Commissioner Simpson works with Rick Scott on passing pro-farmer legislation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson paired up with Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott to promote the senator’s Federal Disaster Responsibility Act, aimed at supporting farmers.
“@SenRickScott is putting in the time to meet with the ag community to discuss the challenges and opportunities Florida’s farmers are facing,” Simpson said. “Grateful for the work he’s doing to pass a farm bill that does right by hard working folks committed to protecting our food supply chain.”
Introduced by Scott, the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act dispenses emergency relief for natural disasters such as Hurricane Idalia, which severely impacted Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 3 storm. The bill would ensure those affected and facing hardships by natural disasters are taken care of through relief.
Funding proposed totals $16.5 billion, exceeding amounts discussed by the Biden administration, according to Scott.
“Florida’s agriculture industry is known around the world and the success of our state wouldn’t be possible without our growers and ranchers,” Scott said. “Unfortunately, things are tough for hardworking families in our state right now as prices keep rising and natural disasters cause mass losses of crops and livestock.”
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was joined by Scott in co-sponsoring the bill. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., initiated the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act to the House of Representatives.
The Block Grant Assistance Act, also fronted by Scott, is included in the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act.
Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives so far, the block grant bill provides necessary authority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to supply block grants to agriculture producers impacted by Hurricane Ian and Nicole.
Along with hurricane assistance, agriculture producers can be assisted for droughts, wildfires, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze, smoke exposure and excessive moisture occurring in 2022.
The Block Grant Assistance Act (HR 662) was sponsored by Scott and Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Fla. on Jan. 31. It was referred by the Senate to the Committee on Appropriations but has yet to be passed.
“The loss and devastation caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole has forever changed communities across our state and the lives of so many Florida families and businesses,” Scott said.
