The picturesque farms you see while driving along the roads of Western Wisconsin are more than just for visible appeal.  These farms represent one of Wisconsin’s number one industries – agriculture.  As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, one of my first priorities this year is to fully capitalize on the strength of our agriculture industry.  Based on recent meetings with members of the agriculture community, I see the potential to make significant strides.

Strengthening the ability of community banks to lend to Wisconsin’s agriculture community is a topic to be addressed at a public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Rural Issues.  Individuals who are concerned about the over-reaching effects of federal regulations on small community banks are welcome to attend and listen to invited speakers from the financial industry.

The hearing will be held in La Crosse on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Lunda Center on the campus of Western Technical College.

As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Financial Institutions and Rural Issues Committee, I am concerned about the growing problem of community banks being able to lend to local farmers and agriculture businesses.

Kapanke to Return as Chair of Senate Agriculture Committee
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 12/08/2010

A La Crosse lawmaker has been re-seated as the chair the Wisconsin Senate Agriculture Committee during the next legislative session. Sen. Dan Kapanke, who previously led the panel in 2004-2006, will replace Democrat Kathleen Vinehout as its leader. He was one of 14 committee chairs appointed this week by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.

Read the whole story here.

Not even 24-hours after his flowery rhetoric during the agriculture TeleTownhall on December 2nd, Ron Kind cast his vote to impose more taxes on farmers who wish to pass their estates to their children after their death.  Ron Kind voted yes to pass H.R. 4154 which will extend the death tax permanently and force the surviving members of farm families to decide whether they can afford the 45% tax or be forced to sell their lands.  Let's face the facts.

A memorable tradition continued this past Wednesday as delegates from the Coulee Region visited Madison for Oktoberfest in the Capitol.  This has always been a valuable time to meet with constituents and to listen to their thoughts and views on issues affecting the Greater La Crosse Area as well as to provide a legislative update on issues facing our state.

FSA Dairy Loan Briefings