fox 7 News
KVUE News
Click here to read the press release by TDA on the Mayors' Challenge. You can also watch video of the event here.
News 8 Austin, June 9, 2009
Fox 7 News
KVUE News
Click here to read the press release by TDA on the Mayors' Challenge. You can also watch video of the event here.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Challenge for Texas Mayors to Feed More Hungry Children This Summer
As an editorial in today’s Austin American-Statesman points out, Texas needs to make some big changes. For a state known for its “super-sized wealth,” there are too many children who do not know where their next meal is coming from.
We need powerful partnerships to turn the tables and put healthy food on children’s plates. Free meals are served to children under 18 through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Nutrition Programs. To find the nearest summer feeding site, visit squaremeals.org.
The mayors of Texas are in a position to improve the lives of children in their cities by generating awareness and working with organizations to help feed hungry children. I hope today spurs a change.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
34th Annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony
Thursday was a great day in Texas agriculture. I was honored to host the 34th Annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony. The Texas Department of Agriculture inducted 78 Texas farms and ranches in 60 counties across the Lone Star State into the Family Land Heritage Program. This annual event is one of my favorite and most coveted of the year. It is truly a blessing to interact with these families who have held their farms and ranches together for 100, 150 and even 200 years.
Land ownership is synonymous with independence and freedom, things we hold dear in Texas. Our ancestors dreamed of owning land and building a life better than the one they’d left behind. They survived frontier life and hardships with courage and ingenuity. The families we honor in the program are the living proof their ancestors succeeded.
True to its past, agriculture is largely a family endeavor. At the Texas Department of Agriculture, we want to make sure the promise and potential of this great industry are passed on to our sons and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Texas farmers and ranchers have a history of conducting their business with integrity and honesty, and have consistently demonstrated a willingness to fight to improve the lives of all Texans.
The families we honored this year are the patriots of Texas. And I thank them for the work they all do to make our state great.
Land ownership is synonymous with independence and freedom, things we hold dear in Texas. Our ancestors dreamed of owning land and building a life better than the one they’d left behind. They survived frontier life and hardships with courage and ingenuity. The families we honor in the program are the living proof their ancestors succeeded.
True to its past, agriculture is largely a family endeavor. At the Texas Department of Agriculture, we want to make sure the promise and potential of this great industry are passed on to our sons and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Texas farmers and ranchers have a history of conducting their business with integrity and honesty, and have consistently demonstrated a willingness to fight to improve the lives of all Texans.
The families we honored this year are the patriots of Texas. And I thank them for the work they all do to make our state great.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Eminent Domain Reform Demands A Special Session
I recently wrote the commentary below on the need for meaningful eminent domain reform. If you agree with the commentary, please forward the following link to others who share our commitment to duty. www.commissionertoddstaples.blogspot.com.
Eminent Domain Reform Demands A Special Session
Of all the important issues facing our great state, eminent domain reform demands immediate legislative action.
The passage of HJR 14, a constitutional amendment that will be sent to the voters this November, provides much needed protection to ensure that in the unfortunate instance that government must exercise condemnation powers, that it is for a clear public use and purpose.
Painfully absent from our laws in Texas – the land of Houston, Bowie and Crockett – are fundamental protections to the owners of private property. A series of loopholes in the law and court decisions have eroded our basic structure of what distinguishes us from other countries. It was no accident our founding fathers placed the defense of property right in line with life and liberty, where it belongs.
Now, we the people must continue this legacy for the next generation of Texans.
The recently concluded legislative session yielded a vehicle to right some terrible wrongs that cast a shadow over an otherwise shining Lone Star. Delay tactics by a few house members prevented final passage of SB 18, a bill unanimously passed by the senate. The bill would have established stricter penalties for not negotiating in good faith; demanded adequate compensation for loss of access; and clarified eminent domain must only be exercised for public use.
Fortunately, the writers of our Texas Constitution allowed for the Governor to call a special session of the legislature to address unfinished and urgent business of the people of Texas. We know there are several matters that were casualties of the regular session that need to be tackled – eminent domain reform is without a question or doubt one of these essential topics.
Surely the descendants of those who defended the Alamo and the heirs of those who tamed a vast and wild land will not rest until Texas once again rightly provides for the protection of life, liberty and property. Doing so is more than a reason to call for special session; it is a call to duty.
The passage of HJR 14, a constitutional amendment that will be sent to the voters this November, provides much needed protection to ensure that in the unfortunate instance that government must exercise condemnation powers, that it is for a clear public use and purpose.
Painfully absent from our laws in Texas – the land of Houston, Bowie and Crockett – are fundamental protections to the owners of private property. A series of loopholes in the law and court decisions have eroded our basic structure of what distinguishes us from other countries. It was no accident our founding fathers placed the defense of property right in line with life and liberty, where it belongs.
Now, we the people must continue this legacy for the next generation of Texans.
The recently concluded legislative session yielded a vehicle to right some terrible wrongs that cast a shadow over an otherwise shining Lone Star. Delay tactics by a few house members prevented final passage of SB 18, a bill unanimously passed by the senate. The bill would have established stricter penalties for not negotiating in good faith; demanded adequate compensation for loss of access; and clarified eminent domain must only be exercised for public use.
Fortunately, the writers of our Texas Constitution allowed for the Governor to call a special session of the legislature to address unfinished and urgent business of the people of Texas. We know there are several matters that were casualties of the regular session that need to be tackled – eminent domain reform is without a question or doubt one of these essential topics.
Surely the descendants of those who defended the Alamo and the heirs of those who tamed a vast and wild land will not rest until Texas once again rightly provides for the protection of life, liberty and property. Doing so is more than a reason to call for special session; it is a call to duty.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Better Than Fiction
Lots-o-drama unfolded last night as the Texas Legislature adjourned Sine Die. Key bills to continue the operations of several agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurance failed to pass. Further, Senate Finance Chair Steve Ogden says TxDOT’s budget is “wrecked” as a result of the House not passing enabling legislation to allow the agency to issue $2 billion in bonds for critically needed road construction.
What does all this mean to Texans? Well, the jury is still out for some of these matters, but legislative leaders say there are mechanisms to handle most of these issues, and government will continue to function. Others say a special session will be needed to pull it all together.
Will Governor Perry call a special session? Only the governor can call a special and he probably can’t make that decision until the veto period is over, the fog clears, the guns cool down and a full picture of the legislative landscape comes into focus.
One thing is certain: Eminent domain reform is especially needed and a special session is the way to get it done.
What does all this mean to Texans? Well, the jury is still out for some of these matters, but legislative leaders say there are mechanisms to handle most of these issues, and government will continue to function. Others say a special session will be needed to pull it all together.
Will Governor Perry call a special session? Only the governor can call a special and he probably can’t make that decision until the veto period is over, the fog clears, the guns cool down and a full picture of the legislative landscape comes into focus.
One thing is certain: Eminent domain reform is especially needed and a special session is the way to get it done.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sine Die - the end of the regular legislative session
Today marks the 140th day of the 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature; our legislators will be adjourning Sine Die. No doubt, there have been many long days and short nights hammering out the final details of surviving legislation, particularly over this past weekend.
It is extremely regrettable SB 18, the session's landmark eminent domain reform bill, died as a result of chubbing at the end of session. This badly needed legislation would have significantly bolstered the rights of private property owners to require bona fide offers in negotiations and adequate compensation for loss of access.
Fortunately, HJR 14 was passed by both chambers and will be headed to the voters this November. This amendment will ensure in our state's constitution that a person's property cannot be taken for anything but a true public use, and would forbid the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes.
You probably remember the famous Kelo decision by the United States Supreme Court that said it was okay to take private property from an individual and give it to another in the name of economic development. Hopefully, the voters of Texas will say "YES" to HJR 14, and a big "NO" to the government stomping on the fundamentals that built our great state.
Stay tuned. I will try to highlight some key legislation that will soon be signed into law.
It is extremely regrettable SB 18, the session's landmark eminent domain reform bill, died as a result of chubbing at the end of session. This badly needed legislation would have significantly bolstered the rights of private property owners to require bona fide offers in negotiations and adequate compensation for loss of access.
Fortunately, HJR 14 was passed by both chambers and will be headed to the voters this November. This amendment will ensure in our state's constitution that a person's property cannot be taken for anything but a true public use, and would forbid the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes.
You probably remember the famous Kelo decision by the United States Supreme Court that said it was okay to take private property from an individual and give it to another in the name of economic development. Hopefully, the voters of Texas will say "YES" to HJR 14, and a big "NO" to the government stomping on the fundamentals that built our great state.
Stay tuned. I will try to highlight some key legislation that will soon be signed into law.
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