|
LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 7373 West Saginaw Highway |
Address2 | P.O. Box 30960 |
| City | Lansing |
State | MI |
Zip Code | 48909 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
| City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
|
5. Senate ID# 40017133-48
|
||||||||
|
6. House ID# 398870000
|
||||||||
| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2018 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
|
11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
|
Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
|||||||||
| Signature | Digitally Signed By: John Kran |
Date | 4/20/2018 9:11:53 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) advocated for legislation that addresses agriculture's long and short-term labor needs. Immigration reform would include an adjustment of status for those currently undocumented that are working in agriculture, allowing them to work in agriculture, and secondly creases a usable guest worker program run by the USDA that allows for at-will or contract workers for agriculture. MFB opposes E-Verify legislation unless it moves in tandem with legislation addressing agriculture's labor needs. MFB also advocated for changes in the H-2A guest worker visa program that would make the system more efficient and streamlined and guaranteed workers arrived on time to perform job duties like planting or harvesting crops. MFB has advocated for inclusion of the Agricultural Guestworker (AG) Act, H.R. 4092, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, in any broader immigration reform vehicles that move through the House, including the Securing Americas Future (SAF) Act, H.R. 4760. The bill would create a new H-2C guest worker visa for agriculture.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau supports the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Our position is that overall, NAFTA has been very good for Michigan agriculture and we should work to protect the positive gains made in this agreement. If there is an opportunity to modernize or improve some areas for agriculture, we also support that - including Sanitary/Phytosanitary requirements, biotechnology, and additional protections for fruit and vegetable growers. MFB also has advocated the importance of the trading relationship with China to the Administration and Congress and the $20 billion impact to the ag sector in 2017.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Omnibus) was supported by MFB and contained a provision that amended a provision from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 pertaining to farmer cooperatives. Specifically, the bill amended the cooperative tax deduction, Section 199A, restoring balance to commodity markets and reestablishes fairness between cooperative and non-cooperative agriculture producers.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HOU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau is working with members of the House and Senate on seeking a legislative change that would allow H-2A via guest workers to have the option of staying in on farm housing financed under Section 514 federal housing program administered by USDA. Currently these ag works are not eligible. MFB believes farmers have exhausted options to employ domestic workers that would utilize the housing and would like to use the empty houses to be made available to H-2A workers. H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Omnibus) was supported by MFB and contained a provision that will now allow H-2A workers eligibility to live in Section 514 Housing.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau communicated to both the U.S. House and Senate on the need to complete a 2018 Farm Bill before the current bill expires in October 2018. We support the following principles as a guide in writing the next Farm Bill: 1.) Protecting current Farm Bill program spending; 2.) Maintaining a unified farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together; 3.) Risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs as top funding priorities; 4.) Continuation of Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) with changes to ARC-County to make it more effective and fairer to all farmers; 5.) Developing farm savings accounts as a risk management option for all producers; 6.) Changes to the Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) to provide producers more flexibility and better coverage; 7.) Maintaining funding for federal conservation programs which maintain environmental benefits; 8.) Maintain adequate funding for the specialty crop industry with emphasis on fundamental research, marketing and promotions, and pest management programs.
Michigan Farm Bureau has been working with USDA and House and Senate members on addressing an ongoing concern with farmers enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in Lenawee County, Michigan. Audit/reviews were done by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of existing contracts and there have been considerable delays in payments for 2016 and 2017 to farmers. Farm Bureau is advocating for payments to contract holders, improved communication by USDA, and an end to the uncertainty. MFB also supports H.R. 3518, the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act. The bill would require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Great Lakes basin initiative for agricultural nonpoint source pollution prevention. The bill would provide incentives for voluntary conservation initiatives on farms.
MFB also supported S. 1966, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program Improvement Act. The bill would help streamline the program, reduce unnecessary red tape and ensure the maximum amount of resources go to on the ground conservation practices on farms. We support broader partnerships to help farmers implement conservation in accordance with NRCS practice standards as well as new approaches guided by sound science. RCPP has done a lot of great work in Michigan to support both soil and water quality and a strong agricultural industry.
MFB also worked closely with members of the House and Senate and USDA on improving delivery of conservation services in Michigan after a USDA audit of the Conservation Reserve Program. MFB continues to advocate for increased customer service, the inclusion of ditches and drains as an allowed filter strip practice - something allowed in Michigan for decades but recently called into question.
MFB supported passage of H.R. 1892, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and supported inclusion of the following items:
Provides nearly $90 billion in disaster aid spending, which is critically needed for the farmers and ranchers impacted by the natural disasters last year.
Provides assistance to livestock producers, including dairy farmers, including:
The Margin Protection Program for dairy producers would be modified to include lower premium rates, monthly margin calculations, and would increase Tier 1 coverage to 5 million pounds of production history. Sign-up for the 2018 MPP coverage would be reopened for 90 days following the signing of the bill.
The $20 million cap on livestock related expenditures under the Federal Crop Insurance program would be removed - providing more risk management options for cattle, swine, lamb and dairy farmers.
Other Provisions:
Provides $6 billion to fight opioid addiction.
Extends important energy tax provisions, which were not included in the tax reform bill.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code CAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with the U.S. House on support of H. R. 26 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, H.R. 5 the Regulatory Accountability Act, and H.R. 1004, the Regulatory Integrity Act. MFB has also communicated with the U.S. Senate on the need to take up these bills and concepts in 2017. Specifically, we are supportive of S. 951, the Regulatory Accountability Act, introduced by Sens. Rob Portman and Heidi Heitkamp. Farm Bureau members support these efforts because of EPAs recent rulemaking actions, such as the Waters of the US Rule, Clean Air Rule, Worker Protection Standards and others have highlighted the problems not just with the Agency, but with the regulatory process itself. Everything from how scientific review is incorporated, to the requirements for cost-benefit analysis, to the deference given to agencies in federal courts and beyond, need to be examined to ensure that the regulatory process is fair, transparent, and aligns with Congressional intent based on the laws they pass.
Michigan Farm Bureau has continued to advocate for the repeal of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule or Clean Water Rule and commented on this when recently proposed by EPA and Army Corps of Engineers of the intention to withdraw and replace the rule. MFB policy strongly supports repealing the rule.
Farm Bureau also supported an amendment to FY 2018 Interior-EPA Appropriations in the House (H.R. 3354) offered by Reps. Billy Long (R-MO) and Jim Costa (D-CA), would reaffirm congressional intent that two laws enacted to manage the after-effects of industrial toxic waste spills were not intended to govern routine, low-level emissions from livestock on farms. Specifically, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) was enacted to provide for cleanup of major industrial toxic waste dumps and spills, like oil spills and chemical tank explosions. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was enacted to ensure that parties who emit hazardous chemicals submit reports to their local emergency responders to allow for more effective planning for chemical emergencies. Farm Bureau does not believe farms need to report air emissions under interpretation of this law and have communicated this to Congress and the Administration. H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Omnibus) was supported by MFB and contained a provision that will now eliminate any air emissions reporting requirements (CERCELA) for livestock farms.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Key provisions included in H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 Omnibus that Michigan Farm Bureau supported:
Cooperative Tax Deduction:
Amends the cooperative tax deduction, Section 199A. This provision restores balance to commodity markets and reestablishes fairness between cooperative and non-cooperative agriculture producers. Details on the fix can be found in the Impact section.
CERCLA:
The bill amends Section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to clarify that air emissions from animal waste at a farm are not applicable under this act and thus farmers do not need to report their emissions.
Electronic Logging Devices:
The bill prohibits through the remainder of FY18 the Department of Transportation from enforcing the electronic logging device mandate on those haulers transporting livestock and insects.
Farm Program:
The bill allows for pilot program for the 2017 crop year for county-level agriculture risk coverage payments where a supplemental payment is made based on alternative calculations if the National Agricultural Statistics Service data currently used creates payment disparities within comparable counties in a state. One alternative calculation can be based on Risk Management Agency data. This is designed to address the payment disparities observed in ARC-CO program payments during the previous crop years.
Forest Management:
The bill provides critical forest management reforms and allows the U.S. Forest Service to adjust its cap when its fire-suppression budget goes above the 10-year average. This provision is critical to the long term fiscal health of the Forest Service.
Rural Broadband:
Creates a pilot program within the Rural Utility Service to allocate $625 million in funding to underserved and unserved areas.
Following are the FY18 Agriculture Highlights:
$23.3 billion in discretionary funding, which is $2.1 billion above the FY17 enacted level
Agriculture Research:
Provides $3.03 billion for agriculture research, which is $138.8 million above the FY17 enacted level.
Includes $400 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative;
$244 million for the Hatch Act;
$483.6 million to support extension service activities; and
$140.6 million for Agricultural Research Service Building and Facilities.
Animal and Plant Health:
Includes $985.1 million for the Animal and Health Inspection Service, which is $36 million above the FY17 enacted level.
Conservation Programs:
Provides $1.03 billion for conservation programs, which is $8 million above the FY17 enacted levels.
Includes $160 million for infrastructure rehabilitation projects.
Provides $150 million for the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program.
Farm Service Agency:
Includes $1.7 billion for farm programs, which is $2 million more than the FY17 enacted level.
Prohibits the closure of FSA county offices and provides additional funding for the hiring of more loan officers.
Rural Development:
Provides more than $4 billion for rural development programs, which is $1.125 billion above FY17 enacted level.
Food Safety and Inspection Service:
Provides $1.06 billion, which is an increase of $25 million above the FY17 enacted level, for food safety and inspection programs.
Food and Drug Administration:
Includes more than $2.9 billion for the FDA, which is $134 million above the FY17 enacted level.
$94 million is designated for combating the opioid epidemic;
$10.5 million is for food safety activities; and
$60 million for the 21st Century Cures Act.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission:
Provides $249 million for the CFTC, which is $1 million below the FY17 enacted level.
International Programs:
Includes $2.1 billion for food aid programs, which is $130 million above the FY17 enacted level.
$1.76 billion for PL 480, Title II Food for Peace grants.
$207.6 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, with $10 million designated for the Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement at the Foreign Agriculture Service.
Food and Nutrition Programs:
Provides $6.175 billion for the Women, Infants and Children Program, which is $175 million below the FY17 enacted level.
Includes $24.3 billion in mandatory funding for child nutrition programs, which is $1.5 billion above FY17 enacted level.
Provides $74 billion in mandatory funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is $4.5 billion below FY17 enacted level.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
|
|
19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
| Address |
|
||||||
| City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
| City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
|
|
||||||||
| 1 |
|
3 |
|
||||||
| 2 |
|
4 |
|
ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
| Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
| Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
% | |||||||||||||
28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
| 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |