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Monday, August 20, 2007
Well, first it could inconvenience many producers by forcing them to drive many extra miles to get to their new FSA office. With today’s high gasoline prices that becomes an expensive inconvenience. It just doesn’t seem fair that they have to spend more to help the federal government spend less. Second, small communities will be hurt by the loss of this important economic anchor as producers visit the FSA office several times a year and have an opportunity to do other business along with the trip.
When you look at the big picture, closing ten FSA offices in Nebraska won’t even save the government all that much money - perhaps $500,000 per year. When it comes to spending money I’m as tight as three coats of paint. As Governor and Senator I have worked hard to cut spending, cut taxes, and balance budgets. But to be fair when money is tight, decisions have to be made to assure continued customer service without placing a greater burden on those served.
Every effort needs to be made to assist producers as close to their home location as possible. Nebraska is a large agricultural producing state and USDA should allocate resources accordingly.
Instead, agriculture producers and small communities in Nebraska are being told that they will shoulder a bigger burden than other segments of the population. What is being offered here is the illusion of budgetary savings and at a tremendous cost to farmers and ranchers and small communities alike.
To say I am disappointed about the closings is an understatement, I will continue to demand that USDA work through this matter and to use its resources to best serve all farmers and ranchers as close to their operations as possible.
As I have said before, when it comes to rural living, sometimes Washington just doesn’t get it. I always thought the USDA would “get it”, especially when its headed by a Nebraskan but, sadly, that is not the case as the USDA follows what has become an all too familiar pattern with this Administration.
CLOSING FARM SERVICE AGENCY OFFICES HURTS FARMERS AND RANCHERS
When Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced he is going to close ten Farm Service Agency offices in Nebraska I got to thinking how this will affect Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.Well, first it could inconvenience many producers by forcing them to drive many extra miles to get to their new FSA office. With today’s high gasoline prices that becomes an expensive inconvenience. It just doesn’t seem fair that they have to spend more to help the federal government spend less. Second, small communities will be hurt by the loss of this important economic anchor as producers visit the FSA office several times a year and have an opportunity to do other business along with the trip.
When you look at the big picture, closing ten FSA offices in Nebraska won’t even save the government all that much money - perhaps $500,000 per year. When it comes to spending money I’m as tight as three coats of paint. As Governor and Senator I have worked hard to cut spending, cut taxes, and balance budgets. But to be fair when money is tight, decisions have to be made to assure continued customer service without placing a greater burden on those served.
Every effort needs to be made to assist producers as close to their home location as possible. Nebraska is a large agricultural producing state and USDA should allocate resources accordingly.
Instead, agriculture producers and small communities in Nebraska are being told that they will shoulder a bigger burden than other segments of the population. What is being offered here is the illusion of budgetary savings and at a tremendous cost to farmers and ranchers and small communities alike.
To say I am disappointed about the closings is an understatement, I will continue to demand that USDA work through this matter and to use its resources to best serve all farmers and ranchers as close to their operations as possible.
As I have said before, when it comes to rural living, sometimes Washington just doesn’t get it. I always thought the USDA would “get it”, especially when its headed by a Nebraskan but, sadly, that is not the case as the USDA follows what has become an all too familiar pattern with this Administration.
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