During its annual meeting, the also group thanked Peter Smith from Cambria who was term limited off the board and went on to elect the new and continuing members.
During the business meeting, Resolutions Committee Chair Kevin Bittner presented various local, state and federal issues. Those present had the opportunity to question and discuss each issue. A vote was then taken. The state and federal issues are then sent on to the State Farm Bureau for
consideration at their annual convention in December.
The local issues included continuing support and funding for both the Niagara County Soil and Water District and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County; support of expansion of high speed internet; cooperation between power companies, municipalities and farmers to expand three phase power and expansion of natural gas supply lines.
On the state level, the range of issues included working conditions for employees, animal care and deposits on plastic bags. The federal issue that generated the most discussion was a resolution concerning the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program for schools. The group wanted domestic processed foods included so that should school want to use prepared fruits and vegetables,
they would have that option.
Summarizing the past year, Bittner pointed out the many ways members can be involved in Niagara County Farm Bureau, including the annual roasted corn booth at the Niagara County Fair, Policy Execution (PX) Days, and lobbying in Albany. Bittner also disussed the Right to Farm laws and other challenges local farmers have faced.
Following dinner, Greg Biryla from Unshackle Upstate spoke. He explained that Unshackle Upstate is an Employer and Taxpayer Organization. Those present received their 2016 Budget Review pamphlet which explained the issues and the partner organization. Unshackle Upstate also teams with other organizations, such as Farm Bureau, to educate legislators and lobby when necessary. In talking about the 2016 legislative session, Biryla recounted some of the success. Transportation funding for the first time in many years was almost evenly split between MTA (downstate) and DOT/Thruway (upstate). For many years, more funding went to the New York City area. He is hopeful that reversal will continue to hold. He then talked about the tax cut package and its ramifications, ending this portion of the presentation with an explanation of the minimum wage legislation and its timeline. Biryla went on to explain the Paid Family Leave act and some of the challenges it creates, including its potential for becoming an unfunded mandate so that the employers will be burdened with another tax. Some of the details have not been finalized, but Biryla referred to three states that have these programs, California, New Jersey and Rhode Island, and described some of the features of their PFL.
Upstate economic drivers include agriculture, small business, retail, tourism, hospitality and light manufacturing. Returning to the challenges of raising the minimum wage, Biryla talked about the competition it creates with similar businesses in other states. Many organizations including Farm Bureau, business groups and Unshackle Upstate, have been doing what he called parallel track advocacy. We are on the same side of an issue, so each group lobbies individually and also as a group. He stressed the importance of meeting with legislators. That is the only way they know how constituents feel about issues. He then listed the Senate and Assembly candidates Unshackle Upstate is endorsing, including Sen. Rob Ortt , Assemblymen Steve Hawley and Robin
Schimminger. Retiring Assemblywoman Jane Corwin also received kudos from the organization.
For more information about Farm Bureau or becoming a member, contact Bittner at 716-778-7330.
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