US Representative Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) is optimistic about the chances the Farm Bill could pass the US House soon. He’s on the conference committee which has finished the latest version.
A big feature is the emphasis of crop insurance over direct payment.
“Crop insurance is a cost-shift program,” Davis says. “Farmers have skin in the game. Farmers are taking a hit in getting rid of direct payments, which makes up most of the $23 billion in savings.”
The food stamp program, now called SNAP, includes a welfare-to-work component, which Davis says is important and which the Obama administration has failed to enforce in other iterations. It’s a pilot program for ten states, though Davis says it’s unlikely Illinois will be one of the ten.
“That actually would include having to come up with a work requirement,” says Davis, “and I don’t think (Gov.) Pat Quinn has got the cojones to want to make the application.”
Davis says he is optimistic the bill will pass the House.