Good Words from a US Senator

Two notes from US Senator Jerry Moran (R--KS):

On intrusive regulation of farm tasks done by farm kids--

On Wednesday morning, I had an opportunity to question U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis about her Department’s proposal to ban youth under the age of 16 from participating in many common farm-related activities during a Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. I’ve been continually working to show the Department of Labor (DOL) that its proposal is not only an unprecedented overreach by the federal government, but will fundamentally alter rural America. As currently drafted, the proposal would prohibit our youth from operating the most basic tools like a battery-powered screwdriver or a pressurized garden hose. A major concern that I have, and a question that I continually find myself asking is: “if the federal government can regulate what youth can do on their own family farm, what can’t they regulate?”

On Thursday morning, I spoke about this ridiculous federal overreach with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” morning show. In the weeks ahead, I will continue to work with my colleagues to try to stop this destructive rule. If you are also concerned about the DOL’s proposed rules, you can share your concerns at www.keepfamiliesfarming.com. Click here to watch my comments on Fox.

On extending the Wind Production Tax Credit (PTC)--

Strengthening our Nation’s Domestic Energy Supply

This week, Gov. Brownback and I co-authored an op-ed to explain our support for a temporary extension of the wind production tax credit (PTC) and its importance to Kansans. Government policies are hurting our country’s ability to compete within the global economy, limiting our domestic energy supply and driving up the cost of energy for consumers. To ensure Kansans have access to a reliable and affordable supply of energy, we must develop more of our nation’s natural resources.

Rather than make it more difficult for the private sector to develop energy sources, we should lower taxes, reduce regulations, and allow the private sector to succeed in the free market. In turn, the wind industry will grow and become fully competitive – no longer needing the wind PTC. Click here to read our op-ed.

Please note that I am not going to bat for Jerry Moran. I do, however, appreciate his stance on the farm labor matter, and read in today's paper and mostly agreed with the op-ed piece referred to in the "Domestic Energy Supply" report. The op-ed piece makes the PTC case more explicitly than does the abbreviated version above.