U.S. House Representative from Wisconsin Indicates Support for LFPA

Wisconsin Farmers Union members meet with Rep. Tony Wied (pictured on far left).

On May 9, 17 Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members attended a visit in De Pere, Wisconsin with U.S. Representative Tony Wied as part of the National Farmers Union Week of Action. Rep. Wied is a Republican who represents Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District which includes Door, Kewaunee, Brown, Outagamie, Waupaca, Shawano, Menominee, Oconto, Marinette, and parts of Calumet county. 

WFU member and grazier, Austin Pethan (Calumet County), shakes hands with Rep. Tony Wied.

During the meeting, WFU members advocated for the passage of a strong, five-year farm bill, robust funding for voluntary conservation programs, and continued support for the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. Rep. Wied asked thoughtful questions, took diligent notes, and listened intently as WFU members shared their stories. 

Less than a week later, on May 14, the House Agriculture Committee, which includes Rep. Wied, voted 29-25 in a party line vote to advance their portion of a reconciliation bill. This bill does not contain continued funding for the LFPA program. However, Rep. Josh Riley (D-New York) introduced three amendments during the two-day Agriculture markup, one of which would codify funding for the LFPA Program. While this amendment won't make it into the Budget, there was bipartisan support to work on a bill that would authorize funding for a new program.

In the process of his remarks Rep. Riley asked if there members interested in working with him on a bipartisan solution that is outside of this particular budget reconciliation bill. Four Republican members spoke up. Representatives Nunn, Bresnahan, Bacon, and Messmer. Additionally, Representative Wied expressed support by raising his hand. Rep. Riley's amendment was withdrawn with the intention that they would work together on a bill that can address the full scope of authorizing a new program.

WFU applauds Rep. Wied for his support of LFPA and his dedication to finding a bipartisan solution. WFU plans to work with National Farmers Union to continue the relationship with Rep. Wied and encourage his involvement with this new LFPA bill. 

When WFU members entered the meeting on May 9 with Rep. Wied, he was unaware of LFPA and the profound impact that the program had on Congressional District 08 and the state at-large. Thanks to insights from WFU members, Rep. Wied is motivated to work on a bipartisan bill that would authorize a new program. 

WFU is so grateful to the 17 members who attended the office visit. Their willingness to speak up and share their stories was indispensable. Together we are capable of making real change.

WFU members met with Rep. Tony Wied on May 9 as part of the National Farmers Union Week of Action.