U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) recently led the introduction of a GOP-sponsored bill that would authorize $30 million in additional federal funds to the Farm Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), which provides mental health assistance to America’s farmers and agriculture workers.
“During this pandemic, there has been significant attention on farmer’s balance sheets and financial well-being, and rightly so,” Rep. Emmer said. “But as farmers euthanize animals, dump milk, and see across-the-board commodity price declines, we also need to recognize the growing toll these factors take on farmers’ emotional well-being.”
Rep. Emmer on May 28 sponsored the unnamed H.R. 7047 with two original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), to provide expedited disbursement of funds toward developing mental and emotional health resources for farmers and agricultural workers, according to Rep. Davis’ office.
The measure, which is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Council on Farmer Cooperatives, and the National Milk Producers Federation, has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and the U.S. House Budget Committee.
Rep. Emmer also sent a May 28 letter to U.S. House of Representatives leaders requesting they provide full funding of $10 million for FRSAN in fiscal year 2021 appropriations legislation that’s currently being negotiated.
“This funding will be critically important in meeting the needs of farmers and ranchers as they endure increasing financial and mental stress,” he wrote. “I again urge you to recognize the challenges of our agriculture community and continue to fully fund this important effort.”
Additionally, Rep. Emmer sent a May 28 letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting expedited disbursement of the FY 2020 funds Congress appropriated for FRSAN, which is currently receiving applications for the grants for this year, but will not begin to consider awards until later in the summer, according to the letter.
“With the increased strain on both the financial and emotional health of our agriculture community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to mobilize the resources Congress has granted USDA to respond to the stresses in these communities,” Rep. Emmer wrote. “I urge you to expedite the awarding of funds to help address the growing emotional strain in farm country.”