Capitol Connection
IN THIS ISSUE
Propane Availability Issues Concern Poultry Farmers
Cotton Checkoff Bills Pass Committees
Senate Confirms Appointments Of Alabama Farmers
 January 24, 2014

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Propane Availability Issues Concern Poultry Farmers
   
The Alabama Farmers Federation is working with the Alabama Propane Gas Association (APGA) to help identify distributors who can deliver propane to poultry farmers. A second wave of arctic air in a month's time has dropped temperatures to record lows and created a logistical issue for delivering propane. Farmers are using more propane than normal to keep chickens and other livestock warm in the extreme cold.  

Farmers who need propane should contact the APGA at (334) 358-9590.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley declared a state of emergency on Thursday. The declaration enables the governor to invoke emergency preparedness measures, including Alabama's price gouging law. It also suspends rules and regulations regarding the purchase and sale of propane gas directed by the propane gas industry, and allows propane tank owners to purchase propane from any company. To help with the supply and demand of propane gas, the state of emergency lifts federal transportation motor carrier laws and allows greater flexibility in the delivery to homes, schools and businesses.

Click here for an in-depth story on the propane situation.

Click here to read the governor's proclamation.

Cotton Checkoff Bills Pass Committees    

 

A set of bills in the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate amending the state's cotton checkoff program passed out of committees Wednesday. The legislation would allow cotton farmers to vote on making checkoff participation automatic for all cotton growers.

 

The Alabama Farmers Federation State Cotton Committee supports the measure. Cotton farmers across the state benefit from the research, educational and promotional endeavors funded through the checkoff program.

 

Checkoff dollars have supported the boll weevil eradication program, cotton nematode management research, cotton planting date studies and pigweed control projects, among others.


HB 95 and HB 96, sponsored by Rep. Jim Patterson, R-Meridianville, passed the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee unanimously. SB 255 and SB 256, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, passed the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.

Senate Confirms Appointments Of Alabama Farmers 

 

The Alabama Senate confirmed the appointment of Chambers County Farmers Federation Board Member and Auburn University Veterinarian Dr. Bob Carson to the Alabama Environmental Management Commission (EMC) Thursday by a 30-0 vote.

Carson has been employed by College of Veterinary Medicine since 1978. He began serving on the EMC last year following his appointment by Gov. Robert Bentley. In addition to Carson, the Senate confirmed biologist and ecologist Dr. Terry Richardson and at-large member Mary J. Merritt to the EMC.

Meanwhile, the Senate also confirmed Lawrence County farmer Larkin Martin to the Alabama Ethics Commission Wednesday.

The Federation is supporting the confirmation of Montgomery County Farmers Federation Board Member Jane Russell to the Alabama Forestry Commission. Her appointment could be considered by the Senate as early as next week.

 The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, for the seventh day of the 30-day regular session.
The House reconvenes at 1 p.m. 

 

For questions or comments regarding newsletter content, e-mail:

Matthew Durdin - State Legislative Programs Director for the Senate

or

David Cole - State Legislative Programs Director for the House 

 

For distribution questions or media inquiries, e-mail:

Mary Johnson - Director of News Services

 
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