Sunday,  Feb. 02, 2014 • Vol. 16--No. 201 • 10 of 36

(Continued from page 9)

work of universities - including South Dakota State University - that work together to help build a bio-based renewable energy economy. This is an important part of our all-of-the-above energy approach, which could reduce prices at home and at the pump.
• For hunters and conservationists, the Farm Bill includes a provision based on the Protect Our Prairies Act that I wrote.  This will decrease crop insurance support for the first four years after native grassland is broken in South Dakota and other states, encouraging farmers to treat these important grasslands differently than traditional cropland.
• An Office of Tribal Relations will also be established within the USDA, which will help improve communication between the USDA and Tribal nations.  It's another provision that I authored after hearing from South Dakota's Tribes that want to better utilize USDA programs.
• We were also able to ensure those who rely on food assistance continue to have access to it.  The bipartisan Conference Committee approved a number of reforms that will help eliminate fraud and protect taxpayers while still upholding the program's integrity.
• While much more is included in the Farm Bill for producers and consumers, we were able to yield more than $20 billion in savings.
• We are almost across the finish line.  I urge the Senate and President to finalize this legislation quickly so we can begin working with the USDA on the bill's implementation.

Groton City Council Meeting Agenda

February 3, 2014 - 7pm
1) Minutes
2) Financial Report
3) Bills
4) Water Break Update
5) 7:15pm Fred Johnson - E 16th Ave
6) 2013 Street & C&G Project
7) Chamber of Commerce Meeting
8) Baseball Program Plans and Criticisms
9) Determination on summer labor needs
10) Discussion on a School/Police Office
11) Exe. Session - Personnel & Legal
 
AND any other business that may come before the Council

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