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COM 0638.000 2010-2012
h,,,, BRITTANY SMART �.• '� Phone: (808) 961-8263 Councilmember �,, Fax: (808) 961-8912 r bsmart o.hawaii.hi.us Hawai`i County Council District 6 Upper Puna, Ka`u, South Kona 't`,ui"''s Hawai`i County Council County of Hawai`i =, 25 Aupuni Street —` Hilo, Hawaii 96720 - W DATE: March 14, 2012 i o- — TO: Dominic Yagong, Chairperson and Members of the Hawaii County Council FROM: likegrittany Smart, Council Member Subject: Report to the Governmental Relations Committee on the National Association of Counties (NACo) March 3-7, 2012 Meeting Requesting time at the next scheduled (April 3, 1012) Governmental Relations Committee to present a detailed report of the NACo March 3-7, 2012 Washington D.C. Meeting. Attached are copies of: 1) NACo Key Legislative Priorities, 2) NACo Adopted Resolutions 2012, 3) NACo Conference Report on new policy positions, 4) NACo's Airport and Aviation Reauthorization fact sheet, 5) NACo's Reauthorization of the Federal Surface Transportation Program fact sheet, 6) U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono's press release regarding the FAA Modernization Act and her amendment to upgrade Hawaii aviation Infrastructure, 7) NACo's Farm Bill Reauthorization fact sheet, 8) NACo's Rural Development Appropriations fact sheet, 9) Letter From U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye's Office identifying requests for amendments to the 2008 Farm Act relating to Hawaii Coffee and a Bio-inspection faciltiy, 10) U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono's legislation H.R. 3908 Ka'u Coast Preservation Act and 11) U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono's Press Release on H.R. 3341 Visit USA legislation relating to additional visitors from China and Canada. BS/nh Comm. No. 3 2 Ref. To: Ref. Dote_ MAR 16 201 Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 1 of 1 NAco Helena Association ofCondo Home I Contact Us I Join NACo I Site LOG IN Map Me SEARCH About Counties I About NACo I Legislation&Policy I Meetings&Education I News Room I Solutions Center I Research&Publications I MyNACo Get Updates through Legislative NACo s'Legislation&Policy 0 0' Q Bulletins How to Join a Steering Committee Learn About Policies and Committees Agriculture&Rural Affairs Steering Committee Community&Econonic K. Development Steering Committee Environment,Energy&Land Use Protecting ' Steering Committee -- � Finance&Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee Health Steering Committee In the first session of the 112th Congress,county governments saw an onslaught of efforts to address deficit reduction. Human Services&Education Because of these efforts,counties have begun to feel the effects of cuts in federal assistance.Combined with reduced state Huma Hueng Committee funding and lower local revenue,these cuts are forcing counties to reduce staff and services,threatening many vital county programs. Justice&Public Safety Steering Committee As the nation's leaders continue to debate the options for addressing our fiscal ills,NACo has expressed support for a Labor&Employment Steering balanced approach in tackling America's debt problems,an approach that would lessen the burden on counties and their Committee residents. Public Lands Steering Committee We have adopted four key principles which we believe should guide discussions as deficit reduction options are being Telecorrmunications&Technology considered.They are as follows: Steering Committee Transportation Steering Cormittee • The federal government cannot solve the budgetary deficit by only cutting domestic,non-military discretionary Large Urban County Caucus programs. Rural Action Caucus • Federal assistance to state and local governments will help mitigate further layoffs. Western Interstate Region • Federal investment in state and local infrastructure produces private sector jobs. • Deficit reduction should not be accomplished by shifting costs to counties and their residents,imposing unfunded Review 2012 Legislative Priorities mandates,or preempting county programs or taxing authority. Get Involved:Take Action on County governments are partners with the federal government and states in providing important programs and services to Legislation the American people.For county officials,"special interests"are constituents who decided to put trust in them as public Strengthening the Partnership servants to adopt sound fiscal policies while providing the basic services for which constituents pay. As the 112th Congress begins its second session,the NACo Board of Directors,eleven Steerina Committees,Large Urban (LUCC)and Rural(RAC)County Caucuses have adopted the key priorities listed below.The issues are not presented in priority order and are among many concerns that NACo will pursue.On all issues,county officials seek solutions that will protect vital county programs,effectively serve our common constituents and promote job creation.The adopted priorities are as follows: Promote a balanced approach to deficit reduction.Protect county programs during budget deficit reduction and appropriation considerations.Balance includes looking at discretionary,defense and entitlement spending,and revenue enhancements. Support the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and Priority for Rural Development Programs. Work to eliminate the federal health benefits"inmate exception"for persons in county jails and detention centers who are in custody pending disposition of charges. Maintain the original federal-state-local partnership for financing and delivering Medicaid and social services,and oppose measures that will shift Medicaid and social service costs to counties. Maintain full funding for Payments in Lieu Of Taxes(PILT),Secure Rural Schools(SRS)programs and Community Self-Determination Act. Reauthorize aviation and surface transportation programs. Oppose unfunded mandates and preemptions. For more information about NACo's legislative policy positions or to contact the Legislative Department,click here. Also of Interest Presidential Initiative 2012 NACo National Association of Counties 25 Massachusetts Avenue,NW Washington,DC 20001 Phone:202.393.6226 ITEM #1 • http://www.naco.org/legislation/Pages/2012LegislativePriorities.aspx 3/12/2012 NACo 2012 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS ITEM #2 AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ON DOD MATCHING FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAMS Issue: Restoring the ability of federal conservation easement programs to accept Department of Defense (DOD) matching funds. Adopted Policy: NACo supports reauthorization of a 2012 Farm Bill that specifically authorizes the use of Department of Defense funds as match or cost share for all federal conservation easement programs and restores the ability of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to accept DOD matching funds. AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL FARMS, FOOD, AND JOBS ACT Issue: Support of local and regional farm and food systems. Adopted Policy: NACo supports the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act (S.1773 and H.R. 3286). AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON FARM BILL PROGRAMS SUPPORTING LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS Issue: Supporting local food systems Adopted Policy: NACo supports changes to the Farm Bill which would support county development and expansion of local food systems by allowing schools the option to use a portion of their USDA Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) school lunch commodity dollars for the purchase of local and regional foods and securing support for the infrastructure necessary for local and regional food systems to thrive. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON SUPPORT FOR REAUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA) Issue: Support appropriations and reauthorization legislation for the U.S. EDA to keep communities strong and economically viable at a time when our nation needs it the most. Adopted Policy: NACo urges Congress to reauthorize and continue funding levels for the Economic Development Administration programs. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT REBUILD Issue: Creating jobs through rehabilitation of vacant and foreclosed properties Adopted Policy: NACo supports passage of the Project Rebuild Act to create jobs and reinvest in local communities through the rehabilitation of vacant and foreclosed properties. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON FY 2013 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Issue: Support for FY 2013 Appropriations for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Adopted Policy: The National Association of Counties (NACo) urges Congress to support the following levels of funding for core Department of Housing and Urban Development: no less than $3.3 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) formula funding; no less than $1.6 billion in formula funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME); $1.9 billion for Homeless Housing Assistance grants, including an amount to fully fund expiring supportive housing and Shelter Plus Care rent subsidy contracts; full funding for existing Section 8 project-based and tenant-based contracts; and $275 million in Section 108 Loan Guarantee authority. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION TO LIMIT CLOSURES OF POST OFFICE FACILITIES Issue: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is considering closing 3,700 post offices across the country, most of which are located in rural America. Adopted Policy: NACo urges support of legislation to ensure that all Americans have adequate access to post office facilities. There is bipartisan support for legislation, which will require that postal facility closures cannot result in more than a ten-mile distance between post offices, measured on roads that are accessible year-round, or closure of existing distribution and processing facilities that adversely impact delivery and economic competitiveness. ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND LAND USE STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ON GOOD SAMARITAN ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS Issue: Liability for environmental clean-up around abandoned mine land sites. Adopted Policy: NACo supports legislation and/or policy that will immediately limit liability for "Good Samaritans" performing voluntary, cooperative mitigation efforts on water discharging from abandoned mine sites which measurably improves water quality that has been impacted by mining activity where there is no financially responsible party. ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND LAND USE STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ON SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY Issue: Energy Storage Adopted Policy: NACo supports legislation that encourages research and development of energy storage technology ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND LAND USE STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE Issue: Allowing construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline Adopted Policy: NACo urges the Administration and Congress to expedite the comprehensive review and submission for the approval process, including the Presidential Permit-for the Keystone XL Pipeline and other petroleum pipeline projects. ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND LAND USE STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF.THE.RESTORE ACT.- Issue: Using BP Clean Water Act fines from the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill for Gulf Coast recovery efforts. Adopted Policy: NACo supports H.R. 3096/S. 1400, the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities and Revived Economy of the Gulf Coast Act of 2011 (RESTORE Act). NACo supports the concept established by the RESTORE Act, that diverts penalty money from the responsible party to local economic and environmental restoration plans, and supports the expansion of this policy to future pollution incidents. ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND LAND USE STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ON THE READINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INITIATIVE (REPI) Issue: Urging continued bipartisan Congressional support for the Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) Adopted Policy: NACo supports continued bipartisan Congressional support and funding for DOD's Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI). FINANCE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON THE MARKETPLACE FAIRNESS ACT Issue: Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 1832). Adopted Policy: The National Association of Counties (NACo) encourages and supports efforts to permit the collection of sales and use taxes from remote sellers and endorses the Marketplace Fairness Act to provide states with the ability to enforce their existing state and local sales and use tax laws. HEALTH STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON RESPONDING TO THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS OF OUR RETURNING VETERANS Issue: Behavioral health needs of returning veterans Adopted Policy: NACo will undertake steps to assure that: 1. VA funds are made available to reimburse counties for the services provided to veterans eligible for VA services and for services provided to veterans awaiting determination of eligibility. 2. VA funds are made available to reimburse services provided to veterans eligible for VA services by public and private providers under contract with the VA. 3. DOD funds are made available to reimburse counties for the services provided to veterans eligible for DOD services. 4. Appropriate county level data are available so that counties know how many veterans are returning to their local areas. 5. Appropriate legislation and guidance from the Administration are available to correct gaps and deficiencies in the DOD and VA service delivery systems. HEALTH STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENTS Issue: Funding for community health assessments Adopted Policy: NACo supports funding county community health assessments from the Prevention and Public Health Fund. HEALTH STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON INTEGRATION OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FOR DUAL ELIGIBLES Issue: Medicare and Medicaid are not well integrated, ca ising fragmentation between acute and long-term care, especially for people who are eligible for both programs. Adopted Policy: NACo supports initiatives to improve quality of care and control expenditures by integrating the delivery of Medicare and Medicaid services for individuals eligible for both programs. NACo supports detailed quality and access standards for managed care plans which provide services to dual eligibles. Managed care plans participating in the program should be required to provide detailed data on utilization, expenditures, quality of care and health and morbidity outcomes to state and federal officials and evaluators NACo supports demonstration designs in which counties can share in Medicaid and Medicare savings and where cost shifts to counties are avoided. HEALTH STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON MAINTAINING THE HEALTH SAFETY NET AFTER ACA IMPLEMENTATION Issue: Maintaining a strong local safety net after Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation Adopted Policy: NACo supports the maintaining a strong safety net for the uninsured residual and vulnerable populations with medical and behavioral health needs after full implementation of the ACA in 2014 and beyond. NACo urges the federal and state governments to ensure the availability of adequate and sustainable funding for safety net providers as they continue to care for the uninsured. HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON REAUTHORIZATION AND FUNDING OF THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT Issue: Aging population growth is increasing demand for Long Term Care, Medicare and human services to older Americans. Adopted Policy: The National Association of Counties (NACo) urges the strengthening, through additional funding, of the Older Americans Act in these key areas: home delivered nutrition services, case management, information and assistance service, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Supportive Services (including Long Term Care), Ombudsman Program, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. NACo further urges Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), expand program flexibility to distribute funds between nutrition programs (Title III C) as well as between Title III C and Supportive Services (Title III B). NACo further supports the local service delivery structure for Older Americans Act programs. HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON STRENGTHENING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Issue: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is up for reauthorization in the 2012 Farm Bill. Adopted Policy: NACo urges Congress to strengthen the SNAP program by: 1. Restoring the federal share of state and county administrative costs so that every state is guaranteed a 50 percent reimbursement; 2. Allowing all states to operate the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Combined Application Program (CAP); 3. Continuing to simplify the SNAP application process; 4. Extending the SNAP benefit increase that is scheduled to sunset in 2013; and 5. Increasing the minimum benefit. • HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON THE CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT COLLECTION FEE Issue: Maintain the Child Support Enforcement Collection Fee Adopted Policy: For states that elect to collect the application fee from a non-custodial or absent parent allow the state/county administered child support program to retain the full fee collected by identifying the fee as an administrative cost rather than as program income as is currently in federal law. Amend S.1383 SEC. 13 CHILD SUPPORT FEES 454(6) (42 U.S.C. 654(6) (B)) (6) (B) (ii) to reflect this change. JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE RESTRUCTURING OF GRANTS AS RECOMMENDED IN THE 2013 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS GRANT (NPG) VISION AND THE 2012 CHANGES TO THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT (EMPG) Issue: Adopted changes to the FY 2012 Emergency Management Performance Grant scope of applicants and the Adopted National Preparedness Grant process. Adopted Policy: NACo opposes the change in the 2012 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) guidance expanding eligible subgrantees for the grant program, and urges Congress to require the Secretary to return to the intent of the EMPG funding and ensure that the funding is passed to local governments. NACo opposes the assignment of final authority of the Adopted FY2013 National Preparedness Grant Program (NPGP) block grant to the state administrator. NACo requests that Congress require the Secretary to ensure that commissions consisting of county Emergency Managers and other county Public Safety agents be established in each state to vet requests for funding and ensure that the overall needs of the local communities are met, and that the State Administrator not become the final decision maker. Further, the NPGP must include the requirement to pass through no less than 80% of the funds to the Counties directly. NACo opposes the inclusion of the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) funding in the NPG block grant. NACo requests that Congress fully fund the UASI program and assure that no less than 80% of funds are passed through to the large urban areas. Further, NACo requests that Congress fully considers the risk of disaster to such areas and not limit the UASI program to the specific terrorism risk of certain large cities. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF STREAMLINING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE (TAA) GRANT APPROVAL.PROCESS Issue: Streamlining the Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) grant approval process. Adopted Policy: The Department of Labor should provide decisions to applicant agencies within 30 calendar days—not 30 business days as noted in current policies; and Streamline the approval and process and information sharing across agencies. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON TRANSFORMING THE LOCAL HEALTH WORKFORCE Issue: Transforming the local health workforce Adopted Policy: Support and provide continued funding opportunities for health workforce development through the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY FORESTRY CONSERVATION ACT OF 2011 AND THE USE OF COMMUNITY FORESTRY BONDS Issue: Authorizing the use of municipal debt (Community Forestry Bonds) as a tool to help keep working forests working in communities across the Nation. Adopted Policy: NACo supports the passage of The Community Forestry Conservation Act of 2011 (5.1105, H.R.1982) and calls on the US Congress to approve this legislation during the 112t Session. PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON RESTRICTIONS AGAINST USE OF LAND IN PROXIMITY TO WILDERNESS OR WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS Issue: De-facto Wilderness Areas Adopted Policy: Oppose any defacto federal restrictions not explicitly enacted on use of public or private lands in proximity to a designated Wilderness or a Wilderness Study Area. PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO ESTABLISH COMMUNITY FOREST TRUST PILOT PROGRAMS Issue: Revenues for County Governments for counties,with-United States Forest Service (USFS) land. Adopted Policy: NACo supports the creation of a community forest trust pilot program that: 1. Designates specific USFS land, or natural resources on specific USFS land, outside of wilderness designations to be managed by the states on behalf of counties and schools according to state land management practices and federal and state laws as they apply to state land; 2. Allocates revenues generated from the management of these designated lands to all forest counties with the participating state using a mutually agreed upon formula; 3. Establishes a management board of county commissioners submitted by a state association of counties (or comparable), and appointed by the governor for each participating state; and 4. Allows the USFS to maintain ownership and fire management responsibility of the land. PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON RETIREMENT OF GRAZING PERMITS ON FEDERAL LAND Issue: Retirement of grazing permits on federal land Adopted Policy: NACo Congress to oppose the Rural Economic Vitalization Act (H.R. 3432), which would allow for the permanent retirement of grazing permits by allowing non-ranching third parties to buy out grazing permits. PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LANDS TO STATE OWNERSHIP Issue: State acquisition of federal land Adopted Policy: NACo supports the transfer of specially identified federal land to states through an application process, coordinated by a formal gubernatorial petition process. PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION URGING THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING ARCTIC POLICY Issue: Arctic policies within the U.S. Government Adopted Policy: NACo urges the United States government to acknowledge the importance of adopting definitive Arctic policies in order to protect national security and to further U.S. commerce. Adopted March 5, 2012 Board adopts new policy positions at conference Page 1 of 5 ACIJ Search nt NATIONAL ASSOCIATION COUNTIES WASHINGTON,D.C. ...._---- i The Voice of Americas Counties WWWNACO.ORG Sipn In NACo Home I Current Issue County News Archives County News Editorial and Advertising Information Write to the Editor You are here:NACo>News Room>County News>Current Issue>March 14,2011 Vol.43 No.5 Board adopts new policy positions at conference Agriculture and Rural Affairs Community and Economic Environment,Energy and Land �� Development Use Finance and Intergovernmental Health Human Services and Education PRINT THIS PAGE Affairs Justice and Public Safety Labor and Employment Public Lands L EMAIL THIS PAGE Telecommunications and Transportation Technology ....... County eWS , Ly EMA L DELIVERY . nfevence . A1psrt ,2 SWIRL Agriculture and Rural Affairs •Oppose Cuts to USDA Rural Development Programs in FY11 and FY12 Issue:Proposed cuts to USDA Rural Developm ent Programs. Adopted Policy:NACo strongly supports USDA Rural Developm ent programs and urges Congress to oppose proposed cuts to these programs in FY11 and FY12. 1I11 MOSIL Photos by David Hathcox NACo President Glen Whitley lays down debate rules during policy deliberations. Community and Economic Development • Strong Support for Freeze on CDBG Formula Funding at$3.948 Billion in FY11 and FY12 Issue:Reducing or eliminating funding for CD BG. Adopted Policy:The National Association of Counties(NACo)hereby strongly urges Congress to freeze funding in FY11 and FY12 for the C DBG program at the FY 10 level of$3.948 billion. •The Department of Housing and Urban Development FY2012 Appropriations Issue:Support for FY12 Appropriations for the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Adopted Policy:The National Association of Counties(NACo)urges Congress to support a freeze in FY2012 funding for core programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development at the FY 2010 levels.These include'$3.948 bi Ilion in Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)formula funding; $1,825 billion in formula funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program(HOME);$1.865 billion for Homeless Housing Assistance grants,plus an additional amount to fully fund expiring supportive housing and Shelter Plus Care rent subsidy contracts;full funding for existing Section 8 project-based and tenant-based contracts;and$275 million in Section 108 Loan Guarantee authority ;and$150 million for Sustainable Communities Initiative grants. ,.._. ITEM #3 http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20lssue/3-14-11/Pages/Boardadopts... 3/12/20 12 Board adopts new policy positions at conference Page 2 of 5 Issue:Support federal programs that are intended to prevent and address the foreclosure crisis that has been proposed for elimination in Congress. Adopted Policy:The National Association of Counties(NACo)urges Congress to support three foreclos ure programs—Home Affordable Modification Program(HAMP),the FHA Refinancing Program and the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3. Presenting a steering committee's recommendations is not always a ponderous event as evidenced by Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee Chair Brian Dahle and NACo environmental lobbyist Julie Ufner. Environment, Energy and Land Use • Exempting Renewable Biomass Emissions from the EPA's Tailoring Rule Issue:Renewable biomass emissions and the Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule. Adopted Policy:NACo supports the permanent exemption of emissions from renewable biomass combustion from the Environmental Protection Agency's"Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule" and supports policy that recognizes the full carbon benefits of biomass combustion for energy consistent with established and well-supported science. •EPA's Boiler MACT Rule Issue:EPA's upcoming Boiler MACT rule. Adopted Policy:NACo urges Congress and the Administration to oppose EPA's final Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology(MACT)rule until accurate data is available and the feasibility of implementation concerns are addressed. NACo further supports EPA's reconsideration process regarding the Boil er MACT rule provided that local government is involved in the reconsideration process. •Stormwater Runoff from Logging Roads Issue:A statutory exemption for stormwater runoff from logging roads. Adopted Policy:NACo supports legislation that enacts into law the Silv icultural Rule. •USFWS Wind Siting Guidelines under the Bald And Golden Eagle Act,and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Issue:U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Wind Siting Guidelines and the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Adopted Policy:NACo urges the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS)to reopen the public process and include local governments and consider mitigation and in cidental take as they develop the Wind Siting Guidelines under the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and M igratory Bird Treaty Act. •Support.Gulf Coast Recovery and Restoration Issue:Environmental and econo mic recovery from the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill. Adopted Policy:NACo supports short and long-term plans for Gulf Coast recovery.NACo calls on the U.S. Congress to authorize a Gulf Coast Recovery Fund to ensure the environm ental and economic recovery of the Gulf region The recovery fund should be overseen by a Gulf Coast Recovery Council that includes strong local governmental representation.Gulf Coast recovery funds should go directly to local governments. •Pesticide Use Issue:National permit program for pesticides. Adopted Policy:NACo supports H.R.872,the"Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011."NACo opposes extension of the EPA's jurisdiction regarding pesti cide use in(and around)county streets,gutters,and ditches.Such expansion of authority preempts state and local government authority and creates unfunded mandates.NACo supports using pesticides in accordance with the instructions on the label and supports • etr..n..neneltiee f,.r lhnce,.,hn mm.me..ecfirirlec.r CICD 4 http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20lssue/3-14-11/Pages/Boardadopts... 3/12/2012 Board adopts new policy positions at conference Page 3 of 5 •Responsible Military Overwater Practices Issue:Military sonar use in marine waters. Adopted Policy:NACo supports focused dialogue and collaboration between counti es and the U.S.Military to continue to improve practices and to mitigate impacts to marine mammals,fisheries,local economies, and natural resources. •Ocean Acidification Issue.Addressing rising carbon dioxide levels Adopted Policy.NACo supports federal funding for continued education and scientific study of ocean acidification. 1 I NACo Board members Liz Kniss and Roy Brooks confer during policy presentations. Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs • Urge Congress to Repeal Expanded 1099 Reporting Requirements Issue:Form 1099 reporting requirements. Adopted Policy:NACo supports the repeal of Section 9006 of Public Law 111-148 that expands IRS Form 1099 reporting requirements for counties. •Control the Rising Budget Deficit Issue:Proposed measures to reduce the federal deficit and their effects on counties. Adopted Policy:National Association of Counties asserts the following: • Congress cannot solve the budget deficit by only cutting domestic,non-military discretionary program s • Federal assistance to state and local governments will help mitigate further layoffs. • Federal investment in state and local infrastructure produces private sector jobs. • Deficit reduction should not be accomplished by shifting costs to counties(e.g.cuts to Medicaid), imposing unfunded mandates,or pre-empting county programs or taxing authority. The National Association of Counties supports maintaining federal finan cial assistance for county programs at the 2010 fiscal year levels. Health •Support for Charity Care Requirements For Non-Profit Health Care Facilities Issue:Charity care requirements for non-profit and tax-exempt health care facilities. Adopted Policy:NACo supports imposing charity care requirements on non-profit and tax-exempt health care facilities, including standards that measure facilities'access to and utilization of tax-exempt capital,to objectively determine the amount of actual health care providers tender to thos e in need against the value of tax exemptions that the facilities receive. •Support for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Issue.Access to Healthy Foods. Adopted Policy:NACo supports the Healthy Food Financing Initiative(HFFI)and urges Congress and the Administration to authorize and provide adequate resources to implement the initiative in partnership with counties and local jurisdictions. •Support of Provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act That Help County Safety Net and Behavioral Health Programs Issue Essential need to implement key features of the Patient Protection and Affordable C are Act of 2010 (PPACA). Adopted Policy:The National Association of Counties supports full funding for,and implementation of,the http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20lssue/3-14-11/PagesBoardadopts... 3/13/2012 Board adopts new policy positions at conference Page 4 of 5 disabled populations.Specifically,NACo supports the extension of affordable health coverage and benefits —including expanding Medicaid—to uninsured and underinsured residen is who rely on county health care delivery systems;the coordination of services to ensure that everyone has a medical/health horn e for efficient,accessible and cost-effective care;the enhanc ement of access to preventive care and health promotion,for underserved populations;and the promotion of the use of peer supports and counselors, together with effective care coordination that spans health and social support services. 4r 1.s. Community and Economic Development Steering Committee Chair Lee May,DeKalb County,Ga. commissioner,and Daria Danie I,NACo associate legislative director,await their turn to present the committee's policy recommendations to NACo's Board of Directors. Human Services and Education •Support Community Services Block Grants Issue:The Com munity Services Block Grant(CSBG)has been targeted for serious cuts and program changes. Adopted Policy:NACo supports full funding for CSBG as well as the program's formula grant structure. Justice and Public Safety •Support of Strengthened FEMA Outreach and Technical Assistance For Flood Hazard Mapping Issue:Flood Hazard Mapping and Strengthening FEMA's outreach and technical assistance with counties. Adopted Policy:NACo urges the U.S.Congress to fully support a transparent and fiscally reasonable process by which counties and residents can revise and amend FEMA's Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps.Additionally,NACo urges the federal government to enhance flood hazard mapping outreach and technical assistance in local communities. •Support of Levees and Flood Control Structures Issue:Addressing Treatment of Existing Levees and Flood Control Structures in FE MA Flood Insurance Studies producing new Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMS). Adopted Policy:The National Association of Counties supports H.R.764 and similar bills that ensure fair treatment of existing levees and flood control structures under the national flood insurance program. •Support for the National Initiative on Cyber Education(NICE) Issue:Support of the National Initiative on Cyber Education Adopted Policy:NACo supports the National Initiative on Cyber Education. Labor and Employment • Supporting Goals of NACo's Veterans and Military Service Task Force with Respect to Job Training and Access to Employment Services • Issue:Veterans access to job training and employment services. Adopted Policy:NACo supports the goals of the NACo Veterans and Military Service Task Force(VM STF) to develop county best practices and policies that serve to promote job training and employment services to veterans and military service members. http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20lssue/3-14-11/PagesB oardadopts... 3/13/2012 Board adopts new policy positions at conference Page 5 of 5 Labor and Employment Steering Committee Chair Carol Holden(r)stands at the ready to present her committee's report while her back-up, Deseree Gardner,NA Co associate legislative director,moves into position. Public Lands • Changing Forest Service Employee Supervision Issue:Chain of command for Forest Service Law Enforcem ent Personnel Adopted Policy.NACo supports a change in Forest Service personnel organization to place law enforcement officers under the direction of Forest Supervisors, •Department of Interior Secretarial Order 3310 Issue:Rescind DOI Secretarial Order 3310. Adopted Policy:The National Association of Counties strongly urges that Secretary Salazar immediately rescind Order 3310 that calls for the Bureau of Land Management(BLM)to inventory"Wild Lands"and manage them for wilderness without Congressional approval.NACo urges Congress to enact legislation stating unequivocally that Congressional approval is required prior to any special designation of federally managed public lands. Telecommunications and Technology • Support of the White House Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative Issue:Support of the White House wireless innovation and infrastructure initiative. Adopted Policy:NACo supports the goals of the Administration's Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative. Transportation • Eligibility for Funding through the Federal Lands Highway Program Issue:Eligibility for road improvement funding. Adopted Policy:Congress should am end the Federal Lands Highway Program to make it available to fund improvements to any road that accesses or passes through federally managed forest lands,specifically including lands managed by the U.S Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. ©1996-2012 County News http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20lssue/3-14-11/Pages/Boardadopts... 3/12/2012 National Association of Counties e The Voice of America's Counties Legislative Affairs Fact Sheet Airport and Aviation Reauthorization Issue: Congress was scheduled to reauthorize the federal government's airport and aviation programs,often referred to as the FAA bill,by September 30, 2007,when its authorization expired,but failed to do so. There have been 17 short-term extensions of the programs since then and it is essential that the Congress complete action on this NACo legislative priority as soon as possible as this program provides substantial assistance to counties and county-owned airports. NACo policy: NACo supports the reauthorization of the federal airport and aviation programs,including a well-funded Airport Improvement Program (AIP)with guaranteed funding from the Aviation Trust Fund,an increase to the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC)and increased funding and program reforms for rural and underserved communities through the Essential Air Service program (EAS). Action needed: Contact your Senate and House members and urge that final action on this legislation been taken as soon as possible. Background: In 2011 the Congress will try to complete the process of reauthorizing the federal airport and aviation programs,which expired at the end of September 2007. Progress has been made. The Senate has passed its version of the bill,S.223,and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved its bill,H.R.658.Because no final legislation has been enacted,Congress has had to pass 17 short term-extensions of the programs,the latest of which extends the program through March 30, 2011. The FAA legislation includes the Federal Aviation Administration facilities and equipment program and operations of the air traffic control system,however much of NACo's focus is on the Airport Improvement Program (AIP),the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC),and Essential Air Service (EAS).AIP currently provides about$3.5 billion annually in grants for capital improvements to commercial,cargo and general aviation airports and is funded primarily through the Airport and Airway Trust Fund,which gets most of its money from the air passenger ticket tax.AIP eligible airports include 558 facilities with commercial service and approximately 2556 general aviation airports.It is estimated that counties are involved in about one-third of the nation's airports,either through direct ownership or participation on airport authorities that govern many of these facilities. The Passenger Facility Charge allows commercial airports at their option to impose up to$4.50 per flight fee on passengers to be used for infrastructure improvements at airports. There has been support by the airport community to increase that charge so that more of the unmet capital needs of airports can be met. There has been an ongoing concern since airline deregulation in 1978 to ensure that small and rural communities continue to receive air service.Essential Air Service has been the backstop for these communities. Despite many challenges to its survival,EAS has continued to make subsidy payments to air carriers serving approximately 150 small communities.Annual funding for EAS was historically around the$110 million level for many years but has jumped to$200 million in the last several years. 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 500 • Washington, DC 20001 • S 202.393.6226 • www.naco.org ITEM #4 Both the Senate and House have now taken major steps in reauthorizing the federal airport and aviation programs. The Senate approved its version of the FAA bill on February 17 by a vote of 87-8. S.223 was the first major piece of legislation debated by the Senate in the new Congress.The final vote took place after a compromise was worked out on the contentious issues of long-distance flights from National Airport,which in the Senate bill will allow the number of those flights to double from 12 round-trip flights to 24 flights. This was one of the issues that had prevented legislation from being enacted last year. The Senate's two-year bill is funded at$34.6 billion. It funds the Airport Improvement Program at$4.1 billion annually and does not include an increase in the Passenger Facility Charge. On an amendment that NACo opposed,the Senate by a vote of 61-38 defeated a McCain (R-Ariz.)amendment to eliminate the Essential Air Service (EAS)program. However,two EAS amendments offered by Senator Coburn (R-Ok.) passed,the first limiting EAS subsidies to the 16 airports that are 90 miles away from the nearest medium or large hub airport and a second that would limit EAS subsidies to airports that average 10 or more enplanements per day,reportedly affecting 25 airports. The House is just a little bit behind the Senate. By a vote of 34-25,the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on February 16 approved HR 658,its version of the FAA bill. The four-year bill funds the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) at$3.0 billion annually,a 15 percent cut from the current funding level of$3.515. Like the Senate bill,the House legislation does not include any increase in the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), currently capped at$4.50 in the last Congress the House bill proposed an increase of the PFC to$7.00. Funding is gradually reduced for the Essential Air Service Program(EAS)and after FY2013 the program is eliminated except in Alaska and Hawaii. Representative Shuster(R-Pa.) offered and then withdrew an amendment to fully fund EAS and continue the program in all states. Shuster obtained an agreement with Committee Chairman Mica (R-Fla.)that discussions on resolving differences over EAS would continue. NACo sent a letter to the committee opposing the budget cuts and elimination of EAS. The other controversy during committee consideration of H.R.658 was over a provision nullifying a National Mediation Board rule governing rail and aviation union elections. An amendment deleting that provision by Representative Costello (D-Ill.),senior Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee,was rejected by a 30-29 vote. It is likely that H.R.658 will be considered by the full House in the near future. For further information,contact: Bob Fogel 202/942-4217 or bfogel @naco.org February 2011 National Association of Counties The Voice of America's Counties Legislative Affairs Fact Sheet Reauthorization of the Federal Surface Transportation Program Issue: SAFETEA-LU,the federal program that funds a substantial number of county highway,bridge and transit projects,expired on September 30, 2009. Congress did not act prior to that date and there have been a series of short term extensions in order to keep the program running,the latest of which goes through March 4, 2011. Meanwhile,the new Congress will be reviewing the program and considering long-term options to improve the highway and transit programs. A major challenge is addressing how to increase funding for these programs at a time when many Members of Congress and the Obama Administration are reluctant to support an increase in the federal fuel tax. NACo policy:The following are the critical issues that need to be addressed in the reauthorization: • County governments own about 1.77 million miles of highways -- 45 percent of the nation's 4 million mile highway and roadway network. • County governments own 256,000 bridges,44 percent of all bridges. • County governments own/operate about one-third of the nation's transit systems, including rail,bus,and van service. 1. Funding - NACo supports increased funding for the federal highway and transit program, including consideration of an increase or the indexing of the federal gasoline tax and the reinvestment of accrued interest generated by the Highway Trust Fund. Alternative sources of funding should be examined through pilot projects and research. 2. Surface Transportation Program - The STP program should be increased and all funds should be distributed based on population. 3. Metro Congestion-A new federal program should be created to reduce urban and suburban congestion in metro regions and each existing federal-aid highway program should have a component that reduces congestion. 4. High Risk Rural Road Program-This program should be expanded dramatically and be funded at$1 billion annually with substantial input by local officials on project funding decisions. 5. Bridge Program-Retain the off-system bridge program at no less than current funding and increase overall investment in the federal bridge program to address the issue of the substantial backlog of deficient bridges. 6. Planning- Planning funds for MPOs should be increased and MPOs in small-urbanized areas should have the same authority as large MPOs. Regional or rural planning organizations should be created and funded. 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 500 • Washington, DC 20001 • 202.393.6226 • www.naco.org ITEM #5 Both the Senate and House have now taken major steps in reauthorizing the federal airport and aviation programs. The Senate approved its version of the FAA bill on February 17 by a vote of 87-8. S.223 was the first major piece of legislation debated by the Senate in the new Congress.The final vote took place after a compromise was worked out on the contentious issues of long-distance flights from National Airport,which in the Senate bill will allow the number of those flights to double from 12 round-trip flights to 24 flights. This was one of the issues that had prevented legislation from being enacted last year. The Senate's two-year bill is funded at$34.6 billion. It funds the Airport Improvement Program at$4.1 billion annually and does not include an increase in the Passenger Facility Charge. On an amendment that NACo opposed,the Senate by a vote of 61-38 defeated a McCain(R-Ariz.) amendment to eliminate the Essential Air Service(EAS)program. However,two EAS amendments offered by Senator Coburn(R-Ok.)passed,the first limiting EAS subsidies to the 16 airports that are 90 miles away from the nearest medium or large hub airport and a second that would limit EAS subsidies to airports that average 10 or more enplanements per day,reportedly affecting 25 airports. The House is just a little bit behind the Senate. By a vote of 34-25,the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on February 16 approved HR 658,its version of the FAA bill. The four-year bill funds the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) at$3.0 billion annually,a 15 percent cut from the current funding level of$3.515. Like the Senate bill,the House legislation does not include any increase in the Passenger Facility Charge(PFC), currently capped at$4.50 in the last Congress the House bill proposed an increase of the PFC to$7.00. Funding is gradually reduced for the Essential Air Service Program(EAS)and after FY2013 the program is eliminated except in Alaska and Hawaii. Representative Shuster(R-Pa.)offered and then withdrew an amendment to fully fund EAS and continue the program in all states. Shuster obtained an agreement with Committee Chairman Mica(R-Fla.)that discussions on resolving differences over EAS would continue. NACo sent a letter to the committee opposing the budget cuts and elimination of EAS. The other controversy during committee consideration of H.R.658 was over a provision nullifying a National Mediation Board rule governing rail and aviation union elections. An amendment deleting that provision by Representative Costello (D-Ill.),senior Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee,was rejected by a 30-29 vote. It is likely that H.R.658 will be considered by the full House in the near future. For further information,contact: Bob Fogel 202/942-4217 or bfogel @naco.org February 2011 Page 1 of 1 MAZIE K. HIRONO 2ND DISTRICT,HAWAII MEMBER OF CONGRESS Cougass of t ti Zintttb t°it r "past at Vapirstntoteon j ittiLt rgrnrt, 20315-0N6 t`t Statement by Congresswoman Mazie Hirono on Passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 Washington, Feb 3 - 20' 2-- Today the House passed by a vote of 248-169 a four year renewal of the Federal Aviation Administration. The final bill contained a key amendment introduced by Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will provide an estimated $6 million more a year to help fix and modernize Hawaii's busiest airports and create jobs. Congresswoman Hirono released the following statement on her vote in support of the bill: "Today we moved forward on investments to make our skies safer, create jobs while improving our airports and help our communities, like Kalaupapa, stay connected to the world through essential air service. I'm also thankful to see included an amendment I authored that will bring an estimated $6 million more a year to help fix and modernize our busiest airports in Hawaii without penalizing our residents with heavy fees. The bill also gives consumers a voice by creating a new federal hotline to report and investigate air travel complaints, and airlines will now be required to have an emergency contingency plan so people are treated fairly when unexpected delays occur. "But it's with deep disappointment that I say politics also made its way into this bill. There are disturbing provisions included that are designed to make it harder for workers to vote to join a union. I don't support these provisions and will work to see them changed." ITEM #6 http://hirono.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentlD=278341 3/14/2012 LoNational Association of Counties The Voice of America's Counties Legislative Affairs I Fact Sheet Farm Bill Reauthorization Issue: Reauthorization of the Farm Bill. NACo policy: NACo supports full funding of all titles in the 2012 reauthorization of the Farm Bill and calls on Congress and the Administration to place particular emphasis on crafting a bill that provides enhanced resources to rural development programs and strategies that promote rural prosperity. Action needed: Ask your members of Congress and the Administration to support a robust farm bill reauthorization that makes rural development programs a priority and targets rural development funding towards regional strategies that are based on local priorities and assets. Background: The 2008 Farm Bill expires on September 30,2012. Election year politics will make it difficult to finish the bill in 2012,but the House and Senate Agriculture Committees will hold hearings and adopt their versions of the legislation by spring or summer of 2012. The Farm Bill is a massive piece of legislation which authorizes a broad range of programs that are critical to counties. These programs assist counties in the development of rural water/wastewater infrastructure,community facilities,broadband expansion,nutrition assistance,renewable energy,local and regional food systems,support for new farmers,and business development initiatives. All titles of the 2012 farm bill are important to the vitality of our nation;therefore NACo supports full funding of all titles. NACo supports four key Farm Bill reauthorization priorities that will help rural counties revitalize their economies and quality of life. 1) NACo supports an enhanced commitment to USDA Rural Development programs in the next farm bill,especially key infrastructure and business development programs that support the agricultural sector and the retention and creation of businesses. 2) NACo supports rural development strategies which focus on making USDA's investments more efficient and effective by rewarding strategic regional approaches to rural development that allow counties and their regional partners to focus on their local economic assets,priorities and goals. 3) NACo supports enhanced funding for renewable energy development,especially programs that assist local governments in their efforts to develop renewable energy and increase energy efficiency. 4) NACo supports policies that ensure all programs recognize that youth play a vital role in sustaining American agriculture and rural communities. New programs and updates to ongoing programs are needed so that it is possible for young and beginning farmers to survive and thrive in the modern agricultural economy. For further information,contact: Erik Johnston 202/942-4230 or ejohnston @naco.org March 2012 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 500 • Washington, DC 20001 • 202.393.6226 • www.naco.org ITEM #7 National Association of Counties The Voice of America's Counties Legislative Affairs I Fact Sheet Rural Development Appropriations Issue: Appropriations for NACo supported rural development programs. NACo policy: NACo policy supports strengthening rural communities and their economies. Action needed: Ask your members of Congress to restore funding for USDA Rural Development programs in the FY 2013 appropriations process. Background: USDA Rural Development funds a broad range of programs that are critical to rural counties. These programs include funding for water/wastewater infrastructure,community facilities,broadband,electric,telephone, housing,renewable energy and business development. USDA Rural Development programs create jobs and enhance economic prosperity in rural communities. Recent cuts should be restored and at a minimum,these programs must be maintained at level funding;especially grant funding in order for rural communities to overcome impediments to economic development. The FY 2012 enacted level for USDA Rural Development programs provided$2.2 billion in budget authority that will provide loans, grants and other assistance. This represents a cut of$732 million or 25 percent in budget authority from the FY 2010 enacted level.These drastic cuts over the past two years decrease the agency's ability to partner with local governments,businesses and rural people to create rural jobs. NACo calls on Congress to: • Restore USDA Rural Development program funding levels in FY 2013 to the FY 2010 enacted level of$2.933 billion and resist efforts to cut these critical rural programs further. This agency has been cut by 25 percent over the last two years. Further cuts will continue to weaken critical economic development opportunities in rural counties. • Support grant funding for USDA rural water infrastructure and community facilities programs.which are especially critical to economic development efforts in rural communities. NACo supports$469 million for Rural Water and Waste Program Grants and$20.37 million in funding for Community Facility Grants. • Support rural business programs which leverage public and private sector resources to create new jobs. NACo supports$97.11 million in budget authority for the Rural Business Program Account,which includes the Rural Business Enterprise Grants ($38.72 million),Rural Business Opportunity Grants ($2.48 million), and Business and Industry Loans($52.92 million). NACo also supports funding the Intermediary Relending Program at$8.46 million,the Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program at$2.5 million,the Value Added Producer Grants at$20.36 million,and the Rural Energy for America Program at$19.67 million. • Support Regional Innovation and Flexibility. The FY 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill that was wrapped into the Minibus,P.L. 112 -55,included language supporting the Regional Innovation Initiative. NACo urges continued support of this initiative which is designed to give USDA Rural Development the flexibility to focus some agency support on innovative locally-driven projects. The initiative will target 5 percent of several existing rural development programs to economic development projects that represent regional priorities. For further information,contact: Erik Johnston 202/942-4230 or ejohnston @naco.org March 2012 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 500 • Washington, DC 20001 • Wt 202.393.6226 • www.naco.org ITEM #8 DANIEL K. INOUYE HAWAII COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN APPROPRIATIONS, united ($tatei senate ROOM 7-22,300 ALA MOANA BOULEVARD SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEFENSE, HONOLULU,HI 96850-4975 CHaRMAN SUITE 722,HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING 1808)541-2542 COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, WASHINGTON,DC 20510-1102 FAX 18081541-2549 SCIENCE,ANDTRANSPORTATION (202)224-3934 FAX(202)224-6747 101 AUPUNI STREET,NO.205 COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS HILO,HI 96720-4221 1808)935-0844 DEMOCRATIC STEERING AND COORDINATION FAX 1808)961-5163 COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION March 13, 2012 The Honorable Brittany Smart Councilwoman Office of Hawaii County 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Councilwoman Smart: Thank you for your interest regarding the 2012 Farm Bill, and, in particular, the amendments that were submitted by Senator Inouye, for the benefit of the Hawaii County. Among the package of amendments that Senator Inouye recently submitted to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, for consideration in the 2012 Farm are two amendments that may affect the Big Island. These include: 1) adding Kona coffee, other Hawaii-grown regional coffees, and tea from the plant Camellia sinensis to the Country of Origin Labeling list; and 2) to authorize the establishment of a Hawaii joint bioinspection facility. Enclosed,for your perusal, are copies of the above two measures. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Senator Inouye. Aloha, jitatok, MARIE C. BLA CO Chief of Staff Enclosures ITEM #9 WEI12003 S.L.C. AMENDMENT NO. Calendar No. Purpose: To include Kona coffee, other Hawaii-grown re- gional coffees, and certain tea in country of origin label- ing. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES-112th Cong., 1st Sess. S. (title) Referred to the Committee on and ordered to be printed Ordered to lie on the table and to be printed AMENDMENT intended to be proposed by Viz: 1 On page —, between lines — and —, insert the fol- 2 lowing: 3 SEC. . COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING. 4 (a) DEFINITION OF COVERED COMMODITY.—Section 5 281(2)(A) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 6 U.S.C. 1638(2)(A)) is amended- 7 (1) in clause (vi), by striking "and" at the end; 8 (2) in clause (x), by striking "and" at the end; 9 (3) in clause (xi), by striking the period at the 10 end and inserting a semicolon; and 11 (4) by adding at the end the following: • WEI12003 S.L.C. 2 1 "(xii) Kona coffee and other Hawaii- 2 grown regional coffees; and 3 "(xiii) tea from the plant Camellia 4 sinensis.". 5 (b) DESIGNATION OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR 6 KONA COFFEE, OTHER HAWAII-GROWN REGIONAL COF- 7 FEES, AND TEA.—Section 282(a) of the Agricultural Mar- 8 keting Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638a(a)) is amended by 9 adding at the end the following: 10 "(5) DESIGNATION OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN 11 FOR KONA COFFEE, OTHER HAWAII-GROWN RE- 12 GIONAL COFFEES, AND TEA.—A retailer of a covered 13 commodity that is Kona coffee, another Hawaii- 14 grown regional coffee, or tea from the plant Camel- 15 lia sinensis- 16 "(A) may designate the covered commodity 17 as having a United States country of origin 18 only if the covered commodity is exclusively pro- 19 duced in the United States; and 20 "(B) shall be required to designate- 21 "(i) the country and the region of ori- 22 gin; and 23 "(ii) in the case of Kona coffee and 24 other Hawaii-grown regional coffees, the 25 percentage of Kona coffee or Hawaii-grown . • WEI12003 . S.L.C. 3 1 regional coffee contained in the designated 2 item.". • • WEI11644 S.L.C. AMENDMENT NO. Calendar No. Purpose: To authorize the establishment of a joint bioinspec- tion facility. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES-112th Cong., 1st Sess. S. (title) Referred to the Committee on and ordered to be printed Ordered to lie on the table and to be printed AMENDMENT intended to be proposed by Viz: 1 On page —, between lines — and —, insert the fol- 2 lowing: 3 SEC. .HAWAII JOINT BIOINSPECTION FACILITY. 4 Section 420(b)(5) of the Plant Protection Act (7 5 U.S.C. 7721(b)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the 6 following: 7 "(E) HAWAII JOINT BIOINSPECTION FACIL- 8 ITY.- 9 "(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary 10 shall offer to enter into an agreement with 11 the Department of Agriculture of the State WEI11644 S.L.C. 2 1 of Hawaii to authorize a joint bioinspection 2 facility to operate at airports, harbors, and 3 other points of entry into the State to pre- 4 vent the importation, possession, or intro- 5 duction of invasive species or diseases. 6 "(ii) COST SHARE.As a condition of 7 entering into an agreement described in 8 clause (ii)- 9 "(I) the State of Hawaii shall 10 provide the cost of construction and 11 State workers; and 12 "(II) the Secretary shall provide 13 the cost of inspectors.". Bill Text - 112th Congress (2011-2012) - THOMAS (Library of Congress) Page 1 of 2 HR 3908 IH 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3908 To direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the Ka'u Coast on the island of Hawaii as a unit of the National Park System. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 6, 2012 Ms. HIRONO introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the Ka'u Coast on the island of Hawaii as a unit of the National Park System. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. KA'U COAST STUDY; REPORT. (a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the ' Ka'u Coast Preservation Act'. (b) Study- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of the Interior shall complete a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Ka'u Coast on the island of Hawaii, as a unit of the National Park System. (2) STUDY AREA- The study area shall extend generally from Kapaoo Point to Kahuku Point, Hawaii. (3) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW- Paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 8 (c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. la-5(c)(2) and (3); commonly known as the National Park System General Authorities Act) shall apply to the study. ITEM #10 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c 112:./temp/-c 112y8cDLW 3/14/2012 Bill Text - 112th Congress (2011-2012) - THOMAS (Library of Congress) Page 2 of 2 (c) Report- Upon completion of the study required by subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior shall transmit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing the conclusions of the study. END Stay Connected with the Library All ways to connect» Find us on Subscribe&Comment Download &Play Irs7 •s RSS & E-Mail Bloqs Podcasts Webcasts iTunes U About I Press I Site Map I Contact I Accessibility I Legal I External Link Disclaimer I USA.gov Speech Enabled >) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c112:./tempt-c 112y8cDLW 3/14/2012 Page 1 of 3 MAZIE K. HIRONO 2ND DISTRICT,HAWAII MEMBER OF CONGRESS Congress of the itel tat *ruse of tortstotatOJes losft nt tou, DC 20313.4900 VISIT USA Act Opens Hawaii's Shores To Additional Visitors from China, Canada Oahu, Hawaii, Jan 8 - Bipartisan legislation recently introduced by Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. David Dreier(R-CA) would cut red tape and reform U.S. visa policies—potentially bringing an estimated 280,000 visitorsj1J yearly from China, Canada, and other high-growth markets to Hawaii, boosting economic growth in the state. "The Pacific region is a vast market for new visitors. Reforming our visa process is a cost-effective, common-sense way to make it easier and more inviting for international businesses and tourists to come to Hawaii and the U.S.," said Congresswoman Hirono. "It's why this is an idea both Democrats and Republicans are behind." The Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act, or VISIT USA Act, would establish 5-year multiple entry visas for Chinese visitors, extend the time Canadian retirees can stay in the U.S., make changes to the Visa Waiver Program, and make other low-cost reforms that will increase tourism in the U.S. In 2010, more than 54 million Chinese citizens travelled abroad.j2] Europe welcomed 3.7 million of these visitors.j j However, the U.S. only saw 800,000 Chinese visitors, of which only 62,000 came to Hawaii.j41 The reforms contained in the VISIT USA Act could help put the U.S. on a path to match Europe as a destination for Chinese visitors in the coming years. This growth can also give a huge boost to Hawaii. With the average visitor from China staying in the state for six days and spending $350 a day, this growth in visitors could also yield an estimated $573 million for Hawaii's economy. "The VISIT USA Act is great news for Hawai'i's tourism economy," said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. "Improvements to the visa process and other policy changes will help to ease access and make visiting the U.S. and Hawai'i more convenient for many international visitors. We are encouraged by this legislation and the potential it has to boost, not only visitor arrivals and spending, but also our state's economy through increased commerce and job growth." ITEM #11 blip://hirono.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentjD=274 120 3/12/2012 Page 2 of 3 "In fact, using estimates from the U.S. Department of Commerce, we could see potentially 6,000 new jobs created in Hawai'i as a result of the reforms in the VISIT USA Act." Key provisions of the VISIT USA Act include: Allow Chinese visitors to apply for 5-year multiple-entry visitor visas. Currently, Chinese visitors can only apply for a 1-year multiple-entry visitor visa. • Allow an extra fee to be charged to expedite the processing of a non-immigrant visa. • Create a videoconference pilot program to conduct visa interviews for foreign nationals applying for visas. • Allow Canadian citizens to get visas that last 240 days, renewable every 3 years. • Lower visa fees during off-peak seasons to encourage more applications when demand is lower. • Allow U.S. allies in the fight against global terrorism to become part of the Visa Waiver Program, so citizens of selected countries can travel to the U.S. more easily. • Allow important foreign dignitaries, like Olympians, to be added to the Global Entry Program after a review of their case. "Other countries are aggressively pooling their national resources and staking a larger claim in the international tourism industry," said Roy Yamaguchi, Board Member of Brand USA. "I applaud efforts like the VISIT USA Act and other proposals to facilitate travel to the United States. With Brand USA promoting the greatest destination in the world, efforts to increase the ability of travelers to come here allows us to achieve great things for the U.S. economy." This bipartisan bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and has been endorsed by: • Discover America Partnership • Americans for Tax Reform • U.S. Travel Association • U.S. Chamber of Commerce • American Hotel and Lodging Association • National Restaurant Association Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) is also a Senate cosponsor of the legislation. In addition to the VISIT USA Act, Congresswoman Hirono's tourism agenda includes successfully advocating for additional funds for the State and Homeland Security Departments to speed up visa processing in 2012. She has also cosponsored other measures to boost local tourism promotion and http://hirono.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentlD=274120 1/17/N117 Page 3 of 3 further improve U.S. visa policies to encourage international travel. j1] Based on analysis by Dr. James Mak, professor emeritus of economics, University of Hawaii, Manoa. [ J European Travel Commission data. L3] Bill Marriott Jr. "America Needs More Tourists," Fortune, June 13, 2011 j4] Data from the U.S. International Trade Administration/Hawaii Tourism Authority http://hirono.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentlD=274120 3/12/2012