| DECEMBER 1, 2025 -- A lot of things have happened since the last time I wrote for the Granger.
At State Session we had 15 resolutions. Two resolutions were sent to the Legislative Committee for re-write and brought back to next year’s session. Resolution #6, regarding Tolls on Connecticut Interstate Highways, needs to address special transportation funds. They say if tolls are put up the State will have to refund the Federal Government for all highway projects since tolls were last in operation.
Resolution #9 regarding Leaking Above Ground Fuel Oil Tanks-establish a registration program for new fuel oil tanks, both commercial and residential, and Connecticut DEEP or appropriate State agency sends notices of tanks 15-20 years old.
We are looking into these resolutions and will report during the year. Just a note, Oxford Grange had a leaking oil tank, and on the first of November, Granby Grange had a leaking oil tank. So all Granges need to check their fuel tanks both above and in-ground for leaks.
Since the last article, the Federal Government was on a 43 day shut-down laying off Federal workers, closing Federal buildings and parks. TSA workers and air traffic controllers were left unpaid and SNAP benefits are due to expire and the ACA sign-ups have proceeded without funding from the Federal Government. Depending on your coverage, your premiums may double or triple. It passed on Nov. 11 with the Senate promising eight Democrats a vote for SCS funding before the end of the year. This remains to be seen.
The Big Beautiful Bill was promoted as one without pork or attachments. This turned out to be false.
Restricting Food Safety Standards- allowing questionable food items for sale and industries self-inspecting food for human consumption.
Restriction of Hemp THC minimum levels. Before it was legal up to 0.6 THC. Now legal to
0.4 THC. This will have effects on all THC products, including the new THC beverages scheduled to roll out in 2026. The lobbies for whiskey and wine producers donate to Dems and Republicans. Mitch McConnel of Kentucky received some $800,000 to tank Kentucky’s hemp growers. Farmers first!
The big deals on tariffs are proving to be empty promises. The China deal for 12 million metric tons of soybeans this year and 25 metric tons for the next three years, has come to a screeching halt. No deal. Beef from Argentina and a $40M bailout will not help any farmers in the United States, only corporations win.
Happy Holidays to all and to all a goodnight.
|
