Press Releases
Share ThisMar 11, 2010
Richard Hanna Brings Anti-Agricultural Agenda to Waterville
As Republican Richard Hanna prepares to visit Waterville this evening one thing is crystal clear: Hanna’s agenda is wrong for Upstate New York. Hanna, who touts his association with groups that have long rallied against farm subsidies, either doesn’t understand the needs of farmers who are already struggling during these tough economic times or simply doesn’t care. Regardless, his agenda would have a devastating impact on Upstate New York.
“Make no mistake about it: Hanna’s anti-agriculture views would prove disastrous for farmers in Upstate New York who are already struggling,” said Shripal Shah, Northeast Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Richard Hanna’s involvement with these fringe groups and their radical policies prove that he’s grossly out of touch with Upstate New York and that he’s the wrong person to represent their interests in Congress”
BACKGROUND:
Hanna touts his associations with the CATO Institute and the Foundation on Economic Education on his website. [Richard Hanna for Congress, accessed 3/10/10]
CATO Supports the elimination of all agriculture subsidies. CATO has advocated for the elimination of all agricultural subsidies and tariffs and opposes federal disaster assistance, arguing for market-based insurance instead. The CATO Policy Handbook specifically calls for Congress to:
● Phase down and terminate all crop subsidies, a process that was supposed to begin with passage of the 1996 Freedom to Farm law;
● Move farmers toward use of market-based insurance and other financial instruments to protect against price and weather fluctuations;
● Eliminate trade protections on agricultural goods while working through the World Trade Organization to pursue liberalization in global markets. [CATO Policy Handbook, 6th ed, Chapter 31]
The FEE has vocally opposed farm subsidies in their principal publication, Freeman’s Magazine.
FEE President: “Just Say No to Farm Subsidies” In an article in Freeman’s Magazine, economist Lawrence W. Reed argued that farm subsidies must be ended entirely. He called the government role in agriculture “destructive.” [Freeman’s Magazine, 9/95]
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