Agricultural News
AFR President Scott Blubaugh Says AFR Day at the Capitol is an Opportunity to Discuss Important Issues Across the State
Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:38:24 CDT
AFR day at the capital is a time when AFR members can meet directly with legislators about topics that are important to their individual communities.
Farm Director KC Sheperd caught up with Scott Blubaugh, President of AFR, during AFR day at the Oklahoma Capitol to talk about the event and issues that will be discussed throughout the day
"It is AFR day, our annual event out here at the state capitol, when we invite our grassroots membership from all over the state of Oklahoma," Blubaugh said. "Seventy-seven counties come out here and tell these senators, our state representatives and the governor and his team what issues are important to them in rural Oklahoma and how it affects them on the farm and their rural communities."
Blubaugh said there has been a tremendous turnout today which shows how interested people are in rural Oklahoma and about coming out and having their voices heard.
"We are really excited," Blubaugh said. "We have a lot of legislators here having lunch with us today."
Blubaugh said both the Senate Ag Committee and the House Ag Committee are at the event. Governor Kevin Stitt, Blubaugh said, as well as Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur will be speaking.
Our members are going to be able to go and lobby today, Blubaugh said.
"Citizen lobbying done on our AFR policy that's created a buyer policy committee and then goes to our convention and is approved by our general membership," Blubaugh said. "We change that every year; we update it and make it current to the issues that are important to our members."
One issue that will be discussed, Blubaugh said, is the CDL which will help custom harvesters in the cotton, wheat and grain industry be able to get temporary permits for those that are 18 years and older to be able to get a conditional CDL license.
"There is a shortage of truck drivers throughout the entire nation," Blubaugh said. "Our folks don't drive long distance generally, and its seasonal, but we need that help- it is critical to bringing in the harvest of our state."
Blubaugh said the marijuana issue will be discussed as well.
"There are several really good bills that we area supporting out here that will help with some regulation and rules when it comes growing marijuana," Blubaugh said. "We are not against medical marijuana by any means of imagination, but there are some bad actors out there and some organized crime, so we are just trying to make it better for those out there who play by the rules and do things right."
The school voucher bill, Blubaugh said, was another big issue for members. Members came out very strongly opposing the Pro-TEM bill in the schools, he added.
"In a rural community, if you lose your school, you have lost your entire community," Blubaugh said. "That rural school binds the community together and it is so vitally important."
Blubaugh said he wants legislation to understand how important a school district is to members in rural communities.
"We will be telling our stories today," Blubaugh said.
To hear the KC's full interview including talk about input costs, the grain market and more with Scott Blubaugh, click the LISTEN BAR below.
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