Metzger Is a Powerful Supporter of Farms
In
a short year-and-a-half Senator Jen Metzger (D-Rosendale) has
established herself as one of New York State government’s more important
voices for agricultural interests. On May 13th she
co-chaired a virtual New York State legislative hearing that examined
the effects of federal COVID-related legislation on small businesses,
especially farms and food industries. Legislators heard testimonies
from the New York Farm Bureau, the Cornell College of Agriculture and
Life Sciences, and other groups. The hearing revealed that some aid is
getting through to farmers, but they—like other American
businesses—have experienced late payments and difficulties with loan
applications. What was clear, as Metzger noted, is that agriculture
fills a critical, particular niche in community life, and its challenges
in this pandemic require thoughtful, targeted solutions.
One
thing we Americans have, gratefully, been able to rely on is the
continuity of our food supply in stores—even as those of us facing
economic devastation survive with the assistance of food banks. Have we
ever recognized so acutely the importance of our farmers, who now are
struggling with vanishing markets and oversupply?
As
chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Metzger is
well-positioned to defend and support agriculture in our region, and she
has responded aggressively with successful advocacy and proposed
bills: restoring agriculture budget cuts, winning support for farming
tax credits, advancing legislation to ensure the physical and mental
health of farm workers.
Publishing history
Times Herald-Record 5/28/20
River Reporter 5/26/20
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