Lugar Introduces "FRESH" Act

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(UNDATED) - Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey are introducing the Farm, Ranch, Equity, Stewardship and Health Act.

Lugar says the "FRESH" proposal would end depression era federal crops subsidies that benefit only a few farmers. He identifies the proposal as a safety net that all American farmers could use as an insurance program.

Lugar claims the FRESH Act would save billions in farm payments, while broadening the agricultural safety net. The savings would then be invested in other federal programs with $3 billion left over to reduce the deficit.

Under the bill, each farmer would receive expanded county-based crop insurance policies that would cover either 85-percent of expected crop revenue or yield, or 80 percent of a farm's five year average adjusted gross revenue.

The proposal also calls provides for an additional 4 billion dollars for hunger relief efforts, including major improvements in the food stamp program over the next five years.

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