MADISON, Wis. (January 18, 2008) – The Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives (WFC) hosted the annual Wisconsin Farm Credit Services (FCS) Legislative Conference January 14-15 in Madison.
Retiring Wisconsin FCS Legislative Committee Chair Mike Hinz of Pickett presented DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen with a Farm Credit Wisconsin plaque for his countless years of dedicated service to Wisconsin agriculture and rural communities. After accepting the award, Nilsestuen addressed Governor Jim Doyle’s “Next Generation Agriculture Plan” and thanked the farm credit associations for their support on several initiatives of the recent past.
In conjunction with the conference, thirty FCS association board directors, FCS leadership, and FCS staff visited dozens of legislative offices lobbying for dairy cooperative facility investment tax credits, favorable tax treatment of Health Savings Accounts, establishment of an Agricultural Education Council in DATCP, and legislation that would prohibit state politicians from raising campaign funds during the time the state budget is being considered.
“The cooperatively-owned Wisconsin Farm Credit System is a leader in promoting Wisconsin agriculture to the Legislature and governor,” said Bill Oemichen, WFC president and CEO. “The farmer-directors understand the vital importance of bringing their views directly to their elected representatives in Madison.”
A panel of legislators discussed the remaining priorities of the current legislative session. The panel included Senate Republican leader Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), Rep. Al Ott (R-Forest Junction) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison). Bill Oemichen and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Matt Krumenauer presented an overview of many of the recommendations made recently to Governor Jim Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force. Oemichen serves as co-chair of the Task Force Work Group on Forestry & Agriculture and Krumenauer assists in staffing the Task Force Work Group
Dave Rakowski of Pound was elected chair of the Wisconsin FCS Legislative Committee. |
