Political Quotes

“the introduction of the Tobacco Market Transition Act is an important milestone for tens of thousands of farmers. I am proud to have been part of the bipartisan working group that crafted this bill. For decades, thousands of farmers in my state have depended on their tobacco quotas. They made significant investments in equipment and land. They paid into the no-net cost assessment program knowing that the quota system they were locked into would provide for them. They didn't get rich--most of the farmers in my State will tell you that their tobacco profits allowed them to send their children to college or just pay the bills. But that financial security has been eroded. The Federal quota is at an all-time low. In fact, just in the past five years tobacco farmers have seen their quotas cut in half. That same time has been particularly difficult for my farmers, who have had to adjust to the dwindling quota while losing their crops and in some cases their entire farms to three hurricanes, a massive ice storm and a severe drought. It is time to end the Federal quota system. It is time to give these hard working men and women a chance to transition to other crops or to retire with dignity. And for those who want to continue to grow tobacco, we must end the antiquated quota system and give them a chance to compete with foreign producers just as if they were growing any other crop like corn or sweet potatoes. Of course, this isn't just another crop.…”