HB 28-19: Farmer Stabilization Act of 2021 (Debating)

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

HOUSE BILL

To support family farms in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic

BE IT ENACTED in both house of the CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA ASSEMBLED,

Farmer Stabilization Act of 2021

Section 1. Purpose

a. Family farms have been devastated during the COVID-19 pandemic and it has caused wide spread disruptions in farm markets
b. The marketplace has inevitably been disrupted and commerce has slowed
c. The purpose of this act is to support local farms in order for farms to remain solvent

Section 2. Funding

a. The federal government shall provide block grants to emergency feeding organizations
b. An emergency feeding organization shall be defined as a local or regional food enterprise such as a farmers' market, a nonprofit organization, or a food hub
c. An initial amount of $75,000,000 shall be approved
i. $50,000,000 for grants
ii. $25,000,000 to support disadvantaged farmers
d. EMERGENCY designation due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Section 3. Grant eligibility
a. Block grants must be distributed to the regions in order to provide them to local farmers
b. Small, local farms are eligible and must be socially disadvantaged and isolated from other farmers
c. Priority given to retailers in food deserts that sold less than $500,000 in food products in the last year

People's Regional Senate
Passed 5-0 in the Atlasian Senate Assembled,

Sponsor: razze
Status: Debaitng

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

I can sponsor

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Members have 24 hours to object to the sponsorship of razze.

[Poirot]

If this comes from the Senate, will it be a pass or hold vote and does it need a sponsor for that to proceed.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

If this comes from the Senate, will it be a pass or hold vote and does it need a sponsor for that to proceed.

Under the current standing orders, there will be a 48 hour debate, and then the House will vote on whether to continue debate or pass the bill as is.

However, we're in a bit of a constitutional/procedural crisis as you can see in another thread, so there might be some changes.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Important announcement for this bill and all subsequent bills going forward under the current standing orders: to simplify procedures and ensure that all bills are debated adequately, I am suspending the rules that require a 48-hour debate period and then an initial cloture vote.

Members do, of course, have the right to object as long as that rule is in place. And a vote will be opened promptly.

[Joseph Cao]

If I am allowed to do so as Deputy Speaker in a VP-run thread, razze is recognized as sponsor.

[Joseph Cao]

Assuming from the thread title that we're skipping sponsor advocacy? Pity, that.

Anyway, my thoughts are that the concern Senator Spark has shown for the more isolated and disadvantaged food enterprises is laudable and I certainly have no objections to the bill on its merits. There may be a concern regarding the precise amount allocated but I'm sure the rest of the House has thoughts on the matter and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to debate it.

[Joseph Cao]

I think some advocacy from the sponsor would be appreciated. Just IMO.

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

Alright, this bill seems pretty reasonable. Our farmers still need help and their government should be here to do that. If anyone wants to amend it be my guest. But I figure there is a reason this passed unanimously in the Senate. I'm happy to vote for this bill and hope my colleagues do as well.

[OBD]

How are we doing here?

[Joseph Cao]

No objections from me if, hypothetically, someone were to motion for a final vote.

[Dr. MB]

No objections from me if, hypothetically, someone were to motion for a final vote.

Motioning for a final vote

[Left Wing]

A vote is now open on this legislation.

[KaiserDave]

Aye

[Dr. MB]

Aye

[Harvey Updyke Jr🌹]

AYE

[Continential]

Aye

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

Aye

[Joseph Cao]

Aye.

[Left Wing]

This has the votes to pass, 24 hours to change your votes.

[Sirius_]

aye

[Left Wing]

By a vote of 7-0-0-2, this passes the house.

[Left Wing]

HOUSE BILL

To support family farms in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic

BE IT ENACTED in both house of the CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA ASSEMBLED,

Farmer Stabilization Act of 2021

Section 1. Purpose

a. Family farms have been devastated during the COVID-19 pandemic and it has caused wide spread disruptions in farm markets
b. The marketplace has inevitably been disrupted and commerce has slowed
c. The purpose of this act is to support local farms in order for farms to remain solvent

Section 2. Funding

a. The federal government shall provide block grants to emergency feeding organizations
b. An emergency feeding organization shall be defined as a local or regional food enterprise such as a farmers' market, a nonprofit organization, or a food hub
c. An initial amount of $75,000,000 shall be approved
i. $50,000,000 for grants
ii. $25,000,000 to support disadvantaged farmers
d. EMERGENCY designation due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Section 3. Grant eligibility
a. Block grants must be distributed to the regions in order to provide them to local farmers
b. Small, local farms are eligible and must be socially disadvantaged and isolated from other farmers
c. Priority given to retailers in food deserts that sold less than $500,000 in food products in the last year

People's Regional Senate
Passed 5-0 in the Atlasian Senate Assembled,

People’s House of Representatives
Passed 7-0-0-2 in the House of Representatives

[lfromnj]

Aye