Transcripts For CSPAN3 Hearing On Rural Communities Agricul

Implemented properly. Agriculture, nutrition and Forestry Committee members talked to farmers, Rural Utility Service officials and Healthcare Industry leaders about issues impacting Rural Communities. Including access to Rural Broadband, Water Infrastructure and Health Care Services and agricultural production. Good morning. I call this hearing of the Senate Committee on agriculture and nutrition and forestry to order. Todays hearing advances this committees continued oversight of the department of agricultures implementation of the 2018 farm bill. A principle duty of this committee is to ensure that the department had the authority and resources to provide the agriculture producers with the necessary tools to feed a troubled and hungry world as well as this country. But the responsibility of the committee and the usda does not stop there and it is critical as Partnership Supports businesses and the electric cooperatives and telecom providers, schools and clinics and the product manufacturers and other essential services and providers that serve as the backbone of Rural Communities our farmers and ranchers all call home. Over the past two years, was there a hearing in kansas and michigan and not here in washington and they were representing both the administration and Rural Communities as they discussed changes to the farm bill that would help world development. We listened and we acted by adopting many of these recommendations on the bipartisan 2018 farm bill. On our first panel today we are pleased to have the administrators for the three agencies within the office of Rural Development at the department of agriculture. The Rural Utility Service, the Rural Housing service and the Rural Business cooperative service. This panel will discuss the departments vision for fostering growth and economic prosperities that are out to Rural America, sorely needed and it will highlight the programs made and implementing changes this committee legislated and the role of Energy Titles of the farm bill. For the second panel of witnesses we will hear from a broad set of private sector stakeholders including the ceo of one of mississippis leading Rural Electric cooperatives who works every day to provide essential Utility Services to farmers, ranchers and small town and an iowa farmer, imagine that, joany, an iowa farmer who utilized his resources provided by the department to build an on farm and aerobic digestion system and the Renewable Energy facility, something were doing in dodd city, kansas, by the way, joanie. Wed love to have you out there. Well make you an honorary miss kitty. Nobody remembers that. I understand that, but thats the way it is. A Kentucky Healthcare provider who has leveraged a usa Distance Learning and telemedicine grant to expand Service Capabilities throughout each day. This provides the most vulnerable populations to affordable healthcare and support on fighting the opiate addiction crisis that is plaguing so many of our Rural Communities and finally, the director of Michigan State University Extension, go green and white who is working with both state and federal stakeholders to find ways to address Mental Health challenges that our farmers face every day and the titles of the farm bill and these programs play a role with the economic tools they need to grow and thrive. I now recognize the distinguished senator from michigan for opening remarks. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Ive been looking forward to this, and welcome to the panelists. This is so important. Everybody knows that Rural America is the backbone of the economy just like the hometown where i grew up in in claire, Northern Michigan and all across the country people in Rural Communities create businesses, family farms and work in manufacturing and really create quality of life for so many families. We should be doing everything we can to celebrate and strengthen our small towns and i know we all believe that around this table. In 2018 in the farm bill we made Smart Investments to grow rural opportunity and ensure every american can enjoy a high quality of life no matter where they live. When i visit rural michigan, one of the top concerns i hear and i know my colleagues here as well is the need to access highspeed internet in order to participate in the 21st century economy. And the farm bill, we increase the funding available for highspeed internet deployment and 15 times higher than the previous amount because it is so central to moving forward. I understand the usda is currently writing new rules for the farm bill improvements and i urge the department to meet his goal to complete the rules by december so that congress can fund this new and improved program. Families in Rural Communities are also concerned about access to healthcare especially with the Mental Health and Opioid Crisis taking a devastating toll on small towns. We addressed this headon through expanded telemedicine and Community Facility investments to provide critical treatment for those who suffer from addiction and mental illness. To ensure that every family has safe Drinking Water, we prioritize world Water Infrastructure investments for small towns dealing with dangerous contaminants bike pfos. Rural communities also need strong, locally owned businesses theyre critical to creating jobs and creating personal, and where we make things and grow thing,ing can ag culture are both at the height of the economy and thats why we support biobased manufacturers and companies are creating new products from american grown crops. We also provided permanent funding for value added grants to help farmers grow their business, whether theyre turning locally grown tomatoes to salsa or corn to ethanol. Investinging in Renewable Energy leads to job creation and helps us address the Climate Crisis. In the 2014 farm bill i included a permanent mandatory funding for the reap program which helps farmer and businesses lower their utility bills through installing Renewable Energy systems and making the efficiency upgrades. From hog producers to organic food grower they have a wide variety of farmers save money and become more efficient. We are also seeing wineries, breweries and restaurants across our states and install solar ways to power their rural Small Businesses. As usda implements the farm bill, we need the administration to step up to strengthen our Rural Economy. Over the past three years its been disheartening to see the Trump Administration continue to target Rural America and the farm bill with cuts. We need to be investing more in rural community, not less. Eliminating Rural Infrastructure moves us in the wrong direction. On the issue of renewable fuels, this administration citizens to continues to let down farmers by caving to demands of the oil industry. Weve seen some discussion of changing that, but ive idea to see this really happening. Additionally, im disappointed that the committee has not received a nominee for an undersecretary for Rural Development. We reestablished this important position in the farm bill to be a staunch advocate for Rural America within the administration. We appreciate all of you and your focus, but we agreed on a bipartisan basis in congress that we needed a focus leader to address all of the concerns facing small towns and Rural Communities. Its great to see how theyre Rural Development administrators here today. I look forward to hearing your perspectives. We appreciate your work. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator. Today i am pleased to welcome the three administrators that oversee the vital agencies within the usda office of Rural Development. Ms. Bette brown is the administrator of the, she joined the usda after 35 years with farm credit of the virginias where she most recently served as chief advocate for the Agricultural Industry and Rural Businesses. Welcome, bette, we appreciate it. Next we have mr. Bruce lammers, the administrators of the Rural Housing service. Mr. Lammers has had more than 35 years of experience leading public, private partnerships at National Committee oriented lending institutions including serving as a former ceo for a bank that was a National Leader in government, guaranteed lending, thank you for joining us today. Lastly, we have mr. Chad rupe who is the administrator of the Rural Utility Service. Prior to coming to washington, mr. Rupe served as the Rural Development state director of wyoming, big sky country from 217 to 219. Before joining the department, mr. Rupe spent more than 13 years in the Banking Industry specializing in commercial lending in wyoming. Notably he began his service to our country in the United States army. So thank you for your service, mr. Rupe. In the interests of time, we have asked the department to provide one Opening Statement on behalf of all three administrators with each available to answer questions from members on the committee. Perha perhaps, i think it would be very advisable if i would now recognize the senator from kentucky, leader, do you plan to introduce your kentucky witness on panel two at this point . Well, i appreciate that opportunity, mr. Chairman, if i may. Well, the senators recognized. I would go right ahead and do it. Senator stabenow expected me to make a speech on him. But instead of speaking on him, im here today to introduce a constitue constituent of mine. As we continue reviewing the implementation of last years farm bill im proud this morning to introduce a kentuckyian who is working to move the ball forward on the legislative Rural Development goals. Michael stanley is the ceo of grace health, a Community Health center providing a wide range of services to more than 35,000 residents of southEastern Kentucky, which is down in the Appalachian Region of my state with a focus on vulnerable and low income kentuckyians, grace health is a an indispensable resource tackling systemic Health Challenges in Rural Communities. No access to health care in places like the Appalachian Region is an important part of the farm bills Rural Development title. Healthy communities are better able to attract investment, encourage job creation and support the farm economy. Unfortunately, too many of my constituents from this beautiful region suffer from Health Challenges, which are compounded by severe physician shortage and all too frequently Substance Abuse. For more than three decades, mike has been working to help them overcome these challenges by leading and expanding Health Care Programs in the eastern part of our state. Hes improving access to services and delivering some rather impressive results. When mike joined grace health in 2012, there were only a couple of dozen employees and two clinics with a Small Service area. Today they have nearly 300 personnel, seven clinic sites across six counties. Mike and his team placed a strong emphasis on bringing medical professionals into previously underserved areas, for example grace health operates almost 40 schoolbased Health Clinics providing kentuckys next generation with medical and dental care, and theyre opening new doors to treatment and longterm recovery in communities devastated by opioid and Substance Abuse. So today mike will shed light on grace healths telehealth programs, which represent a much needed investment into Eastern Kentucky and its future through programs like the usda Distance Learning and telemedicine grants. Mike and his team can continue providing high level care to more patients in hard to reach areas than ever before. These federal grants also give grace health the opportunity to solidify partnerships with other Health Care Providers and development organizations. Mikes experience will be a helpful guide as we evaluate the federal governments policies designed to tap into potential that we have in Rural America. So i look forward to his recommendations to the committee on how we can continue to support his work and help encourage healthy outcomes and Economic Development in Rural Communities, so thank you mr. Chairman, senator stabenow for allowing me to step in and say these give these remarks on behalf of my constituent. Thank you very much. Yes, sir, privilege leader and thank you so much for coming and making that excellent statement. It occurs to me that unless i recognize the distinguished president pro tem of the senate, who is also the chairman of the Senate Finance committee, he always this is the first time i would say to the center for michigan that he hasnt come in first and asked to go first because of his duties elsewhere, and im a little alarmed as to whether or not we should recognize him now or not, but at any rate, senator grassley, do you have anything to say because of your important duties elsewhere . Since i didnt think youd call on me, ive already taken care of it by going to mr. Sievers a very important constituent of mine and telling him in five minutes im going to be leaving to open the senate and then im going to the senator jaudiciary committee to make a quorum to get more judges out, and then im going to come back here and hopefully hell still be on the program and i can ask him some questions, but im glad that the senator from kansas has decided to get the expertise in the number one agricultural state in the state of iowa and invite mr. Sievers in. Thank you for doing that. Did it surprise you i didnt yell at you . Yeah. Are you going to depart immediately, or are we going to have you here for five minutes and then youre going to come back . Im going to stay for five minutes. I see. But ive already been here 15 minutes. I understand that. You were right on time. We appreciate that. As a matter of fact, i noted the that is correct that i couldnt see buddy brown because you were leaning forward, but thats okay, but you might want to be like coop who just left here and just lean back so i could see there we go. Okay. Thank you. Now lets get reorganized if we can. Mr. Rupe, i think i am going to call you first, and i understand you have a prepared statement. Thank you, again, sir, for coming. Good morning, chairman roberts, Ranking Member stabenow, and distinguished members of the committee. My name is chad rupe and i am the administrator for usda Rural Developments rural utilities service. I am accompanied this morning by my colleagues, administrator bette brand, who oversees Rural Business cooperative service and administrator Bruce Lammers who oversees Rural Housing service. The three of us administer unique programs and resources that help bring prosperity and opportunity to rural areas. We are honored to be here with you this morning to share Rural Developments efforts regarding implementation of the 2018 farm bill. Rural developments mission is to increase Economic Opportunity and improve the quality of life for Forestry Committee<\/a> members talked to farmers, Rural Utility Service<\/a> officials and Healthcare Industry<\/a> leaders about issues impacting Rural Communities<\/a>. Including access to Rural Broadband<\/a>, Water Infrastructure<\/a> and Health Care Services<\/a> and agricultural production. Good morning. I call this hearing of the Senate Committee<\/a> on agriculture and nutrition and forestry to order. Todays hearing advances this committees continued oversight of the department of agricultures implementation of the 2018 farm bill. A principle duty of this committee is to ensure that the department had the authority and resources to provide the agriculture producers with the necessary tools to feed a troubled and hungry world as well as this country. But the responsibility of the committee and the usda does not stop there and it is critical as Partnership Supports<\/a> businesses and the electric cooperatives and telecom providers, schools and clinics and the product manufacturers and other essential services and providers that serve as the backbone of Rural Communities<\/a> our farmers and ranchers all call home. Over the past two years, was there a hearing in kansas and michigan and not here in washington and they were representing both the administration and Rural Communities<\/a> as they discussed changes to the farm bill that would help world development. We listened and we acted by adopting many of these recommendations on the bipartisan 2018 farm bill. On our first panel today we are pleased to have the administrators for the three agencies within the office of Rural Development<\/a> at the department of agriculture. The Rural Utility Service<\/a>, the Rural Housing<\/a> service and the Rural Business<\/a> cooperative service. This panel will discuss the departments vision for fostering growth and economic prosperities that are out to Rural America<\/a>, sorely needed and it will highlight the programs made and implementing changes this committee legislated and the role of Energy Titles<\/a> of the farm bill. For the second panel of witnesses we will hear from a broad set of private sector stakeholders including the ceo of one of mississippis leading Rural Electric<\/a> cooperatives who works every day to provide essential Utility Services<\/a> to farmers, ranchers and small town and an iowa farmer, imagine that, joany, an iowa farmer who utilized his resources provided by the department to build an on farm and aerobic digestion system and the Renewable Energy<\/a> facility, something were doing in dodd city, kansas, by the way, joanie. Wed love to have you out there. Well make you an honorary miss kitty. Nobody remembers that. I understand that, but thats the way it is. A Kentucky Healthcare<\/a> provider who has leveraged a usa Distance Learning<\/a> and telemedicine grant to expand Service Capabilities<\/a> throughout each day. This provides the most vulnerable populations to affordable healthcare and support on fighting the opiate addiction crisis that is plaguing so many of our Rural Communities<\/a> and finally, the director of Michigan State<\/a> University Extension<\/a>, go green and white who is working with both state and federal stakeholders to find ways to address Mental Health<\/a> challenges that our farmers face every day and the titles of the farm bill and these programs play a role with the economic tools they need to grow and thrive. I now recognize the distinguished senator from michigan for opening remarks. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Ive been looking forward to this, and welcome to the panelists. This is so important. Everybody knows that Rural America<\/a> is the backbone of the economy just like the hometown where i grew up in in claire, Northern Michigan<\/a> and all across the country people in Rural Communities<\/a> create businesses, family farms and work in manufacturing and really create quality of life for so many families. We should be doing everything we can to celebrate and strengthen our small towns and i know we all believe that around this table. In 2018 in the farm bill we made Smart Investments<\/a> to grow rural opportunity and ensure every american can enjoy a high quality of life no matter where they live. When i visit rural michigan, one of the top concerns i hear and i know my colleagues here as well is the need to access highspeed internet in order to participate in the 21st century economy. And the farm bill, we increase the funding available for highspeed internet deployment and 15 times higher than the previous amount because it is so central to moving forward. I understand the usda is currently writing new rules for the farm bill improvements and i urge the department to meet his goal to complete the rules by december so that congress can fund this new and improved program. Families in Rural Communities<\/a> are also concerned about access to healthcare especially with the Mental Health<\/a> and Opioid Crisis<\/a> taking a devastating toll on small towns. We addressed this headon through expanded telemedicine and Community Facility<\/a> investments to provide critical treatment for those who suffer from addiction and mental illness. To ensure that every family has safe Drinking Water<\/a>, we prioritize world Water Infrastructure<\/a> investments for small towns dealing with dangerous contaminants bike pfos. Rural communities also need strong, locally owned businesses theyre critical to creating jobs and creating personal, and where we make things and grow thing,ing can ag culture are both at the height of the economy and thats why we support biobased manufacturers and companies are creating new products from american grown crops. We also provided permanent funding for value added grants to help farmers grow their business, whether theyre turning locally grown tomatoes to salsa or corn to ethanol. Investinging in Renewable Energy<\/a> leads to job creation and helps us address the Climate Crisis<\/a>. In the 2014 farm bill i included a permanent mandatory funding for the reap program which helps farmer and businesses lower their utility bills through installing Renewable Energy<\/a> systems and making the efficiency upgrades. From hog producers to organic food grower they have a wide variety of farmers save money and become more efficient. We are also seeing wineries, breweries and restaurants across our states and install solar ways to power their rural Small Businesses<\/a>. As usda implements the farm bill, we need the administration to step up to strengthen our Rural Economy<\/a>. Over the past three years its been disheartening to see the Trump Administration<\/a> continue to target Rural America<\/a> and the farm bill with cuts. We need to be investing more in rural community, not less. Eliminating Rural Infrastructure<\/a> moves us in the wrong direction. On the issue of renewable fuels, this administration citizens to continues to let down farmers by caving to demands of the oil industry. Weve seen some discussion of changing that, but ive idea to see this really happening. Additionally, im disappointed that the committee has not received a nominee for an undersecretary for Rural Development<\/a>. We reestablished this important position in the farm bill to be a staunch advocate for Rural America<\/a> within the administration. We appreciate all of you and your focus, but we agreed on a bipartisan basis in congress that we needed a focus leader to address all of the concerns facing small towns and Rural Communities<\/a>. Its great to see how theyre Rural Development<\/a> administrators here today. I look forward to hearing your perspectives. We appreciate your work. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator. Today i am pleased to welcome the three administrators that oversee the vital agencies within the usda office of Rural Development<\/a>. Ms. Bette brown is the administrator of the, she joined the usda after 35 years with farm credit of the virginias where she most recently served as chief advocate for the Agricultural Industry<\/a> and Rural Business<\/a>es. Welcome, bette, we appreciate it. Next we have mr. Bruce lammers, the administrators of the Rural Housing<\/a> service. Mr. Lammers has had more than 35 years of experience leading public, private partnerships at National Committee<\/a> oriented lending institutions including serving as a former ceo for a bank that was a National Leader<\/a> in government, guaranteed lending, thank you for joining us today. Lastly, we have mr. Chad rupe who is the administrator of the Rural Utility Service<\/a>. Prior to coming to washington, mr. Rupe served as the Rural Development<\/a> state director of wyoming, big sky country from 217 to 219. Before joining the department, mr. Rupe spent more than 13 years in the Banking Industry<\/a> specializing in commercial lending in wyoming. Notably he began his service to our country in the United States<\/a> army. So thank you for your service, mr. Rupe. In the interests of time, we have asked the department to provide one Opening Statement<\/a> on behalf of all three administrators with each available to answer questions from members on the committee. Perha perhaps, i think it would be very advisable if i would now recognize the senator from kentucky, leader, do you plan to introduce your kentucky witness on panel two at this point . Well, i appreciate that opportunity, mr. Chairman, if i may. Well, the senators recognized. I would go right ahead and do it. Senator stabenow expected me to make a speech on him. But instead of speaking on him, im here today to introduce a constitue constituent of mine. As we continue reviewing the implementation of last years farm bill im proud this morning to introduce a kentuckyian who is working to move the ball forward on the legislative Rural Development<\/a> goals. Michael stanley is the ceo of grace health, a Community Health<\/a> center providing a wide range of services to more than 35,000 residents of southEastern Kentucky<\/a>, which is down in the Appalachian Region<\/a> of my state with a focus on vulnerable and low income kentuckyians, grace health is a an indispensable resource tackling systemic Health Challenges<\/a> in Rural Communities<\/a>. No access to health care in places like the Appalachian Region<\/a> is an important part of the farm bills Rural Development<\/a> title. Healthy communities are better able to attract investment, encourage job creation and support the farm economy. Unfortunately, too many of my constituents from this beautiful region suffer from Health Challenges<\/a>, which are compounded by severe physician shortage and all too frequently Substance Abuse<\/a>. For more than three decades, mike has been working to help them overcome these challenges by leading and expanding Health Care Programs<\/a> in the eastern part of our state. Hes improving access to services and delivering some rather impressive results. When mike joined grace health in 2012, there were only a couple of dozen employees and two clinics with a Small Service<\/a> area. Today they have nearly 300 personnel, seven clinic sites across six counties. Mike and his team placed a strong emphasis on bringing medical professionals into previously underserved areas, for example grace health operates almost 40 schoolbased Health Clinics<\/a> providing kentuckys next generation with medical and dental care, and theyre opening new doors to treatment and longterm recovery in communities devastated by opioid and Substance Abuse<\/a>. So today mike will shed light on grace healths telehealth programs, which represent a much needed investment into Eastern Kentucky<\/a> and its future through programs like the usda Distance Learning<\/a> and telemedicine grants. Mike and his team can continue providing high level care to more patients in hard to reach areas than ever before. These federal grants also give grace health the opportunity to solidify partnerships with other Health Care Providers<\/a> and development organizations. Mikes experience will be a helpful guide as we evaluate the federal governments policies designed to tap into potential that we have in Rural America<\/a>. So i look forward to his recommendations to the committee on how we can continue to support his work and help encourage healthy outcomes and Economic Development<\/a> in Rural Communities<\/a>, so thank you mr. Chairman, senator stabenow for allowing me to step in and say these give these remarks on behalf of my constituent. Thank you very much. Yes, sir, privilege leader and thank you so much for coming and making that excellent statement. It occurs to me that unless i recognize the distinguished president pro tem of the senate, who is also the chairman of the Senate Finance<\/a> committee, he always this is the first time i would say to the center for michigan that he hasnt come in first and asked to go first because of his duties elsewhere, and im a little alarmed as to whether or not we should recognize him now or not, but at any rate, senator grassley, do you have anything to say because of your important duties elsewhere . Since i didnt think youd call on me, ive already taken care of it by going to mr. Sievers a very important constituent of mine and telling him in five minutes im going to be leaving to open the senate and then im going to the senator jaudiciary committee to make a quorum to get more judges out, and then im going to come back here and hopefully hell still be on the program and i can ask him some questions, but im glad that the senator from kansas has decided to get the expertise in the number one agricultural state in the state of iowa and invite mr. Sievers in. Thank you for doing that. Did it surprise you i didnt yell at you . Yeah. Are you going to depart immediately, or are we going to have you here for five minutes and then youre going to come back . Im going to stay for five minutes. I see. But ive already been here 15 minutes. I understand that. You were right on time. We appreciate that. As a matter of fact, i noted the that is correct that i couldnt see buddy brown because you were leaning forward, but thats okay, but you might want to be like coop who just left here and just lean back so i could see there we go. Okay. Thank you. Now lets get reorganized if we can. Mr. Rupe, i think i am going to call you first, and i understand you have a prepared statement. Thank you, again, sir, for coming. Good morning, chairman roberts, Ranking Member<\/a> stabenow, and distinguished members of the committee. My name is chad rupe and i am the administrator for usda Rural Development<\/a>s rural utilities service. I am accompanied this morning by my colleagues, administrator bette brand, who oversees Rural Business<\/a> cooperative service and administrator Bruce Lammers<\/a> who oversees Rural Housing<\/a> service. The three of us administer unique programs and resources that help bring prosperity and opportunity to rural areas. We are honored to be here with you this morning to share Rural Development<\/a>s efforts regarding implementation of the 2018 farm bill. Rural developments mission is to increase Economic Opportunity<\/a> and improve the quality of life for Rural America<\/a>ns. Together, we manage a long portfolio of more than 225 million, and our investments support rural residents looking for Affordable Housing<\/a>, municipalities seeking Water Infrastructure<\/a>, and Community Facilities<\/a> and Rural Business<\/a>es, cooperatives, and Agricultural Producers<\/a> looking to expand into new markets. We are also a vital resource of financing for Rural Broadband<\/a> and electric infrastructure. As you know, Rural Communities<\/a> have unique challenges due to their location and lack of access to modern technologies like broadband infrastructure. However, while these challenges do exist, Rural America<\/a> also has unique resources that when paired with their inherent grit and determination provide opportunities for prosperity. Our goal at usda Rural Development<\/a> is to partner with our nations Rural Communities<\/a> through the programs and resources that congress has made available in order to connect them to a world of opportunity and ultimately prosperity. The 2018 farm bill reauthorizes many Rural Development<\/a> programs that are vital to helping Rural Communities<\/a> build stronger economies, create jobs and improve and improve their overall quality of life. We have been working effectively and efficiently to implement the 2018 farm bill and have successfully started to implement provisions such as the new loan grant option within the Rural Broadband<\/a> program, expanding access to credit for Rural Communities<\/a> by increasing the population limits for Community Facilities<\/a> and water and Waste Disposal<\/a> programs and establishing the local agriculture markets program. As the administrators overseeing these programs, we will continue to work with members of the committee to address the unique needs of Rural America<\/a>. We thank you for inviting us before the committee to share the important work we do. We appreciate your continued interest and support of Rural Development<\/a> programs because we believe when Rural America<\/a> thrives, all of america thrives. At this time, we will answer your questions. Im going to mr. Lammers, this week i finished my annual 99 county tour across iowa, and one of the biggest concerns i heard this year was a lack of affordable Rural Housing<\/a>, and it comes up soeover and over againo as you point out in your testimony, the 2018 farm bill included several provisions that expand eligibility for Rural Housing<\/a> service programs, so what steps can we take to pibui on these provisions, and as we work to allow communities to have more opportunities for financing in the coming months and years . Thank you for your question. You happen to be a neighbor of mine having come from wisconsin, and so i appreciate your question. During the last year, we served families with Single Family<\/a> Housing Loans<\/a> as well as multifamily Housing Loans<\/a>, and i believe our allocation of direct loans under the 502 program was a billion dollars, and we fully utilized that during the year and very proud that we were able to accomplish that. Our direct our guaranteed loan program is really based upon the demands of customers that approach bank, and i think its a Marketing Program<\/a> that the banks view as a its a positive product for them, so we provide housing through those two programs as well as the multifamily program and farm labor housing. And the usage as you said, fully used, so that would indicate a necessity to continue those programs on into the future as well then, is that correct . Im pleased that we were able to fully utilize it. The 502 program provided 6,185 home loans to families last year, and thats a billion dollars program. Wow, okay. Very good. And i appreciate that. It is an area we need to continue to work on. Ms. Brand, id like to visit with you about the biorefinery program. It has been a really vital source of job creation in Rural Communities<\/a> since its creation. However, under the 2014 farm bill, there was a problem with the program requiring refiners who wanted to produce renewable chemicals from agricultural feed stocks to also produce an advanced biofuel, which significantly limited that programs effectiveness. So the 2018 farm bill fixed it by fixed that problem by ensuring eligibility for technologies and creating for stand alone renewable chemical manufacturers, can you give us an update on the agencys work this this area and the implementation, how well get to that fix . Yes, thank you very much for that question, senator. The bio refinery renewable chemical and Bio Manufacturing<\/a> Assistance Program<\/a> indeed does include now the chemical, the balance of the facility could produce either both or one or the other, and that has been implemented through will be it has been implemented and any applications that are on hand right now well be able to apply, but any of those products, and it will be cot fif codified by the spring of 2020. Thank you for working on that as well. It is very important to my home state, obviously. With that, ill yield back, tom, chairman. Senator stabenow. Yes, we go republican, democrat, thats how we work. I was going to yield to the chairman, but thank you very much. Thank you all of you, first to mr. Rupe. On rural water, the farm bill prioritized funding for communities that are dealing with water safety issues. I think none of us wanted to even have to learn what pfos chemicals were, and now its very serious, and were identifying Real Health Hazards<\/a> and communities are extremely concerned. So we identified this, made it a priority. However, the administration has repeatedly proposed budget cuts of more than 50 to these critical Water Infrastructure<\/a> programs despite a large backlog of projects. But we did prioritize it in the farm bill, so what is the status of this farm bill requirement, and what kind of outreach are you doing to ensure Rural Communities<\/a> know that the farm bill provides tools and resources to address contaminated Drinking Water<\/a> . Senator, thank you for the question. First of all, id like to reaffirm that last year we served over 2 million Rural America<\/a>ns with clean Drinking Water<\/a>, and i think that thats an important note. We processed 1. 7 billion worth of loan and grants request to Service Rural<\/a> americans and so i would not lose sight of that issue. Now, specific to outreach and communication, with the 2018 farm bill, we had an Interagency Task<\/a> force on rural Water Quality<\/a> that was established as a result of that, and earlier this year we met with Public Officials<\/a>, stakeholders, and our federal partners to begin reviewing what is needed to be able to support that issue. We plan to issue a report by december on our progress related to that issue. Having said that, within our program we specifically do address eminent issues and immediate dangers for communities through our eq wag program, sorry for the acronym but were riddled with them, those types of programs immediately address needs for emergency swaituations where people have issues that are directly related to Immediate Health<\/a> and safety risks. Of the money that we obligated last fiscal year, we addressed 374 health risks out of the 500 projects that we did throughout the United States<\/a>, so i believe that we are actively enkbgagingn outreach to our communities. I would encourage you to continue to do that. In michigan i think we may be ahead just because they did more aggressive identification than other places, but its very alarming what were seeing. Yes, maam, and i was very happy to have visited michigan last month and speak with a gentleman who was critical in helping address that, and so weve engaged with stakeholders in michigan to help work on that aspect of it. Great. Ms. Brand, wanted to talk a little bit about reap, which as you know, one of the essential tools for improving Energy Efficient<\/a> and deploying alternative energy and combatting the Climate Crisis<\/a> reap has been very popular in michigan and im sure in other areas, which is why we gave it permanent mandatory funding in 2014. Unfortunately, though, ive been hearing concerns that usda isnt promoting the program as it once was. What are you doing to ensure farmers, ranchers, rural Small Businesses<\/a> are aware of the reap program and the opportunities to apply for grants and loans. Thank you for that question. We have very much a Team Approach<\/a> to outreach on the reap program as well as our other programs, both at the National Level<\/a> our National Office<\/a> team participates in national meetings. In fact, there was just the federal partners that we partner with and provide outreach with, but also stakeholders in National Trade<\/a> group meetings. As well the state officers work with individuals in their localities to talk about the program and help both farmer producers and Small Businesses<\/a> understand the benefits. As well i have been out in the state anywhere from a small 12,000 reap announcement to a Small Business<\/a> in michigan to also in virginia an announcement where they were a hospital that benefitted from solar panels and reduced their energy efficiency, so i would say that we have done a lot and will continue to do more to make sure that people understand the benefits of that program. Thank you. Finally, i know im running out of time, but mr. Rupe, if you could answer on Rural Broadband<\/a>, which every Single Person<\/a> on this committee could tell you stories of the challenges because we dont have Rural Broadband<\/a>, and we did make it a huge priority in the Rural Development<\/a> title of the farm bill, so will the administration advocate for full funding to 350 million for the Farm Bill Broadband Program<\/a> as we go forward . Thanks, senator, for the question, we share your concern for Broadband Access<\/a> throughout Rural America<\/a>. It was central to the Task Force Report<\/a> that was submitted to the president shortly after the secretary came on board, so it is central, and we recognize that issue. Having said that, i think its important to recognize the full effort that we have engaged in that light. We have addressed it through the american broadband initiative, and through that american broadband initiative, we are working with our federal partners to address all of the issues to help modernize the delivery, streamline our approach, and more effectively leverage the federal dollars that we spend. What federal dollars, though . The issue has been theres not been enough of a priority in terms of federal dollars, which is why we came together and did what we did to prioritize it in the farm bill. So i appreciate efficiency with what you have, but if were going to actually grow the economy and quality of life in Rural America<\/a>, this is central, so were going to need the administration weighing in very strongly to make sure this is a priority in the budget. Yes, maam, we are working very hard to fully deploy, first of all, the reconnect funding that was appropriated and were in the middle of offering awards out to many applicants throughout the United States<\/a>. We received 1. 4 billion worth of applications on the first 600 million that we received. Early next year we plan to offer an additional 550 million that was appropriated by congress and a second round of funding, we anticipate having higher interest in those programs as well. In addition to that, we are very happy to provide technical assistance, if requested, to help address some of the issues associated with funding and how we best approach that on an overall basis. We are actively engaged in marketing our programs to ensure that we effectively deploy them. We also work very effectively and in a very friendly way with our partners at both the fcc and ntia to make sure that we understand where funding is needed to where we can help Leverage Private<\/a> investments, as well as federal dollars and state dollars to help address this issue. We believe that by partnering with not only the private stakeholders as well as the nontraditional folks that would normally not be in the broadband business that are expanding into that area, we think those are very effective ways to help leverage that partnership. So was not just a federal government solution, but its truly a Community Solution<\/a> thats driven from the local level with shared partnerships and stakeholders at every level. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator. Mr. Rupe you can take on any member of the panel that wishes to add anything that they think is pertinent. Please feel free. Last week the department notified the committee of upcoming plans to close 11 Rural Development<\/a> offices across the country. On behalf of the entire rd mission area, can the panel provide any update on this issue, discuss what, if any impact this will have on constituent services in each state affected by a closure . Other than the two offices in kansas, are there any other vacant offices in the country that have not yet been closed . Please, sir. Senator roberts, thank you for the question. The proposed Office Closures<\/a> i can say will not affect negatively affect Customer Service<\/a> for our programs. The states where Office Closures<\/a> are occurring will continue to have multiple field offices, and our employees in those offices are able to identify a wide range of community and Economic Development<\/a> resources for local leaders, business owners, families, and farmers and ranchers, schools, nonprofits, cooperatives and tribes. There are other vacant offices in the country that have not been closed, and any Office Closure<\/a> proposal where employees are stationed, the following applies. No employees are losing their jobs. And relocations are offered if ne needed for an employee. And rd is continually evaluating the optimal location of resources to deliver programs to Rural Communities<\/a>. And i can affirmatively state that as a former career employee in the agency, as a former Community Banker<\/a> where we did not have a Rural Development<\/a> office in our community, and a as a former state director, Customer Service<\/a> is not simply a matter of having an employee in a Certain Office<\/a> but more of having a strong employee with strong Customer Service<\/a> skills in the optimal location. Help me understand this. Its probably counterintuitive. The two offices that are being closed in kansas are garden city, kansas, which is a thriving hub in southeast kansas, i hasten to add along with dodge city liberal, but garden city is an area that is really experiencing a growth period, which is good news, of course. The other city being manhattan, kansas, home of the ever optimistic and fighting wildcats and were seeing a lot of growth there, too, especially with the bri there and then the national bio agricultural facility that is under construction. But youre closing an office there, and then perhaps providing your service to other areas or you mentioned field offices, but people asking, you know, why close in garden city when theyre on the move. Why close in manhattan, because that is probably the central focus of agriculture in our state. Senator, im happy to address that. I think that in any community when you want to see Economic Development<\/a> and growth. Thats the whole point of what we do. Having said that, i can address it from my perspective from my hometown in douglas, wyoming, where we have a Strong Economy<\/a> currently s and we still do not have a Rural Development<\/a> office. There are plenty of services that are offered to the community where i come from, just as they would be in manhattan or in any other rural community. Having said that, the last time that Rural Development<\/a> had any major change was over 25 years ago, and if we all think back 25 years ago how much the economy has changed and how much corporations have evolved, for us not to evolve with that just doesnt make sense. I mean, we talk continuously about broadband and access, and the changes to the economy by having modern technology. Our organization should take advantage of modern technology as well to deliver those services, and again, i believe comes back to having the right relationships and the right people in the optimal locations. Its not simply having an Office Location<\/a> in any Single Community<\/a>, but more of having the right people in the optimal location who have great relationships with the local leaders and are willing to engage at the local level, and i dont believe that you necessarily have to have your office in that certain spot to address every need because we have tremendous need throughout the United States<\/a>, and we cannot possibly have a location every Single Community<\/a> that needs it. We have to deliver our programs efficiently and effectively and engage it to where everybody can take advantage of the development, not just certain communities. Appreciate that answer. Please keep us posted if we can be of help to you. You think that maybe some of these decisions could be revisited or as youve said really provide the best service where it is vitally needed. Let me ask you one other question real quick, how is the Rural Utility Service<\/a> coordinating with the fcc on Rural Broadband<\/a> issues . What is the most Significant Impact<\/a> this court nation will have on Rural Broadband<\/a> access . Senator, thank you for the question. I think its important to recognize that we have a very strong and positive working relationship with the fcc. The secretary of agriculture, sonny perdue as well as the fcc chairman have a great relationship, and that permeates down to the staff level. We meet with the fcc on a regular basis. I think its also important to recognize there are significant differences in the delivery of our programs, whereas the fcc provides operational cost reimbursement in high cost areas, we provide the Capital Construction<\/a> costs to be able to build those services into a community, so we have distinctly Different Missions<\/a> and different funding methodologies to achieve that. However, common to both of us, is the fact that weve got to have good mapping to be able to determine where service is and where it is not. I think the fcc has done a superb job this summer of working to try to improve their methodology for collecting data. Were working with not just the fcc but also with the ntia and with private stakeholders and state level governments to properly understand what is currently out there, what we found when weve put boots on the ground and going out and doing site validations is oftentimes theres no Single Source<\/a> that has the absolute correct data to be able to recognize who currently has service on a 24 7 Daily Availability<\/a> at the fcc standard. So were working diligently, and were meeting regularly to help accomplish that mission to where we can effectively deploy the federal dollars and partner them with private investment. So we truly can leverage and make the right impact in the right locations. I thank you for your answer, and again, please keep us posted. I know that senator stabenow and member of this committee is interested. Senator smith. Thank you, chair roberts and Ranking Member<\/a> stabenow. In addition to thanking row you being here today, thank you so much for the topic of this hearing. Since ive been senator, ive traveled all over my state to small towns in rural areas. I think a lot of times when we go to these parts of our states, we all have them. We show up sometimes with this attitude of like tell me all of your problems instead of showing up and saying what can we learn . What are you doing that is working that we can support here in washington, and with that spirit in mind as i visited the communities in my state, i have been so inspired by the creativity and the innovation that i see. Certainly there are challenges, challenges that we can all work on here together, but also so many things that are going right. And it was with this spirit that i asked senator mike rounds to join me in a Rural Economy<\/a> working group, a bipartisan working group, that is really focused on. I wanted to mention that to my colleagues. I welcome all of you participating in that conversation as a way of moving forward the good news in Rural Communities<\/a> and what we can do to support it more. So with that spirit in mind, im really grateful to have a chance to talk with you all today, and i want to start mr. Lammers with you, the issue that senator ernst started on which is the issue of Rural Housing<\/a> and we know what a big challenge this in rural areas. It becomes an economic constraint when Rural Communities<\/a> that are growing jobs dont have the housing they need for the workers who are wanting to live in that community. It is particularly a challenge in minnesota for Affordable Housing<\/a> in rural areas, and this is i want to hone in on the federally assisted Housing Units<\/a> that we know are not in great shape and are aging quickly. And many of this many of this problem is just a significantly big problem in rural areas. I introduced a bipartisan amendment to the agricultural appropriation bill that the senate recently passed that would require the usda to prioritize maintenance needs in Rural Housing<\/a> units, and would also ask the usda to strengthen enforcement against Property Owners<\/a> who are failing to make the repairs that are necessary to those Housing Units<\/a>. So mr. Lammers, could you i know you understand the importance of preserving these rental Housing Properties<\/a> in rural areas. Could you tell us about how this will be a focus of the Rural Housing<\/a> Service Going<\/a> forward. A long question, but thank you. Okay. Thank you for your question. Last year, and i too have by traveling and seeing the people that we work with and the people that we help out in the communities have learned a lot about the Mission Rather<\/a> than what happens here in washington, and its inspiring to me to be able to be part of the mission that serves the community the Rural Communities<\/a> especially. Weve got some great people throughout the country, and here in our offices in d. C. That are inspired to help, and last year we preserved we provided funding to preserve 216 Housing Units<\/a>, and i think it was for 7,678 families that were able to continue living in what i would call preserved housing. We are working on a restructure of the way we deliver services through multifamily, and our goal is to have more of a focus on pathways that deal with managing of risk and assessing how often we should inspect and how often we should enforce different properties, Property Owners<\/a>. So if a property is performing well financially and management is on site and is keeping the property up to date, we would probably look for less inspection if we havent had problems with it in the past, so its a riskbased approach that we plan to implement. Right now were reviewing the portfolio to look to see what percentage of our properties are in more need versus less need. But its a process thats underway. So let me ask you, its my understanding that its difficult to manage this enforcement because the Rural Housing<\/a> service doesnt currently keep track of the total number of inspection violations by property. Is it is that correct, and why does why wouldnt the usda require this information to be included on the inspection reports . Thank you. Ive been part of a i visited a property in rural colorado that had just received an inspection, and it was a couple that has owned a property for many years, and they were quite welcome to what our inspectors had suggested. So we do keep track. I think we need to do a better job in tand the realignment we working on will allow us to do that and to concentrate our resources where theyre most needed. Thank you, i look forward to continuing to work with you on that. Thank you. Senator fischer. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Rupe you mentioned in your testimony, and although its not a farm bill program, about the broadband reconnect Pilot Program<\/a> applications that theyre now being awarded. I have several companies in nebraska who have applied for that new Pilot Program<\/a> over the summer. Can you give us some kind of status update on that new Pilot Program<\/a> and describe how the processing of those applications and the Award Decisions<\/a> have been progressing so far . Yes, senator, that you think for the question. Were very proud of the reconnect program and we thank you for that program. We believe its vital to be able to address the broadband issues that we see. First of all, i share the belief with the secretary that investments made through the broadband Pilot Program<\/a> are going to be critical to providing health care, education, banking, and Job Opportunities<\/a> in open vital markets for our farmers and ranchers. Id like to emphasize this is a Pilot Program<\/a>, and therefore, you know, theres we dont know all the right answers right out of the gate, and we took our time. We wanted to make sure that we delivered in a modern and efficient way so we opened that program for applications earlier this year, and we received 146 applications from 41 states throughout the u. S. For the total of 1. 4 billion for the 600 million in appropriations from the first round of funding we received from the appropriations bill. We worked very hard to make sure we had a modern delivery and decisionmaking system in there. If you go to recollect. Us. Da. Governor. Youll be able to pull up a map and it will show where service is provided in one area. We gave current providers the opportunity to challenge any service area that was proposed for service so that when we put boots on the ground and verified whether or not that area currently has service, we knew we were speaking to the right people in the right location to make the right decision. Having said that, we have started the award announcements for those, and we plan to have that fully completed by december for the first round of funding. We have publicly announced some of them. We have many offers that are out on the table for 27 projects so far as of this morning for a total of 289 million worth of those funds in 20 states. So were actively engaging in making our decisions and finding the right award opportunities in the right locations, and it changes on a daily basis. Were working extremely hard to make that happen. Thank you. You know how important it is to be able to have broadband across this country. I like to say its the number one priority for infrastructure in the future if were going to keep our rural areas vibrant to make sure that the Governmental Services<\/a> are available to keep people, young people there because of the opportunities theyll have with education to keep older people there as they age, and need to have possibly more medical care to make sure that thats available as well. Theres a lot of really cool things happening when it comes to especially the internet of things and that connectivity thats out there and to be able to make these advancements, its extremely important that we keep all citizens in this country connected to the future and whats available in the future. Administrator brand, in the 2018 farm bill, we added some implementation requirements to the bio fuel markets program. The usda is required to establish an expedited approval process for products to be determined eligible for the p procurement program. Can you provide an update on with are those efforts are in the agency right now . We are very happy to have the bio based markets Program Within<\/a> Rural Development<\/a>. It is a natural fit with my of our stakeholders. We have already fully incorporated them within our programs and stakeholders weve gone to meetings. The National Office<\/a> team has accompanied them on meetings, and so the program itself is up and running fully functional within Rural Development<\/a> within Rural Business<\/a> cooperative service. Like wise, the regulations were in the process of writing those and finishing up those rules and well have them available early in 2020. Thank you so much. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator casey. Thank you mr. Chairman, i want to thank the panel. Im sorry i was here a little late for your testimony, but i want to start with the topic youve heard so much about, broadband. And i guess to emphasize a couple of things that are coming in sharper focus now than maybe even before, a number of years ago after hearing a number of individuals in our state, Public Officials<\/a> and others asking about what we were going to do about Rural Broadband<\/a>, in talking about the Economic Development<\/a> impact, the business impact, the broader economic impact, one county commissioner finally made it clear to me. He said senators, kids cant learn without broadband, that our school a big part of the problem, what was not happening in our schools. Over and over again i keep coming back to that. So whether youre thinking about this in terms of Economic Growth<\/a> or job creation or in the connectivity that has to precede that or whether youre thinking about it in very basic terms when it comes to children learning in school or not being able to learn, this is a huge challenge, and i know that usdas been working on this. I know that weve had a number of efforts made by both parties, both houses, and now two administrations to begin to tackle this problem, but unfortunately with all the initiati initiative, all the programs were way behind. In my judgment when it comes to Rural Broadband<\/a>, were failing. Were just not getting the job done. And we cannot allow that to persist. We know that when it comes to both Small Businesses<\/a> and farmers and sometimes theyre one and the same without access, their profit emergenmargins are adversely impacted. Farmers missing out on technology to help increase their business. They may have to drive hours to deliver Financial Information<\/a> to their accountants. Rural residents are having trouble accessing information about government services. We dont talk about this very much. This is not just that the small farmer cant access information sometimes about usda, but cant get information about social security, cant get information about medicare, cant get information about filing their taxes, cant get information about applying for jobs online, so theres just a whole range of problems. I know that usda is working with other agencies on this, and i appreciate the work youre doing. Theres others who come to us and say we want to make sure we can maintain our tax exempt status while receiving broadband funding, and i know that mr. Hayward and another panel will be concerned about ensuring that electric cooperatives are able to utilize these programs focused on broadband and not be disadvantaged. So i guess the first question is by way of reiteration. I know youre repeating yourself because of this question, but give me the i guess the most cogent update on where we are with regard to the Rural Broadband<\/a> program, the reconnect program, and any other update you can provide. Senator, thank you for the question, and i think that it is also important to recognize that within our electric infrastructure loan program, we also have investments for smart grid, which includes fiber, and if we think back to when this organization was originally formed back in the 30s, it was the electric coops that were formed that helped start electrifying america and the secretary and i definitely see this as a modern day version of that. Having said that, thats when i mentioned the nontraditional approach, if we continue to do the same thing over and over again without changing, we should expect the same result, and so thats why i say were working very hard to find nontraditional approaches while maintaining strong underwriting, good methodology to get the right information to the right location, to make the right decision. With that, it absolutely makes a difference. We are more than happy to pair up in any program to help find the right solution if its within our authority to do so and it makes sense for our applicants to take that approach. So we have tried to be very flexible, and thats how we designed the rekebt program con to ensure if someone has the capacity and they have willing partners to come to the table to provide that service thats so desperately needed in Rural America<\/a>, that has not yet been addressed through the private sector alone, were more than happy to engage and make that happen. We welcome the opportunity to do so through our program, so we are were very happy and very pleased that youve been willing to support our programs to date. I appreciate that and i just happen to represent a state which people think of as a state with big cities and a ill bit of territory in between. Weve got 67 counties, 48 are rural and so we hear about this issue a lot. Ill submit a question for the record to the administrator brand regarding the healthy food financing initiative, but im out of time, but its a great pennsylvania model, but ill submit that in writing as well as others. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator. Senator boozman. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and thank you all for being here to discuss the Rural Development<\/a> title of the farm bill. The farm bill for our state is just for so many other states, in fact i would say most states, one of the most important pieces of legislation that we deal with here. First of all, i want to thank you for the job youall are doing. I have the opportunity to visit a lot with Rural Development<\/a> in arkansas, the office, theyre doing a tremendous job, and really appreciate the support that youre giving them. So give yourself a big pat on the back in that regard. Sometimes we hear lots of negative, but we dont take time, again, when people are organ working hard to try and help each other. I dont really have a question about broadband, its been brought up so much, but i do want to reaffirm its importance. Sadly through arkansas, throughout much of the country you go into Rural America<\/a> and you see young people sitting on the in their cars doing their homework, you know, leeching the broadband from the local schoolhouse. Thats not an uncommon site. Id say even in upstate new york, you know, it truly is amazing so thats something that i think that we all are certainly united on. Let me ask you a question regarding the Rural Development<\/a> wastewater and Community Facility<\/a> programs in the sense that in 2019, theyre still required to utilize the American Community<\/a> survey. 2006 through 2010 data set in determining the Median Household Income<\/a> of the project Service Areas<\/a> for various loan and Grant Eligibility<\/a> within the programs, so again, theyre required to use that. Its my understanding that Rural Development<\/a> is not obtained a nonmetropolitan Median Household Income<\/a> for the Census Bureau<\/a> for each state that must be obtained in order to use with a more current American Community<\/a> survey fiveyear data set. So thats kind of in the weeds, but i guess the question is when will Rural Development<\/a> begin using a more current data set to determine the Median Household Income<\/a> of a project service area . The world has changed a lot since 2000, 2010 p i think its important to understand why we do that, and i think that we need to address that first. As far as why we do that, that is to ensure that were being fair and equitable in how we handle the grant component of our loan program to where we can match that up to where we are not giving undue advantage to someone who has a lot of deferred maintenance in their system and refuses to charge their customers fair and reasonable rates to have a sustainable and functional healthy Drinking Water<\/a> and Waste Disposal<\/a> system. So thats the reason that we do that. Secondly, we have to have equitable information, solid information, president is census is a way to do that. So because its an every ten year census, it does create issues of challenges between what was and what is because as you said, a lot can change in the course of eight years as weve seen. The good news is that we have a great economy, and the economy is the best in my lifetime, and i think thats a good news story that is worth stating and because of that, weve seen the ability of people to improve on their systems and have a healthier and livelier economy because of that. With that said, there is an opportunity for us to help improve in how we deliver that and make those decisions and by having access to more current information would definitely be helpful. The ability to be able to improve on that, were more than happy to take a look at and work on, and we can work with you as we move forward to help. We appreciate that, and we really would like to. Theres similar programs throughout government that depend on, you know, the same sort of data, but where you get in trouble these out years as you get so far out, and again, in a very changing time in Rural America<\/a>. So thank you, mr. Chairman. Let mae ask a question to mr lammers hero thate that i inten ask before. My apologies to senator gillibrand, nice to have you back, and ill do this real quickly. Mr. Lammers, this question is for you. One of the Top Priorities<\/a> in the Rural Development<\/a> title of the 218 farm bill was try to prioritize our Community Facility<\/a> funding for the construction of or the improvements to Addiction Treatment<\/a> facilities, which address the problem or the epidemic that we are experiencing with opiate addiction. In kansas we had a unified effort with Law Enforcement<\/a> to close down a lot of meth labs. Today we find in many states that doesnt exist anymore, but still the product comes through now straight from mexico, probably from china. And this is a much stronger situation with meth. We just had the district attorneys of kansas and i asked them what their number one question was, i did not expect this but for the second year in a row they said meth clogging up Law Enforcement<\/a>, clogging up the courts, and obviously causing great pain to many families. My question is what kind of demand has ushs sda seen for funding of these type of helt facilities and how is our department educating the communities about the resources available, if any, at the department to help fight addiction . Thank you for your question. Ive seen firsthand in some of my visits around the country the issues that exist specifically touring kentucky and tennessee, i saw i toured a jail that was under construction and the main reason for that jail was because of incarceration because of addiction, and so theres definitely demand. We have financed about 37 projects in 15 states that have contributed to either the treatment or prevention of Substance Abuse<\/a>. Our staff has been out working, trying to make sure that people understand that under the Community Facilities<\/a> program, we are able to finance those treatment facilities. So thank you. This is a this is a problem thats not going to go away anytime soon, but we have to mount an intensive effort to be of help, and thank you for your work. Senator gillibrand. Thank you, mr. Chairman, it is a slight to be back. Mr. Brand, i was proud to pass my bipartisan rule job and investment act into law as part of the 2018 farm bill reauthorization. This legislation made multiple reforms to Rural Development<\/a> title to reverse the declining rauts of rural entrepreneurshi,s to expand access to equity ka capital. Rural entrepreneurs are in desperate need to start and grow businesses. The farm bill indicated the rural innovate for stronger economy, or rise Grant Program<\/a> which authorizes grants of 500,000 to 2 million each to a locally driven rural jobs k accelerated partnerships. Made up of entrepreneurs, leaders, and job training providers so they can work on improving their local economy and positioning their leader to be more competitive. Yes, maam, thank you for those questions. Firstly, the Rural Business<\/a> Investment Program<\/a>, we are in the process of now of writing the rules and the changes needed and some of those have been made through administrative notices, but the rest of them will be finished in early 2020. With regard to the rise program, the Grant Program<\/a>, we are excited to be able to look at that as an opportunity, as a rural jobs creator or accelerator partnership, and we are waiting funding to be able to implement that program however. Thank you, the Rural Business<\/a> Investment Program<\/a> is modeled after the sba, Small Business<\/a> Investment Company<\/a> program, and im aware of a memorandum signed by usda and sba to better coordinate the delivery of their programs, improved coordination fween sbic and rbip programs should be part of this mou in order to mobilize more capital for Rural Business<\/a>es. Can you commit to working with the sba on dedicated efforts to prioritize the certification of more spic funds as the Rural Business<\/a> Investment Companies<\/a> through the usda and more rbics as sbic funds . Yes, thank you for that question. We have already have been. That mou has been in existence for almost two years now, and weve already been working jointly with sba on outreach and reaching out it oinvestors across the country as well as trying to stream like the application process to make it easier for them to be in one or both of the programs. Thank you. I recently introduced legislation the rebuild rule america act, which creates a rural regional block grant that awards dedicated annual longterm funding to implement locally driven economic and Community Development<\/a> strategies. Rural communities face complex challenges that demand sbrensive solutions and longterm planning. The current federal grant system is too narrow and inflexible to address their specific needs. Larger cities have benefitted in the form of Community Development<\/a> block grants. My bill would create a similar dedicated pool of funding. How are your programs currently helping Rural Communities<\/a> build greater capacity to advance local plans for community and Economic Development<\/a> and do you see value in longterm noncompetitive block Grant Program<\/a>s that complements the existing competitive grants and financing programs currently available through the usda Rural Development<\/a> . Thank you, again, for that question. One moment, please, let me catch up with you on. So we are working with Rural Development<\/a> state councils and also to deliver those programs, and right now we are in the process of working, reviewing that and writing the rule, and well be working on that throughout the beginning of 2020. Thats great, thank you. Thank you madame chair mr. Chairman and madame Ranking Member<\/a>. I appreciate that, it would appear now that appear now that thank you to our first panel. Thank you for coming. I appreciate your testimony and insights. Its helpful to the committee. Id like to welcome our second panel of witnesses before the committee, and thank you again to the first panel. Thank you, sir. Thanks. Thank you, maam. Everybody settled . Thank you all for coming. We really appreciate it very much. Senator hydesmith, youre right in the nick of time to introduce the first witness. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you for convening this hearing to review the u. S. Department of agricultures rule and development of Energy Provisions<\/a> in the 2018 farm bill. Farm bills provide us with an opportunity to go back and periodically address and look at an array of programs and issues of importance to Rural America<\/a>, especially in places like mississippi. The Senate Ag Committee<\/a> has an equally important responsibility to provide oversight to ensure usda is timely and consistent with the congressional intent and meets the needs of our constituents. I certainly appreciate these outstanding witnesses being here today. I would like to give a warm welcome to mr. Keith hayward here on the end, the ceo of northeast Mississippi Electric<\/a> Power Association<\/a>. Based in oxford, mississippi. During mr. Haywards 32 years of service, the northeast Mississippi Electric<\/a> Power Association<\/a> has grown from providing electricity to 10,000 homes and businesses to providing power to approximately 27,000 today. Im proud that this association continues to be one of the Fastest Growing<\/a> electric power cooperatives in the entire country. Doing an outstanding job. Again, mr. Hayward, thank you for taking the time to come to d. C. And be with us today and to share your knowledge and insights and ways to improve the rural lives that we have here in this country. Mr. Hayward, theres been a tremendous amount of attention and resources directed towards Rural Broadband<\/a> deployment in the farm bill and recent appropriation bills. One program in particular is the reconnect grant. Its the lone program administrated by usda Rule Development<\/a>. I understand your Power Association<\/a> has shown a considerable amount of interest in participating in this program. Will you offer some insight as to how this program is helping northeast Power Association<\/a> meet the needs of the customers and bridge that Digital Divide<\/a> that we so many times experience . What recommendations can you offer on how we could improve to better meet the needs of the people of business rural mississippi and around the entire country . First, thank you for that introduction, and thank you for your dedication to the state of mississippi. Its very wellthoughtof. As far as the reconnect program, we did apply for the grant. Grant only program. There were some experiences with some difficulties and some rule making. In particular, in our area, we have one of the more vibrant areas of mississippi, around oxfo oxford. We have a great deal of unserved territory which qualified for the grant application. One of the problems we had is we have the mapping system thats been discussed here earlier. That is really not very accurate, but it is the best that we have. Were taking Government Data<\/a> thats been provided through the fcc, that the usda got, and they give us the territories that we can apply for. One of the stipulations in the Grant Program<\/a> was the fact that it was a 100 that it could not have any end one service. 100 mark is very hard to reach. Its perfect. So we actually stood up a phone bank of 1,200, called 1,200 of our members that were in the territories that we were given to try to figure out if we had somebody out there that may be Getting Service<\/a> that was not on the map or that we did not know. Because if there was just one challenge, then the way the grant was written, that the whole grant would be disqualified. We were spending thousands of dollars to apply for this grant. Much like the lone programs, they were 90 10 percent. To this day, we havent received word. We dont know if there were some pe people out there that maybe we didnt know about or applied for service in wean tbetween the ti the grant. The other issue we have is we feel like that through some of the stimulus money, theres been several systems that have demonstrated that they can put fiber in the electric space and own the fiber as part of the electric company. We feel like that the electric gfrs at rus are not being they need to talk with the telecoms. I think were getting a lot of the telecoms writing the rules, and they need to understand its a business. We figured out a way to do it differently. If were going to serve rural, unserved, sparsely populated areas, our structure is different than the telecoms. Thats been demonstrated through some other utilities that are out there doing that. We feel there needs to be a little more collaboration between the two different departments within the usda. Those are the two main concerns. I had one more. Pardon me just a second. Oh, im sure well talk about this later as i get into some more testimony. The rsu reconnect program was a 101 minimum service. Scc is a 253. When i talk to my constituents, the first thing i ask them, can you give me a definition of broof broadband . We changed it so many times. By the time we write a new definition, it seems it is out of date. I feel if there is another program, it needs to be at least 253. What were looking at offering our customers is fiber to the home, offering up the gigabit service. Were building for the future. Its what weve done the last 85 years. We build something thats going to stand the test of time. As you talk to customers, and we rolled out these surveys and we find people that are trying to run Small Businesses<\/a> on their homes, on their data plans, on their cell phones, or trying to do their homework. Im in a college town. We have several students, professors that are having to that are sending out their information on video now. People taking classes at school. The speeds are getting exponentially faster and faster. The need for data is getting more and more out there. Much like tennessee and chattanooga, they have gigabit service. I want my members to have gigabit service, also, and it can only be done through fiber. Thank you very much. At this point, i think well introduce the next witnesses. Senator ernst was looking forward to introducing our next witness, mr. Brian seivers. She is not here. Somebody conducted a study some years back and said that senators are supposed to be two places at the same time over half the time. Exactly. I think were going to add three to that now. Anyway, were happy to welcome brian and his wife, lisa. Theyre the current owners operators of seivers farm. A 2300 acre, 2,400 beef cattle lot. Renewable Energy Facility<\/a> located in iowa, which is near stockton. The seivers farm boasts a 1 megawatt combined heat and power system fueled by methane produced from two an aerobic die gestures utilizing manure, cover crops, and other fees. The electricity generated is sold to their local Service Provider<\/a>. Brian rk brian, a 1982 graduate, with a degree in agriculture. Kansas state plays tennessee, then we play you again. Just take it easy on us, will ya . Peter mcconnell is already introduced mr. Michael stanley. The last witness i turn to the our distinguished Ranking Member<\/a> for her introduction. Thaennk you, mr. Chairman. Last but not least, im pleased to have dr. Jeff dwyer with us at the hearing. He joins us as the director of Michigan State<\/a> University Cooperative<\/a> extension and the senior associate dean of outreach and engagement of the msu college of agriculture and natural resources. At msu extension, dr. Dwyer leads 600 faculty and staff with the goal of improving rural life for those in michigan. Hes improving health care by addressing the opioid academic, Drinking Water<\/a> issues, farmer stress, and Mental Health<\/a>. Before his role, he served as a senior associate dean in msus college of human medicine. Welcome, dr. Dwyer. Were so pleased you could join us. Mr. Hayward is first. Pardon me . Mr. Hayward is first. Mr. Hayward. Yes. Thank you, chairman roberts. Ranking member and members of the committee. Thank you, once again, for the introduction. Congratulations on the recent passage of the new farm bill, and thank you for the opportunity to testify on this implementation. The farm bill is essential to electric cooperatives because it contains tools that helps us keep the lights on in Rural America<\/a>, employ broadband, have renewable services, modernize the grid, and improve the communities we serve. For decades, the Rural Service<\/a> electric program has been our foundation, providing lowcost financing to coops for installing and maintaining the grid. Its been the most important Rule Development<\/a> tool in this countrys history. In addition, about half of all electric coops borrow private cooperative banks, like cfc and cobank. The farm bill reauthorized and maintained these important programs which gives us Healthy Options<\/a> for financing the work we do. In addition to our electric work, they play a vital role in the communities we serve. Since 2009, mississippi coops conducted around 25 million in rural Economic Development<\/a> loan and grant or red leg projects. We believe the red leg Program Remains<\/a> a viable tool in offsetting population fight and job loss in mississippi and around the country. The recent farm bill includes needed changes to the red leg program to provide secure funding and to the future. In the 21st scensurely, theres perhaps no more important Rule Development<\/a> challenge than providing broadband internet. As this committee knows, deploying broadband infrastructure in scarce areas is very costly. So much so, most of our members are lagging their urban counterparts. My coop recently approved a plan to bridge that Digital Divide<\/a> by offering fiber to the Home Broadband<\/a> with up to gigabit speeds to 100 of our members. Our goal is to begin Offering Service<\/a> as soon as next year. Were enthusiastic about the farm bills inclusion of the new loan Grant Program<\/a> for rule broadband. Building on the usda reconnect, of which we are an applicant. We have experienced technical and rule related challenges throughout the process which i hope to talk more about. We are committed to working with congress and usda to provide feedback on suggested amendments. Continued government funding to reduce the up front Capital Investment<\/a> will remain essential to the expansion of Rural Broadband<\/a> throughout america. As it is key to the 21st century development, Communication Infrastructure<\/a> is the abc is a returning member of the ag coalition. A group of organizations committed to a strong, Bipartisan Energy<\/a> title. Nonfarm economies, two key ways to address the deployment of Renewable Energy<\/a> and the production of renewable chemicals. I come before you today to urge the committee to continue closely overseeing the implementation of the 2018 farm bill. This important piece of legislation contains many programs intended to help farmers diversify their income streams. In the midst of trade wars, horrible planting weather and harvest weather, and the administrations actions to undermine the renewable fuel standard, farm bill title programs continue to provide to farmers, producers, and small Rural Business<\/a>es. American farmers in Rural Communities<\/a> are hurting. While u. S. Farms net income is forecasted to rise in 2019, these challenges are squeezing farmers between decreasing Commodity Prices<\/a> due to the demand of the ongoing trade war with china and the gutting of the rff caused by issuing more small refineries for the rfs than ever before. The Trump Administration<\/a>s actions have dramatically reduced what we need, which reduces the income needed to operate the farms. Numeral farm bills have crafted policies to minimize fluctuations caused by commodity price volatility. As members of the committee, continue to implement the 2018 farm bill. We ask members to keep in mind the value of our 21st century boy o biobased economy, which can offset the headwinds affecting our farms, families, and the ag economy. Chief among these policies is the Farm Bill Energy<\/a> title. Title title 9 creates high jobs for farmers, accelerates the commercialization of technologies, and products and biogas systems and biorefinery manufacturing facilities in Rural Communities<\/a>. Conventional and advanced fuels, chemicals and biobased products made with biotechnology can drive the demand for crops, including cover crops, perennial crops, and crop residuals. This can boost revenue. As a stake folholdestakeholder, participated in the process to craft the 2018 farm bill. Overall, we are thankful that the bill contained an energy title with mandatory funding. However, in total, mandatory funding has decreased significantly from 694 million in 2014 to 375 million in 2018. That is a decrease of 46 . Alternatively, the total discretionary ausization pthori 1. 7 million, approximately 13 more than what was authorized in the 2014 farm bill for the energy programs. While the latter increase sounds positive, most Energy Title Programs<\/a> did not receive discretionary appropriations under previous appropriations bills, something that should change. We urge the committee to make up for this decrease of mandatory funding by strongly supporting the full annual funding of the discretionary amount authorized. Were especially pleased to see the committee authorize the role they can play in the economy by establishing section 9011. The biogas program. Investing in technology is mature. Greater deployment throughout the Rural Economy<\/a> has been slowed due to lack of awareness and farmer education about how they work and their benefits. D digesture can trap manure and convert it to nutrient rich fertilizers, renewable national gas, and feed stocks for bioplastics. Providing education and outreach to farmers and agriculture producers can increase the deployment of digesters, as well as the utilization of the farm bill title programs that support digestures. We ask the committee to support this program. While we celebrate the distingui establishment of this program and hope to have it funded, we are disappointed whats highlighted in the report, such as the biogas opportunities Road Map Task<\/a> force have not been acted upon by the usda. This provision states no later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the improvement act of 2018 the usda secretary, in coordination with the secretary of energy and the epa administrator, will establish a task force to coordinate policies and accelerate investment in biogas effective systems. This task force can help provide resources for potential new progr programs, to ensure theyre designed, developed, engineered, constructed, and operated so they can succeed. The lack of forward progress if you can wrap this up, itd be helpful. Ill do that. Itll be helpful as we move forward with the implementation of the farm bill. Ill replace the remainder of my testimony, speaking in the 2018 farm bill on the record. Im happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, sir. Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Stanley . Senator roberts, thank you for your invitation to testify at this hearing. Also im humbled by senator mcconnells earlier remarks. As ceo of grace health, i want to share my appreciation for the usda Distance Learning<\/a> and telemedicine grant awards. We were awarded in 2011, 2016, and most recently the 2018 telehealth equipment funding for 650,000. That includes 154,000 in matching funds. We were able to add an additional nine schoolbased health sites, seven clinics, and six nursing home sites. Grace health Community Health<\/a> center, doing business as grace health, is a fully qualified Health Center<\/a> with primary care serving the southeastern appalachian kentucky. Grace healths priority is to serve the vulnerable populationings, including children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with low income. We accept medicaid, medicare, and private insurance. Also provide services on a sliding fee scale to those who are uninsured or under insureun. For the dlt program, services in southEastern Kentucky<\/a>, near virginia, and the east and bordering tennessee in the south, and includes bell, clay, knox, and whitley counties. All our Service Area Counties<\/a> have been designated as part of the federally designated Eastern Kentucky<\/a> promise zone designed to encourage economic and Educational Development<\/a> in one of the nations most impoverished areas. The countries are also designated as usda strike force zone. The Service Areas<\/a> located in the eastern coal region of the state and is comprised of rugged terrain composed of soaring mountains and valleys. Grace health sees tele medicine as an opportunity to improve the Work Environment<\/a> for our Health Care Providers<\/a> and, thus, assist in provider retention. Innovative strategies such as telemedicine provide access to resources and support for both the patient and the provider, giving the provider a more realistic chance of making a difference. That isnt always possible when these resources are not accessible. Grace health has identified four needs to be addressed through the telemedicine. Number one, access to Health Care Providers<\/a> and services. Number two, transportation. Number three, Behavioral Health<\/a> treatment. Including Mental Health<\/a> and Substance Abuse<\/a> treatment. And number four is Patient Engagement<\/a>. To meet these needs, grace health has expanded telesed mete to 33 sites, six primary care, one womens clinic, 17 schoolbased centers, and Nursing Homes<\/a> and one hospital. Services include primary care, consultation, Behavioral Health<\/a>, and Patient Engagement<\/a>. With telemedicine, rather than traveling to different clinics for different services, patients are able to access most of the services that they require at a clinic in their own community. Using telemedicine, grace healths Mental Health<\/a> providers have increased the number of patients served. Through telemedicine, our Behavioral Health<\/a> providers have access to all our primary care clinics, as well as our schoolbased Health Center<\/a>s. This increases the efficiency of our providers and greatly enhances services. Grace health has improved Patient Engagement<\/a> by increasing access to care, providing supportive services, and prov e providing warm handoffs through telemedicine. Access is the most basic form of Patient Engagement<\/a>. Telemedicine helps us increase Access Points<\/a> for services. When it is easier to access care, pay shenlts are more likely to receive the services that they need to manage their health. As of july 1st, 2019, kentuckys new telehealth rules for medicaid and commercial health plans helped sustain telehealth programs through reimbursement of te eteleHealth Services<\/a>. Kentucky is now a parody state. If it is reversible during an inperson visit, the same encounter will be reversible with telehealth technology. This includes all providers and locations, and it is equivalent to a traditional inperson encounter unless the payer and provider have negotiated a reduced payment rate. In my personal opinion, telehealth is part of the answer to our primary care physician shortage, and the rural underdeveloped areas of our country. Im grateful for the opportunity to partner with the usda dlt program, and im committed to the success of this program that will improve the Health Care Outcomes<\/a> of your constituents that are our patients. Mr. Stanley, dr. Dwyer . Thank you, senator, for your kind introduction. Chairman roberts, Ranking Member<\/a>, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity to testify about the importance of strengthening Health Services<\/a> in Rural America<\/a>. In addition to my roles at Michigan State<\/a> university, i have the privilege of living in a community of less than 10,000, on the shores of lake superior, and the gateway to the pictured Rocks National<\/a> lake shore. As in other rural areas, one in four residents are 65 or older. We have significant concerns about suicide at all ages. There are ongoing challenges with Substance Abuse<\/a> and retaining jobs with a livable wage. Thanks to your efforts, my community will benefit from the Distance Learning<\/a> and Telemedicine Program<\/a> authorized in the 2018 farm bill. Through that grant funding, the purchase of 3d mammography equipment will improve Cancer Detection<\/a> by 40 over the current 2d technology for my neighbors. This summer, i spent 15 weeks on the road visiting staff and stakeholders in all 83 michigan counties. I saw the ongoing challenges and risks that farmers take to feed the world. One farmer told me, i will be putting a half a Million Dollars<\/a> into the ground when weather permits. I have no idea what is going to happen. This is why the cooperative Extension System<\/a> needs to build on our 100 year reputation of serving rural audiences through agriculture Education Programs<\/a> and integrate it with programming emphasizing Behavioral Health<\/a> and Chronic Health<\/a> conditions. After observing an uptick in attempted and completed suicides in rural areas three years ago in michigan, specifically among farmers and farm workers, we changed our approach. We have more than 600 faculty and staff members, most of whom have completed Mental Health<\/a> first aid training. Lives have been saved as a result. We developed four programs designed to help farmers and those who work in agriculture learn to identify the warning signs of stress, approach people empathetically, and find resources. Our experience in farm stress management and community Behavioral Health<\/a> models the emerging World Cooperative<\/a> extension needs to play in health care today. The farm bills emphasis on telemedicine and greater access to reliable broadband will help provide increased opportunity at the nexus of direct Clinical Services<\/a> and communitybased Health Education<\/a> in Rural Communities<\/a>. We need to do this in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Yet we crosssuiti recruiting m make sure its communities where providers want to live, work, and raise their families. Finally, research on the social determinants of health shows social and economics contribute to outcomes, and rural residents are often disadvantaged on these dimensions. Adequate incomes, jobs, Affordable Housing<\/a>, quality education, and other factors directly Impact Health<\/a> at the individual and population levels. Two years ago, this Committee Health<\/a> held a hearing in michigan as you prepared the 2018 farm bill. As producers of more than 300 k34 commodities, Michigan Farmers<\/a> voices are essential in the discussion of the health of the communities. I appreciate the time you took to listen and for the opportunity to continue the discussion today. At Michigan State<\/a> university, we are doing what we can to support rural residents by working together with this committee and other partners on the federal, state, and local levels. I believe we can find more ways to provide the Services People<\/a> need. Thank you again for your time and the opportunity to address the committee. I look forward to answering your questions. We thank you, doctor. Senator . Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you to all of you for coming and for your testimony today. I specifically wanted to ask dr. Dwyer and mr. Stanley more in terms of health care, particularly Behavioral Health<\/a>. We know that many challenges in health care, keeping our rural hospitals open, getting providers, even more difficult on Behavioral Health<\/a>. Mental Health Addiction<\/a> services in Rural Communities<\/a>. In 2016, the cdc reported that the suicide rate for male farmers had doubled since 2012. Last week, data from the u. S. Courts revealed that farm bankruptcies are up 24 from last year alone. Incredible amount of stress. Farmers need tools, as youve talked about, to manage stress in the face of market uncertainty and uncertainty everywhere they look. We worked very hard to get a fiveyear farm bill to create some certainty some place for our farmers in Rural Communities<\/a>. But we know right now that theyre challenged on every front. I also think that its very important when we talk about health care were talking about health care above the neck as well as below the neck. This is something that i care very deeply about. So we, as you mentioned, expanded telemedicine grants, farm stress assistance, expanded support for Community Facilities<\/a> to address opioid addiction and Mental Health<\/a> services. So dr. Dwyer and mr. Stanley, specifically, anyone else is welcome, but could you provide a little bit more context of what we should be doing to improve Mental Health<\/a> and Addiction Services<\/a> to rural families and farmers. Dr. Dwyer . Thank you, senator. Farmers have the highest death rates due to stressrelated conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, ulcers, and nervous disorders. We need to Pay Attention<\/a> to the whole person. We completely agree with that. So i think the additional enhanced support in the farm bill through telemedicine and broadband allows us to have the potential to provide more Mental Health<\/a> care online. The Research Shows<\/a> that for most people, Online Health<\/a> care is a viable and effective alternative to facetoface therapy. I think you have provided the opportunity for us to provide people with greater access in that particular. I think we can link that to the farm stress assistance. That is that we feel strongly at Michigan State<\/a> university that our next step in the domain of farm stress is to train all Mental Health<\/a> providers to understand the unique challenges of farmers, farm families, and Rural Communities<\/a>. So if youre from an urban area and you dont understand the challenges of farm succession, the difficulties that families face in that domain, you need to know that in order to be able to provide effective care. The other thing i would say, senator, is that i think youve done a Great Service<\/a> by including these programs in the farm bill. I think one of the things we find in Mental Health<\/a> care and stressrelated disorders is that we dont talk about them enough. I think by this body and the senate and all of you in the positions that you have, acknowledging that farm stress, that Mental Health<\/a>, that depression, that opioid misuse, all of those things are not only important but something thats important enough for us all to invest in. I think that level of awareness is also very important. We appreciate it a great deal. Thank you. Mr. Stanley . Senator, thank you for the question. Most of all, thank you for your support of Community Health<\/a> centers. Yes. Telemedicine allows our Behavioral Health<\/a> providers to prosivide services to rural patients with opioid and other addictions in our more remote clinics. It enables providers to reduce time driving to clinics where only a few patients would be seen on a given day. Allowing Behavioral Health<\/a> to see more patients via the telehealth modality. As you may be aware, our small Rural Communities<\/a> have been devastated by the opioid addiction and the availability of Behavioral Health<\/a> support is critical in allowing our patients to learn the coping skills necessary for a Successful Transition<\/a> to sober living. Our Behavioral Health<\/a> providers also support family members during recovery. As children, parents, and family members struggle with their l e loved ones caught up in addiction. Vulnerable children are especially impacted as they must deal with feelings of resentment toward their family members. Whilehe impact of the addiction leads to further trauma for the child, setting up a potential cycle of Substance Abuse<\/a> passed down through the family. Maintained by repeated victimization and withdraw from others due to feelings of shame. So breaking this cycle requires intensive therapeutic support. Often in conjunction with medicationassisted treatment by our medical colleagues. So the ability to provide integrated treatment through collaboration is a critical component of the treatment process. As it allows for consistent provider messaging with the focus on improving outcomes for the challenging population due to high rates of comorbid, sciatic, and medical disorders. Too often, individuals with Substance Use<\/a> disorders are isolated in outpatient and residential treatment centers, which relies heavily on single elements of case, such as solely medical treatment, counseling, or housing support. Barriers to treatment are further encountered in Rural Communities<\/a> when providers and access to integrated treatment modalities are scant. Intd grate integrated treatment allows providers to work together, teaching selfmanagement skills to a population at risk for a developing addiction. Another risk population, that of pregnant mothers abusing drugs, can benefit from a coordinated care program that increases the chance of an infant remaining with its parents after delivery. When patients return home to their communities, therapeutic support becomes a necessity for parents dealing with the challenge of raising a child while engaged in treatment for Substance Use<\/a> disorder. These types of special populations are almost a commonality in our Rural Communities<\/a>. We need all the resources available, including telehealth capacity, to treat populations that are specially vulnerable to Substance Use<\/a> disorders. Therefore, telehealth allows our Behavioral Health<\/a> team to maximize their impact and transcend barriers to care. Thank you. Thank you very much. I know my time is up. By the way, mr. Seivers, i want to follow up with you about our digesters and so on. Im interested in how we can support efforts to expand even more what youre doing. I did want mr. Stanley just to indicate that we we are working on an effort you may be aware on, of behavioral Health Center<\/a>s comprehensively to be able to do what youre talking about, between Health Center<\/a>s, Behavioral Health<\/a> in the community, getting people out of jails, out of the emergency room, and actually receiving treatment. We have similar opportunities. Love to work with you on that. Thank you. Senator brown. Thank you, mr. Chair. For mr. Hayward. It looks like youre ahead of the curve on doing broadband in your area. How many counties does your is your coverage . We serve parts of four counties in mississippi. In indiana, we have 92 counties. 2 3 are rural. Probably most recs are either a county or two. Starting to cascade through the process of providing Rural Broadband<\/a>. Youll actually Start Service<\/a> here next year, it sounds like. When will you plan to be completed . Our project is about a 40month buildout, is what were planning. Were planning on having it built out hopefully within four years at least. That will give access to every member thats currently got electricity . Yes, sir. Impressive. The goal is to our plan is to be able to provide it to every member. Our state law requires that before we can even get into the broadband business that we have to have a plan. Are your other counterparts in mississippi proceeding at the same pace . We have our law just passed in january. We were not able to get into the broadband business from our enabling act. We passed new legislation. Once our i do have to have a vote of our change of articles of incorporation, which will take place in december. We have eight coops already that are thats impressive. Youd be a model for many other states then. Were running short on time. Next question for mr. Seivers. I notice you said that when it talks about the farm economy, were going through a tough stress. Im involved in farming to the extent i can be in it with the time i have available, foresty and rural crops. You mentioned tariffs and waivers. What do you think of the underlying issues that have created chronic oversupply . Acres are opening up across the world that weve never seen before. Asia, asfrica, along with south america. You seem to focus on tariffs and waivers. My opinion is it goes much more deeply. How do you think we get through chronically low prices and high input costs to keep the farm economy alive in the long run . Thank you for the question, senator. I really believe its in the area of livestock production. I think the demand that can come as a result of increased livestock production will be helpful for the supply burdens that we are faced with, especially in the corn and soybeans. Which then leads, obviously, into how do you deal with that and, obviously, trade is one of those things that will help. Certainly in the beef industry, you know, we would hope and anticipate seeing improved market opportunities. Certainly with japan and the trade deal just completed there. The usmca will obviously help that, as well. Passage of that by congress will be instrumental. I think the demand side of that equation will help pull the livestock production and livestock sector forward and improve the demand for a lot of our commodities. I think youre right. Where farms had kind of focused on rural crops only over the last 20 years, i think that might tip back the other way. Livestock and poultry are exportable in a way that, i think, most of the world now is aiming to be selfsufficient on food and feed for themselves. Your digesters that youve put in on your place, was the could you have done one and reached an economy of scale that would have been worthwhile . You have two digesters, correct . We have two anaerobic digester tanks. They operate in parallel. It allows us to process the manure, which is roughly half of the waste streams we process. It also provides an opportunity for a number of processes in the region to send us their waste streams. We receive waste streams from the poultry industry, turkey plants, chick hatcheries, biodiesel plants. Within a radius of your location there . Actually, we go as far as 200 miles away. Wow. Adm facility in decatur, illinois, sends us waste stream. What is your cost per kilowatt when you generate electricity back into the grid, and is it competitive . Ill give you an example. Right now, we sell our electricity to our local Service Provider<\/a> for 4. 8 cents a kilowatt hour. I would say were at break even right now. Thats why the things that weve looked at with renewable fuel standard electricity producers who operate are not eligible. Also, what is associated with, for example, what goes with fuels, that transportation and liquid fuel producers can get. For example, renewable natural gas. Thats one of the changes wed like to see the epa implement. Theyve never expected or adopted into the applications that have been submitted for the year ends pathway. Thatd really help us achieve maybe a little improved level of profitability, as well as the overall implementation of the small refinery exception. My time is up. Id love to learn more about what youre doing there. Sure. Thank you very much. Thank you, sen toator brown. You touched on an important topic that catches all our witnesses. Coop, youre up. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thanks for having this hearing on farm bill implementation. I think it is really important that we do the important work this committee needs to do to ensure the programs are being implemented the way congress intended. Im especially pleased the 2018 farm bill maintains energy and programs which continue to improve energy efficiency, infrastructure, housing, and Economic Development<\/a> in Rural Communities<\/a> across my state of south dakota. Mr. Seivers, you mentioned the epas recent unprecedented issuance of small refinery waivers, which is democrrastica undermining the standard, and the president s commitment to rule america. I heard from producers in south dakota who share your concern. I continue to urge the administration to remedy the harm thats been caused by these waivers. Could you briefly describe the impact of these waivers on farm country . Well, in our particular industry, the biogas, if it is converted into pipeline quality gas, it becomes eligible for either d3 or d5. Advanced or under the standard. As a result of the decrease d utilization, weve seen the value of the rims plummet. Weve seen them bounce back somewhat. I think were now trading around 88 cents for a d3, which is helpful. In our situation, were contemplating going from electricity from the biogas to a renewable gas facility. It represents a significant investment for us. Several Million Dollars<\/a>. If we do participate or move forward with that project, were going to have to rely on it as a portion of the revenue stream to support that investment. At 88 cents, im not sure the value is high enough for us to move forward with that. Okay. Well, i hope that the epa, as they work on this new rule making, is adheres to the commitments the administration has made about ensuring that the rfs 15 billion gallon number is a real number. And that these small refinery exceptions dont continue to erode the very positive impact that the Biofuels Industry<\/a> has had. Not only on the midwest and the farm economy, but id also argue on the National Economy<\/a> and, you know, the Environmental Quality<\/a> issues that were all trying to hit these days. Its just been a, i think, a winwin. We need to keep it going in the right direction. These exceptions have really undermined, i think, the intent and the effectiveness of the renewable fuel standard. Mr. Dwyer, i appreciate the work that Michigan State<\/a> University Extension<\/a> is doing toto address the suicide rates among farmers. This is a great concern to members of the committee. South dakota State University<\/a> extension has similar ongoing efforts. Could you briefly describe Michigan State<\/a>s extension work to address this issue, and also perhaps describe the agreement you all have in place with the farm bureau, farmers union, and credit counsel to make sure the farm stress education materials reach the producers who need it. Yes. Thank you for the question. We enjoy working with our south dakota colleagues a great deal. So the specific programming weve put together initially focused on a program called weathering the storm directly for farmers and farm families. In january, this past january, we had 99 of our colleagues from extensions across the country. I think 19 different states were represented, who were trained in that program. Now, that programming is being provided throughout the country. In addition, we have a parallel program for those who work in agriculture called communicating with farmers in distress. The issue is that the challenges being faced by farmers and farm workers certainly impact farmers and farm workers, but they impact everyone that works around them. Those people are also in a position to know about the challenges and know about changes that people might be experiencing. What weve been able to do at this point is develop online and facetoface programs that were taking out nationally. Working with National Farm<\/a> bureau. Working with fsa and all of those sorts of things. It really builds on our belief that the cooperative Extension Network<\/a> is something we need to use differently and more expansively as we face these challenges. Through capacity funds and other means, you have provided assets that are tremendous. Statewide networks. People embedded in communities. 100year history of doing work that matters to communities. We think we need to broaden that out through some of this Mental Health<\/a> and farm stress work. Yeah. Keep it up. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, can i ask one more question . Certainly. Gavel us out . Almost high noon. Not quite. Mr. Stanley, in your testimony, you talked about Distance Learning<\/a> and telemedicine. Obviously, thats something that, in south dakota, we have long em praise braced. We see benefit to expanded access to rural areas. Weve seen support for telehealth infrastructure and training throughout the zstate. Thats allowed the communities to gain access to emergency services, Behavioral Health<\/a> services, and more. Based on your experience over the years in dlt, id like to have you explain to the committee the federal governments return on investment in the grants. In other words, if not for these grants, how would people in these rural areas be accessing care . Thank you for your question. The telemedicine really does allow our Behavioral Health<\/a> providers to provide services to these rule patients. Again, we cover a sixcounty area. Some of these are the most rural and also most impoverished counties in the country. So youre talking about some, maybe, grandparents raising children, incarceration, all these things that really are issues for access to care. So having our rural clinics with telehealth allows us to take care of that patient at a distance. Again, it is very challenging to recruit providers to a very rural area that doesnt really offer a lot in amenities. So this is really an extender for us. We have a shortage of primary care physicians. It is challenging to get Mental Health<\/a> nursepractitioners. So this is really, i feel, the answer for us to meet that need. For example, we have medically assisted treatment. We have utilized that for our mothers. We realize we deliver about 1,000 babies a year. Did you know that 250 to 300 of those babies are born addicted . Again, we use this medically assisted Treatment Program<\/a> for the mothers who are willing. We built this trust relationship with these mothers. Theyll work with us. See, they have to be a part of a program. That Program Includes<\/a> counseling. Its not just medicalassisted treatment. That allows them to stay in that program. Then they can go to one of the rural sites. Again, like i said, we cover a sixcounty area. I really want to thank the usda for their support. We really see the usda as a partner. Thank you. Mr. Chairman . Thank you, sir. I thank the senator from south dakota. Former president ial candidate. Mr. Seivers, you still out there . Yes, i am, mr. Chair. Heres a flash for you. Last year, the warrior biogas project pardon me this year, on the city in Wastewater Treatment<\/a> plant in kansas started operations at its facility to capture and clean biogas produced from municipal and wastewater for distribution into the natural gas pipeline. 9 million project. Designed to clean the biogas produced through the Anaerobic Digestion<\/a> process, treating wastewater from dodge City Residents<\/a> and nearby National Beef<\/a> processing plants. Dodge city, we used to say, dont worry about that smell. We just smell the money. Thats not the case now. What is the case is they invited their senator to come out and take a look. I have literally blown away. Well, the wind blows a lot in dodge city, but this is a different kind of circumstance. Thank you for your testimony. I think that as this, you know, continues, there are a lot of answers here that we are coming up with. I want to thank all the witne witnesses especially. We talked about telemedicine, opioid addiction, Mental Health<\/a>, and suicide rates. I think the best program i know with regards to farm to address Real Development<\/a> is something called farm income. This is a fifth year in a row where we have had prices below the cost of production. It is amazing to me that our situation is not worse than it is. Yet, farmers know, somehow, how to keep going. They always put the seed in the grown and expect theyre going to have a crop. I would just say for the record, until we get this trade situation worked out, if, in fact, were going to continue to do what we have done the last, what, 45 year 40 years since i in public office, and that is to build our trade capability. To not only feed this country but a troubled and hungry world. We have to get the new nafta passed. I call it United States<\/a> marine corps always. Maybe two up, one back, we can get this job done. You have really contributed here a great deal with the information on what were doing on the local level, despite the fact we have not achieved price recovery, which we simply must do. I thank you for your efforts. I thank you for your testimony. To my fellow members, this will conclude our hearing today. To my fellow members, please submit any additional questions. You may have for the record, three to five Business Days<\/a> or next friday november the 15th. The committee now stands adjourned. This week, were featuring American History<\/a> programs. As a preview of what is available every weekend on cspan3. It is the National World<\/a> war i museum and memorial in kansas city, missouri, and their symposi symposium. This years theme was peace efforts in the aftermath of the conflict. Tonight, military historian and retired naval commander john kuhn discusses the european waters from 1918 to 1921. He profiles several u. S. Navy commanders. You can see that tonight at 8 00 eastern here on cspan3. Also this week, were featuring book tv programs. Showcasing whats available every weekend on cspan2. Tonight at 8 00 eastern, we have biographies and memorials. Jack goldsmith recalls the life of his biographies and memoirs. Thats followed by Robert Wilson<\/a> who recounts the life of 19th century showman p. T. Barnum, the cofounders of the barnum and bailey circus. Urban policy after world war ii through the life of urban planner edward lobe. Watch booktv tonight on cspan2. The impeachment inquiry meetings continue next week when House Commission<\/a> hearing by nadler focusing on the constitution and the history of impeachment. Watch our live coverage wednesday december 4th at 10 00 a. M. Eastern on cspan3. Chairman nadler extended an invitation for the president and his counsel to appear before the committee. Read the letter to the president on our website, cspan. Org impeachment and follow the impeachment inquiry live on cspan3, online at cspan. Org or listen live on the free cspan radio app. President trump held a National Medal<\/a> of arts and humanity ceremony at the white house among the recipients were actor jon voight and musician allison krauss. Ladies and gentlemen, the recipients of the National Medal<\/a> of arts, alison krauss, sharon percy rockefeller, the musicians of the United States<\/a>","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia903109.us.archive.org\/17\/items\/CSPAN3_20191127_194000_Hearing_on_Rural_Communities__Agriculture\/CSPAN3_20191127_194000_Hearing_on_Rural_Communities__Agriculture.thumbs\/CSPAN3_20191127_194000_Hearing_on_Rural_Communities__Agriculture_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240716T12:35:10+00:00"}