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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 510 S. 31ST ST |
Address2 | PO BOX 8736 |
City | CAMP HILL |
State | PA |
Zip Code | 17001 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 52071-12
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6. House ID# 348540000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2020 |
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 |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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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: Kristina L. Watson |
Date | 4/17/2020 9:25:56 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 AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support for the following: H.R. 832 to allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 3125, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2019 to ensure expanded milk options for students by reaffirming the recent USDA regulation offering schools the option of serving low-fat flavored milk; S. 1810, the Milk in Lunches for Kids (MILK) Act, to allow to serve whole or two percent milk, and permit milk to be excluded from the fat cap in school lunches; H.R. 1769, the Dairy Pride Act, to require that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; Education related to hemp rules and legislation to help producers grow, market and transport hemp as an agricultural commodity; support for better transparency and a more clear process regarding the bankruptcy process for FSA loans; information and advocacy related to proposed agri-tourism legislation; and support for S. 2107 / H.R. 4482, the Protecting Americas Food and Agriculture Act of 2019, which provides for hiring additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel needed to conduct Agriculture Quarantine Inspection at U.S. international ports of entry. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 1002, the WOOF Act, which would amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit issuing licenses to those connected to dealers of dogs who have had their licenses revoked. Support for the CARES Act. Support and/or correspondence related to challenges facing dairy, livestock, and other agricultural operations during COVID-19 outbreak, needed measures related to agriculture during the COVID-19 outbreak including emergency food assistance advocacy (including waiving eligibility requirements to the Emergency Food Assistance Program,reconsideration of the State of Pennsylvania's request for temporary waivers, and flexibility within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, expanding SNAP online purchasing pilot), increased funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation, supply chain concerns and need to keep supply chain moving, financial assistance for all agricultural producers impacted by pandemic, new programs designed to help producers impacted by COVID-19 funded through allocations granted to USDA via the CARES Act; provisions and programs to limit market disruptions, flexibilities in programs administered by USDA agencies including FSA and RMA (including advanced payments, allowances for late payments, no and low interest loans, etc), reopening sign up for programs that could help farmers including the Dairy Margin Coverage Program and ARC/PLC, and increased food purchases by USDA, the Commodity Credit Corporation, Agricultural Marketing Service and through the Section 32 program, and donation to the charitable food system, ensuring all parts of agriculture are considered critical or essential to ensure continued operations, and ensuring availability of Personal Protective Equipment for agriculture for critical processing jobs and other jobs that require PPE. Requested outreach from Congress to PA Governor regarding failure to identify retail lawn and garden centers as life-sustaining during COVID-19 executive orders. General advocacy for agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and requests for programs, funding and flexibility in existing programs under the auspices of USDA to ensure continuation of a safe food supply.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, White House Office, 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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for improvements to H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, including improved provisions for wages, visa caps, legal, and e-verify. Support for agriculture immigration reform, including broad reform of H-2A visa program and addressing status of unauthorized agriculture workers currently present in United Status, along with general agriculture labor reform. Support for flexibilities within the H-2A and H-2B programs to ensure agricultural's workforce is able to continue working through the COVID-19 Crisis, access to H-2A workers during the COVID-19 crisis and designation of such workers as critical/essential, H-2A and other non-immigrant visa petitions involving an agricultural worker should be considered as essential in terms of visa processing functions, the U.S. Consulates to treating all agricultural worker appointments as emergency visa services, efforts for cost flexibility for H-2A employers, extension of H-2A visa lengths, and other flexibilities that allow H-2A and farm workers to continue to work, and relaxing requirements when possible which may be impacted by health policies related to COVID-19, as well as overall advocacy related to the importance of agricultural workers, and H-2A/H-2B visa program and problems that may have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, White House Office, 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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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
Administrative requirements and advocacy related to the Waters of the United States regulation (Clean Water Act), both the 2015 rule and the current rule makings to repeal and replace the 2015 rule including the Navigable Waters Protection Rule; general issues related to programs/regulations administered by the Environmental Protection Agency including Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load and Watershed Implementation Plans; Improvements to data collection which contributed to agency modeling for TMDL and WIP plans; and concerns about stormwater management fees implemented as a result of EPA requirements; and support for additional financial assistance programs for farmers to implement conservation practices.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, 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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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
Support for the following: H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico Canada Implementation Act, specifically related to renegotiation of the agricultural provisions including Canadian trade policy (dairy, ultra-filtered milk, and milk pricing program) and increased access for agricultural products; continuation of NAFTA until USMCA is ratified; including agriculture in any potential trade deal involving the European Union, UK, China, and and a Phase 2 agreement with Japan that includes dairy and rice, as well as other issues important to agriculture; and for general agricultural trade, including support for increasing market opportunities for agriculture and a reduction/elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers. During COVID-19 Outbreak, advocacy for continued flow of imports and exports of agricultural products and supplies, and continued flow of trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, especially key agricultural products, commodities and animals, as well as supplies.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, White House Office, 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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 GOV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support for general regulatory reform, including the use of sound-science and increased cost-benefit analysis to support regulatory proposals, minimum 60-day comment period on proposed rules, and vigorous Congressional oversight of agency proposals.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, White House Office
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 TAR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support for reducing and/or eliminating tariffs and other barriers to trade, and resolution of the trade dispute with China and other countries that has resulted in increased tariffs on agricultural products.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, 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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 TEC
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support for the following: comprehensive infrastructure funding that includes proportional funding for rural broadband, including expanding rural broadband through a mix of tax incentives, grants and/or regulation; additional funding for the Reconnect Program; improving broadband availability data and improving the national broadband map with additional information; H.R. 4229, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, which improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout. Advocacy related to the importance of rural broadband for rural communities, especially as illustrated by the demands for broadband during COVID-19 outbreak.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, 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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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
Support for S. 215/H.R. 218, the Death Tax Repeal Act, to repeal estate taxes while continuing the stepped-up basis; H.R. 5259 - Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019, which would updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation, increasing the amount of farmland that can be protected from taxes after the death of a family member; H.R. 3961 - Renewable Energy Extension Act of 2019, which would continue the Section 48 and Section 25D investment tax credits (ITC) for five years; and S. 2542/ H.R. 3744 - Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act, incentivize the installation of biogas and nutrient recovery systems on farms; H.R. 216/S. 1149 - Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make the Sect. 199A 20 percent business income deduction permanent.as well as permanent extension of the agriculture-related tax provisions (including biodiesel and renewable biodiesel, second generation biodiesel and alternative refueling property, as well as short line rail maintenance) in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. Support for extending temporary provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act including: reduced pass-through rates and expanded tax brackets, the new 20 percent business income deduction, unlimited bonus depreciation, and increased alternative minimum tax. During the COVID-19 outbreak, advocacy related to the tax and business related provisions in the CARES Act, as well as suspension of the filing of business returns and the payment of all business taxes to the federal government during the outbreak, advocacy related to tax certainty and amendments to the tax code that are needed to help farmers financially during COVID-19.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 NAT
16. Specific lobbying issues
Research and communication regarding sustainability measures agriculture is taking regarding natural resources; and expressed concerns and shared resources regarding NRCS wetland designation and conservation compliance. Research and discussions related to S.3429/H.R. 6182,Farmer Driven Conservation Outcomes Act of 2020 which would amend the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 regarding assessments of conservation programs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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
Support for H.R. 1865, the Consolidated Domestic and International Assistance Bill, and advocacy for specific provisions related to agriculture in the bill including agriculture spending, transportation spending, labor spending, tax extenders and extensions of the Secure Rural Schools Act and Community Health Centers. General FY 2020 appropriations requests and support for funding for the Chesapeake Bay, farm safety net programs, prioritizing working lands conservation over land retirement programs, increasing funding of FSA loan guarantee programs, ag research, food safety and related food safety programs via FDA and FSIS, rural development, rural broadband, the Value-Added Agricultural Producer Grants, the Rural Innovation Initiative, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, Business and Industry Direct and Guaranteed Loans, the Resource Conservation and Development Program, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Cooperative and Extension Services, Community Facility Direct and Guaranteed Loans and the Revolving Fund Program, which fund the construction or improvement of essential community facilities, agriculture in the classroom program, wildlife services programs, and opposition of any provisions that would prohibit FSIS from inspecting equine processing facilities. During COVID-19 outbreak, advocacy for removing the reduction in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments, allowing SRS payments to be used for broadband, and mandatory Payment In-Lieu of Taxes funding for the counties with nontaxable federal public lands for health crisis management and emergency response.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Research and information related to H.R. 1400, the Horse Transportation Safety Act. As a result of COVID-19 outbreak, raised awareness of and support for request of expansion of FMCSA Emergency Declaration of regulatory relief of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to entire agricultural supply chain, and advocated for exemptions for certain CDL requirements such as medical exams during crisis.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2117, The Food Allergy, Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2019, which addresses food allergies. Advocacy for expansion of the use of telehealth specifically regarding Medicare patients to use telehealth even with a doctor they don't have a preexisting relationship with, and allowing rural health clinics to treat patients via telehealth, and additional funding for community health centers.
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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 SMB
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocacy related to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and the Paycheck Protection Program, and the inclusion of agriculture in both programs.
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 |
Kristina |
Watson |
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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
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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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
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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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:
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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 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |