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County Councilors Pass Resolutions, Set Policy Changes
January 4, 2012
Farmers Union leaders from across the state gather in Huron for the annual County Councilors meeting Jan. 4. Farmers Union leaders from across the state gathered in Huron Jan. 4 for the annual County Councilors meeting.
The gathering brings together leaders from Farmers Union affiliated counties to discuss the organization's policy program.
"This is grassroots at its finest," said SDFU President Doug Sombke. "These are our county presidents and leaders that come together to discuss possible changes to the policy program which we will follow for the next year. Our members make the decisions, they set our policy, and the organization follows through on their wishes."
The County Councilors recommend changes or additions to the policy which will then be brought before delegates at the state convention Feb. 17-18 in Huron.
Some of the changes include a provision to support youth who work and participate in agricultural activities. This change is in response to the proposed rules from the U.S. Department of Labor which would ban some youth from working on farms in certain capacities.
Another policy change passed by the County Councilors deals with the Citizens United decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. The policy would add language saying Farmers Union is "opposed to the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that makes it possible for a corporation to be considered as an "individual" regarding campaign contributions."
The County Councilors approved an addition to the policy supporting the reinstatement of county extension services along with 4-H and well trained agents. The decision comes after state budget cuts forced South Dakota State University to cut county extension offices and instead open regional extension offices.
All of the County Councilor's recommendations will go before delegates at the state convention before being fully adopted by the membership.
During the meeting, Gail Temple, of Clark County Farmers Union, was re-elected as president of County Councilors; Tyler Gerlach, of Aurora County Farmers Union, was re-elected vice president; and Sandee Gittings, of Haakon County Farmers Union, was re-elected as secretary.
Last Modified: 01-4-2012-15:56:16
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