IDAHO GOVERNOR JOINS WESTERN GOVERNORS
IN URGING DISASTER ASSISTANCE

BOISE - Governor Jim Risch has joined 16 other western Governors in signing a letter to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA & Related Agencies, asking for legislation to help farmers and ranchers suffering drought and other natural disasters.

In the letter dated July 31 the 17 Governors urge the House Subcommittee to adopt disaster assistance legislation to help farm families deal with the extreme heat that has impacted agricultural areas in most parts of the country.

“It is tremendously important that we address this issue in a timely manner so that we can make a difference for our farmers in this region,” said Risch. “As a rancher myself, I am aware of the many factors that make farming so difficult. The added burden of extreme weather conditions makes it even more difficult to sustain ones livelihood.”

The letter implores Congress to act. “We, the western Governors, strongly encourage you to support disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers who have suffered severe losses due to these natural disasters.”

Along with Governor Risch, governors signing the letter include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

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