Farm Bill - Roberts supports along with Kansas and national farm organizations

Senator Roberts voted to support the farm bill citing the many provisions valuable to Kansans.

"There are some strong, positive provisions in this final bill that will go a long way to benefit not only Kansas, but also the nation," Roberts said. "We have an agricultural tax relief package that provides targeted tax relief for farmers and ranchers and tornado recovery assistance for Greensburg. The bill encourages significant investments in conservation, decreases our reliance on foreign energy, and invests in rural communities. The bill also provides significant investments in livestock, research, energy, conservation, telecommunications and nutrition programs."

Major Kansas and national farm organizations supported the final bill including the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Livestock Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Sorghum Producers, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Agricultural Retailers Association, American Association of Crop Insurers, Kansas Cattleman’s Association, Kansas Farmers Union, National Pork Producers Council and many others.

With Kansas ranking 18^th in the country in methamphetamine use by young people, Senator Roberts called for more funds for rural law enforcement’s fight against methamphetamine. Specifically, Roberts called for increases in the Rural Policing Institute (RPI) which was part of the 9/11 Commission Bill.

The RPI will assess the challenges confronting rural law enforcement agencies; develop and provide training programs specific to their needs; and conduct outreach to ensure they are aware of new training opportunities. Senator Roberts said, "Meth use could be reduced significantly over a period of two to three years if federal funding were made available annually to execute meth prevention programs in those states where meth use and its societal impacts are a serious problem."

Over the weekend, Senator Roberts attended several veterans events in Kansas.

In Wichita, Roberts visited the Wichita/Robert J. Dole Veterans Affairs (VA) to celebrate its 75^th anniversary along with VA Secretary James Peake, Senator Sam Brownback and Congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt. In Hutchinson, Roberts was on hand to dedicate the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), which will help provide access to high quality care to rural veterans.

Finally in Great Bend, Senator Roberts spoke to the Kansas American Legion’s Annual Convention at the Highland Hotel where he was recognized as an honorary member of the Patriot Guard Riders.

In Greensburg Senator Roberts applauded those hard at work rebuilding the town and surrounding areas after a tornado destroyed it exactly one year ago. Roberts was on hand to mark the one year anniversary and to celebrate the commencement of Greensburg High School’s class of 2008.

Senator Roberts said, "Last year I called the Class of 2007, the Class of Destiny and Hope. I am glad to report that, like the town, the Class of 2008 is the Class of Promise and Fulfillment, and I was proud to see them walk across the stage."