"Ask Your Senator: A Live Town Meeting" will air March 18, from 7-7:30 p.m. (CST). The program airs regularly the third Thursday of each month on cable outlets across Iowa. Iowans may use a toll-free number -- 1-800-736-2255 -- to participate in the program. Or, they can also e-mail questions to Grassley during the show at AskYourSenator@saa.senate.gov.
Grassley is an outspoken advocate for measures to maintain the American farmer's competitiveness and prosperity in the 21st century global marketplace. Specifically, he is working to pass fair tax relief for farmers; break down international trade barriers; open up new markets for U.S. farm products; make permanent the Chapter 12 provisions of the federal bankruptcy code; budget for a viable risk management farm spending package; monitor mega-mergers in agri- business; level the playing field for independent livestock producers; and, win approval for fast-track negoitiating authority.
Next week, to commemorate National Ag Week, Grassley said he plans to take the following action:
Monday - As chairman of the International Trade Subcommittee, Grassley will hold a hearing on farm trade policy. He will focus on trade negotiations with China and the European Union about agricultural products.
Tuesday - Grassley will deliver a Senate floor statement on American agriculture.
Wednesday - Grassley plans to reintroduce legislation to establish FAARM accounts, a savings tool to help farmers manage the high and lows of farm income in a five-year window.
Thursday - Grassley will unveil an initiative on mandatory price reporting to help level the playing field for independent livestock producers.
Grassley said Thursday's program is a good opportunity for Iowans to call and ask questions or to express concerns about agriculture. "I look forward to discussing this or any other issues during my program. It is important for me to hear what is on the minds of Iowans," he said. "And it's important for Iowans to continue playing an active role in the process of representative government. Calling-in to the program is one way to do that."
As the only working farmer in the Senate, Grassley understands the needs of farmers. He works to expand opportunities for agriculture through his membership on the Agriculture and Finance Committees.
If your community is not listed and you would like to see "Ask Your Senator" in its live format, please contact your local cable operator. Local cable operators needing more information about airing the program live or making arrangements to air a taped-delay version of the program should call Scott Stanzel at 202/224-6197.
"Ask Your Senator: A Live Town Meeting" will air in the communities listed at this site - http://grassley.senate.gov/askysen.htm.