In the first episode of 2021, the team dives into an area of strong interest to the food and ag community – vaccines.  In this quick and informative “In a Nutshell” episode, Emily and Tricia answer a handful of the major questions regarding the vaccine rollout, distribution, prioritization for the food and ag sector, as well as the role of the state and counties in the process. Thank you for listening!

Capitol Farm Connection

COVID-19 Vaccinations: In a Nutshell

Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) is the featured guest joining Emily and Tricia on this week’s Capitol Farm Connection podcast covering a multitude of issues facing our members and Californians.   Assemblywoman Eggman discusses growing up on a small farm in Turlock, her run for State Senate, policy priorities, efforts during the pandemic and work to address disparities among Californians, and what gives her hope during this unparalleled year.  Assemblywoman Eggman is a U.S. Army veteran, a licensed social worker, earned her Ph.D., and served on the Stockton City Council.  She’s a member of the Latino Caucus, the LGBTQ Caucus and the Women’s Caucus in the Legislature. 

Visiting with Asm. Susan Eggman, Former Chair of Assembly Ag Committee

The Senate Republican Caucus was muted during debate, Speaker Rendon receives negative press due to denying a new mother the option to vote from home and the Attorney General makes a bold move to vastly increase his powers in a last ditch legislative effort that we successfully defeated.   A crazy ending concludes an equally crazy legislative year.  Listen in to hear Emily and Tricia discuss issues such as employee leave, workers compensation and the latest update from Governors Central Valley strike teams.  The Ag Council team breaks down the issues and how they defended the industry in this suspenseful legislative year.  

Dramatic Conclusion to Legislative Session

Expansion of employee leave, changes to workers comp and limitations on food byproducts used for animal feed are some of the items up for consideration at the end of this year's legislative session.  Emily and Tricia discuss expectations for the end of session as well as the Governor's efforts to support farmworkers through the pandemic.  The Governor is demonstrating a renewed focus in the Central Valley and other areas of high risk in an overall effort to get hospitalization numbers down.  The Ag Council team dives into these issues as well as a new "Housing for the Harvest" program being created by CDFA.  Listen in to learn more!

End of Session: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

You are at risk of higher property taxes due to Prop. 15, a ballot initiative qualified for the November election.  Prop. 15 would repeal Prop. 13 property tax protections for businesses in California.  Emily and Tricia break down Prop. 13, Prop. 15 that's qualified for November, all of the political issues surrounding the two propositions and discuss what Ag Council is doing about it.   **Today's key take-away:  if you want to defeat higher property taxes, vote no on Prop. 15!** To participate in, or to learn more about the opposition efforts, go to: http://www.agcouncil.org/no-on-prop-15 This podcast is in Q + A format.  Questions include: - What is the original Prop. 13 as we know it? - What exactly has qualified for the November 2020 ballot? - Why should agriculture care? - Didn't we vote on this already? - What is the title of Prop. 15 in November? - What is Ag Council doing about it? - How can I participate? Learn about all of this and more in today's episode of "In A Nutshell."

Efforts to Undo Prop. 13: In A Nutshell

Assemblyman Jim Cooper shares his thoughts regarding calls for change in law enforcement and he speaks about the state budget, water and environmental issues in the Legislature.   Asm. Cooper is Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on State Administration and he serves on the Insurance Committee, Governmental Organization Committee and the Public Employees Retirement and Social Security Committee. Prior to becoming a member of the State Legislature, Assemblyman Cooper served as a captain in the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and served as Elk Grove's founding mayor and as a council member.

A Conversation with Asm. Jim Cooper: Real Talk on Tough Issues

Emily and Tricia discuss potential changes to the cap & trade program and the latest information regarding the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in today's episode of Capitol Farm Connection.  As the Legislature considers changes to the statewide budget, a new climate proposal is being considered that would add additional costs for businesses and residents in California.  On the SGMA front, the Department of Water Resources provided an update to the State Water Resources Control Board regarding the Groundwater Sustainability Plans.  Learn how Ag Council is engaging on behalf of the agricultural community on these issues. 

Get the Latest on Cap & Trade and SGMA

This week, the governor issued an Executive Order regarding Workers' Compensation and announced updated budget shortfalls, revealing more information on California's fiscal outlook.   Learn about how both of these issues potentially impact California agriculture in today's episode. Emily and Tricia discuss the parameters required for employees to utilize the new Workers' Comp benefit and the concerns they raised to Administration officials prior to the governor's actions.  A copy of a joint press statement can be found at this link: http://www.agcouncil.org/labor-2.

This Week's Woes: Workers' Comp & the State Budget

Governor Newsom's recent Executive Order (EO) regarding supplemental sick leave and his consideration of a potential EO regarding Workers' Comp are the latest issues impacting agricultural businesses.  Emily and Tricia break down these issues, discuss the pros and cons and their engagement with the Administration on these topics.  Tricia highlights recent legislative activities and the political environment in Sacramento as well. To review a copy of the EO pertaining to sick leave, click here. 

Special Report: Advocacy Amid COVID-19

Work in Sacramento may be occurring remotely, but developments are occurring at a rapid pace.  Executive Orders from the Governor, new guidances from CalOSHA and other state regulatory agencies, and shifting priorities in the Legislature are changing the way we do business in California as a response to the pandemic.  Emily and Tricia dive into these issues, and more, in today's episode.   If you are looking for a way to give back, please consider a contribution to the California Association of Food Banks.  Their website can be located by clicking here.

Special Report: California's Policy Response to COVID-19

Ag Council President, Emily Rooney, sits down with Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.  Karen and Emily discuss several timely issues impacting agriculture, including the Governor's budget, the PG&E and the utility/wildfire crisis, the future of crop protection materials and the state of the dairy industry.  Karen also highlights the Governor's "California for All," initiative and his dedication to the San Joaquin Valley and inland regions of California, underscored by his work with the San Joaquin Valley Partnership and his plans to create a "Food Innovation Corridor," between UC Merced and Fresno State. Karen wraps-up the episode with her views on the promise of agriculture in California and the unique environment the State provides to continue to enable success for the industry.

Meet Karen Ross, Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture

Emily and Tricia discuss the major policy themes in the State Capitol including highlights of the Governor's 2020 Water Resilience Portfolio, his proposed budget and the Food Production Investment Program. With a major focus on the budget, Tricia highlights Governor Newsom’s priorities, agricultural programs funded with climate dollars, water-related funding and the budget process.

The Latest in Sacramento -- The Legislature is Back in Session

Ag Council President, Emily Rooney, interviews Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond Growers. Mark discusses his plans for continued innovation on the product side, Blue Diamond's new membership policies and the shared philosophies between him and his friendly competitors in the industry. Mark also discusses his new leadership position at the California Chamber of Commerce and tackles some of the policies coming out of Washington and Sacramento. Mark and Emily also discuss the benefits of a strong Board of Directors, engaged membership and the collaborative missions of Blue Diamond and Ag Council.

Meet Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond Growers

Cannon Michael & Michael Frantz join Emily in a conversation about water and the politics surrounding it in CA.  Cannon Michael is a 6th generation farmer and Chairman of the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA).  Michael Frantz is CEO of Frantz Wholesale Nursery and a Board Member of Turlock Irrigation District (TID).   Cannon & Michael discuss local projects, managing conflicting state & federal regulations, & provide insights in areas where they see positive change happening. For more information on the SLDMWA, please visit: http://sldmwa.org For more information regarding TID, please visit: https://www.tid.org For additional information, please visit the Water Education Foundation's Website: https://www.watereducation.org

CA Water Series: Featuring Cannon Michael & Michael Frantz

Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D - Baldwin Park) was born in Juarez, Mexico, and came to California with her parents at a young age.  Through perseverance and hard work, she became a teacher, was elected to the local water board, the school board, and now serves as the Assemblywoman for the 48th District in California.   Assemblywoman Rubio discusses the impacts being an undocumented child has had on her family and the lingering effects throughout the state.  She also goes into detail about the priorities in her district including water, education, domestic violence and issues weighing on foster children and working and immigrant families. As a Moderate Democrat, Rubio reflects on the manufacturing presence in her district and its uniqueness from the City of Los Angeles.  She also touches on agricultural issues and highlights the areas we all have in common and opportunities to work together. To learn more about Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, go to her website at:  https://a48.asmdc.org. She can also be contacted through the portal on her site, located at: https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD48.    

Meet Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D - Baldwin Park)

Providing timely California political updates, meant for farmers, ranchers, dairymen and professionals in the food industry. Hosted by Agricultural Council of California.

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Capitol Farm Connection

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