Miller-Meeks Weekly Script September 8, 2024 WEEKLY SC℞IPT Visit My Website Rep. Miller-Meeks: Iowa Farmers are the backbone of our economy As we inch closer to another Farm Bill expiration date, it is crucial that our conversations center around the challenges facing farmers across Iowa, who form the backbone of our rural economies. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing and hunting industries account for $13 billion of our state’s GDP. Even within the manufacturing sector – which is the industrial sector comprising the largest share of our GDP – Iowa has thirteen times the concentration of agricultural and construction equipment manufacturing compared to the rest of the nation, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Despite the critical role they play in our economy, farmers are currently navigating a period of great uncertainty as economic challenges that impact their daily operations continue to pile up. One of the most pressing issues the agricultural economy faces today is the sharp decline in commodity prices. The prices per bushel for key crops such as corn and soybeans have drastically fallen since 2022, and recent projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) don’t indicate changes to the downward trend this fall. As I talk to farmers across my district, I hear about the pressure that these price declines place on their balance sheets. To add insult to injury, USDA’s quarterly agriculture trade outlook forecasts a $42.5 billion agriculture trade deficit for 2025. Without competitive access to export markets for commodities, our farmers will continue to feel the financial strain brought on by high input costs and low commodity prices. By passing an updated Farm Bill, we can provide essential support for Iowa farmers who rely heavily on a robust, federal farm safety net to protect against unexpected losses. The market price supports and federal investments in trade programs included in the Farm Bill would go a long way in providing much needed relief for farmers and lenders operating on outdated authorities set in the 2018 Farm Bill. The export programs included in the Farm Bill such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program play a key role in expanding access to new, global markets and have a proven, historically good return on investment. Strengthening these programs is vital to supporting American agriculture and helping farmers manage risk effectively. These challenges are far from the only critical vulnerabilities farmers face. Just a couple of years ago, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and misguided administrative policies led to a supply chain meltdown and sky-high input costs that further chipped away at an already razor thin farm profit margin. Further, a producer’s ability to transport goods, access affordable labor, or avoid regulatory red tape are far from guaranteed. Yet, as farmers struggle to repay operating loans, a few politicians in Washington still insist on leveraging the Farm Bill as a political football. Enough is enough. While another, short-term Farm Bill extension may be necessary, we cannot continue to drag our feet on making meaningful reforms and allowing our farmers to suffer the consequences of status quo. Congress has a responsibility to protect American agriculture, and I firmly believe that the Farm Bill that passed out of the House Agriculture Committee in May does just that. Whether the source is market fluctuations or unfavorable weather conditions, Iowa farmers face uncertainty every day as they to continue to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation. It is past time to pass a new Farm Bill to give farmers the stability they need to plan for the future. Do you support the passage of the Farm Bill? Yes No Unsure Representing Iowa's 1st Great to join Allied Blending in Keokuk for the ribbon-cutting of their newly expanded manufacturing facility. Exciting to see local businesses growing and creating more opportunities for our community! Attending the Van Buren County Veterans Breakfast in Keosauqua was a wonderful experience. I had the honor of witnessing a Quilt of Valor presentation to a fellow veteran and took the opportunity to update everyone on the Congressional session and community care initiatives. Plus, I enjoyed some delicious biscuits and gravy! Had a wonderful time celebrating KWQC's 75th anniversary in Davenport with my friend Rep. Burgess Owens! Here’s to 75 more years of great coverage for the Quad Cities! Visited Rock Valley Physical Therapy in Eldridge to discuss legislation impacting physical therapists, including workforce challenges, expanding telehealth, and the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. Had a productive meeting with Steindler Orthopedic Clinic in Iowa City to discuss billing and reimbursement issues, Medicare economic adjustments, and the impact of inflation. Standing up for Women and Families For many, including some of my own family members, the struggle with infertility has been profoundly heart-wrenching. While IVF presents its own challenges, it also provides a vital chance for pregnancy and parenthood that should be accessible to all families facing these difficulties. As both a physician and a mother, I am deeply committed to supporting these treatments and the families who rely on them. I am proud to introduce legislation that will support those pursuing the dream of starting a family through IVF. To read the full bill text, click HERE. Do you support offering tax credits to women and families to help cover IVF treatments? Yes No Unsure Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks ### Rep. 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