072709a

TRIBUNE

FREMONT, Nebraska

c Cofight 20091 All Rl& Remcd

Date: Monday, July 20,2009 Frequency: DAILY Circulation: 81 76 Clip Size: 7.05 sq. inches Ad Rate: $16.17 Pagelsection: A 4

Guide breaks down farm bill LYONS AP) - Nebraska

farmers and ranchers can get some help under - standing the farm bill and finding government programs that can help their businesses.

The Center for Rural Af- fairs has published a guide to the federal farm bill to help people find programs that might help them get started or succeed at farming and ranching.

The guide offers details on 23 different programs in the farm bill that are designed to help farmers, ranchers and other rural residents.

The guide is available online at www.cfra.org. The center also runs a farm bill hot line that farmers can call at (402) 687-2100.

- -- Universal Information Services , Inc. http://news.universaI-info.com Page: 1 I1 Profile: 111 - Center for Rural Affairs Recipient: John Crabtree

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NEWS -1 WEDNESDAY WEEKLY CREIGHTON, NE Circulation = 1310

CENTER for RURAL AFFAIRS -

1

i -- Values. Worth. Action. :

'Too Big To Fall Or Too Small To Matter' By Elisha Greeley Smith, [email protected], Center for Rural AfSairs

What does it mean to a community to lose a business like a car dealership? Sadly more rural communities are coming to grips with the loss of cornerstone, main street businesses thanks to the disproportionate closure of rural dealerships.

Dealerships are owned by independent business people who not only provide a product and service, but also own real estate and inventory. According to a Chicago Sun-Times article, dealerships generate an average of $280,000 just in local sales tax. Franchised dcalers are a vital part of the local economy and community. They provide jobs, health care benefits and related business opportunities. And they contribute to other community institutions in myriad ways.

The closure of these dealerships is a severe economic blow to rural communities arid counterproductive to rural economic development. Closing dealcrships will not significantly affect the bottom line of GM or Chrysler. The dealerships pay for the cars they sell and assume a lion's share of the risk in the&w.~.ar sales business. -Firing the automakers' independent sales

A

team is penny wise and pound foolish. - - .-

This decision epitomizes how federal policy can adversely impact rural communities by favoring the needs of industry and underestimating the importance of entrepreneurship. Congress should address the disproportionate rural dealcrship closures. And we should all learn the lesson that, if we invest in them. rural America's entrepreneurs and small businesses can contribute to America's economic recovery precisely because they are neither too big to fail nor too small to matter.

The Center for Rural Ajjairs wus established in 1973 as an unafiliated r~unprojt corporcltion under I K S code 501(c)3. The Center for Rural Affairs was fortrzecl bv rural Nebraskatzs concerned ahout family farms and rural communitie.~, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family farms and rut7ches, and rural comnzutlities.

MIDLAND NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY VALENTINE, NE Circulation = 2056

07/02/2009

Angel goes to Washington Angel Mae Roniero-Kiester. for her husband and their

.d

arestaurateur from Lyons, Nc- braska, recently spent several days in Washington, DC with health care reform advocates from all 50 states. They ral- lied on Capitol Hill for health care reform. They attended an ABC News moderated conversation with P r e s i d e n t Obama about the future of A m e r i c a ' s health care system.

And Angel lobbied our Senators and Representa- tives on the , importance of reform, including a public health insurance option, to rural Nebraskans - fa rmers ,

son. A so-callcd pre-existing condition made coverage for Angel so expensive that the new business simply could not sustain it.

Upoli her return, Angel told i me, "Sadly, my medical story might beunique, but my health -

insurance sto- . - - - -. . . . . . - - - . -

ry is all too common.

More and more farmers, ranchers and rural small ,

b u s i n e s s owners are finding their i n s u r a n c e p r e m i u m s sitilply unaf- fordable.

T h a t ' s why I wen1 to Washing- ton. to im- press up6n our elected

ranchers and By John Crabtree officials the rural small Developrncnt and Out~cnch Oftlce~, importance b u s i n e s s Donor devclop~ncnt and of creating a O w i media relations. public health particular. insurance option - the im-

Angel and her husband porlance of' reform - to my Nathan recently opened a family, my business and my restaurant called Cravings on comnlunity. Lyons' main street. And that's why I'm going

But affordable health insur- to keep speaking up and get- ance has been an issue from ting more business owners the beginning. involved, because in Wash-

Somuchso thatthey werenot ington they need to understand able to add Angel to the health how important this is to our insurance policy purchased survival."

' MIDLAND NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY VALENTINE, NE Circulation = 2056

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Computer basics workshops coming to Northeast Nebraska

Two Computer Basics Workshops will be offered in July by the Center for Rural Aff-airs' Rural En- terprise Assistance Project (REAP) Hispanic Business Center in partnership with the liniversity of Nebraska Lincoln Extension, Northeast Community College, and the Wakefield Gardner Public Library. The workshops will be located in West Point and Wakefield.

The classes will be conducted in Spanish. Topics involved include how to operate a mouse, open and close files and programs, create an email address, uce the internet, protect a computer against viruses, and how to

use Microsoft Word. "These classes will help

business owners get more familiar with the use of a computer," commented Adri- ana Dungan, Center for Rural Affairs. "One of our goals is to increase the use of computers within the business to help business owners with their record keeping."

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a - tion, contact Adriana Dun- gan, [email protected] or 402.494.101 3.

The Center for Rural Af- fairs' REAP program provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance opportunities for startup afid existing small businesses. More information about REAP can

be fbundat www.cfra.org/rcap. The Center for Rural Affairs receives I'unding for REAP from theNebraskaMic;rocnter- prise Devclopmcnt ACL, C'oni- munity Dcveloprncnt Rlock Grants through thc Neb]-nska Department of' Economic Development, Small Husinc\s Administration, lilliled SL:ltcs Department oi~AgricuIture :tncl other sources.

I CHIEFTAIN THURSDAY WEEKLY TECUMSEH, NE Circulation = 1824

07/02/2009

Nebraska small business owners 1 support health care

Survey finds dramzic G a l l busi- to Nebraska's small business and ness support for public health insurance option, especially among rural Nebraska's self-employed and small business owners

Lyons, NE - "Opponents of health ' care reform won't be happy about ' the results in this survey. No, not one bit," said John Crabtree, media director of the Center for Rural Afiairs.

On Wednesday, July 1st at 10:OO a.m. central time, the Center for Rural Affairs, Small Business Majority, and Change that Works Nebraska will release a survey of Nebraska small business owners' attitudes regarding health care reform. Organizational experts, including Jon Bailey, Rural Research and Analysis Director for the Center for Rural Affairs, will comment in further detail on the survey results

1 and take questions from media on a media conference call officially releasing the results at 10:OO a.m. central on July 1st. A Nebraska farmer and a ~eb ra ska rural small business owner will also be available for comment and questions on the call.

Members of the media are asked to contact John Crabtree (johnc@ cfra.org or 563.58 1.2867) or Eli- sha Smith ([email protected] or 402.687.2 I03 ext 1007) to RSVP and obtain additional information about the lncdia conference call.

A full copy of the survey results and accompanying report can be viewed and downloaded at files. cfra.org/pdf/Nebraska-research-report-62609.pdf

"The rural self-employed and rural small business owners have been largely ignored so far in the health care rcform debate. If anything, policymakers seem to assume that health care reform is not that popular in rural America. But with 70% of Nebraska's small btlsincss owncrs supporting health care refor111 with a public health insurance option, the reality is that such fi~nd:imental reform is crucial

rural self-employed, and they know it," said Crabtree.

Nebraska's small business owners are concerned about the cost of health coverage, and controlling costs is their top priority for reform. They believe health care reform is necessary for getting the economy back on track and are willing to participate as part of the solution. They feel a responsibility to provide coverage for their employees, but struggle with the cost. A majority believe that in order to make health care more affordable, it is important to share the responsibility for financing among government, individuals, insurers, providers and employers. The vast majority want to eliminate preexisting condition rules and view these rules as interfering with the ability of entrepreneurs to start small businesses. They also strongly support creating an insurance exchange in which businesses and individuals choose their coverage.

retorm

- Key Findings

Nebraska small business owners view access to health insurance as a significant barrier to entrepreneurship, see reform as necessary and important to getting the economy back on track, and see themselves as part of the solution, working together with the federal govenimcnt, insurers and providers. Other key findings include:

The number one concern for Nebraska small business owners in health care refonn is controlling costs, followed by having coverage that is guaranteed and covers everybody.

82% of those businesses not offering health insurance say they can't afford to, while 72'% of thosc who do offer i t say the!; are strur- gling to do so.

80% of sniall hi!~~ines.;c.; want to eliminalc preesiaiirlg condition rules, and 63%) scc these ru1cs ux s barrier to starting a busi~~css.

63% say hcalth care rcfor~n is

important to getting the econonny back on track.

70% support the choice 9[ a private or public health insurance plan.

* 51% say their company has a resg~onsibility to provide health - coverage for its employees. FJ

Small Business Majority polls carried out in 2007 and 2008 in California, New York, Ohio and New Mexico showed that the cost of health care was the top concern of small business-above taxes, en- ergy and other issues. More recent surveys done by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (nationwide, Colorado, Kansas), AARP (Wash- ington, Vermont), the Universal Healthcare Foundation of Connecti- cut, and The Access Project (Great Plains states and California, focused on farmers and ranchers) have echoed those findings. And Small Business Majority surveys just completed in 13 additional states 1 in the West, Midwest, South and 1

Northeast bear out the same findings 1 as well. Collectively, these surveys reflect a deep concern on the part of small business owners about health care costs and a willingness to consider a range of approaches to solve the problem.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities, http://www. cfra.org .

Small Business Majority is a leading national small business advocacy organization focused on health carc reform. The organization conducts original scientific research exploring the experiences and opinions of small business owners about health care refornl throughout the nation, and projects this voice to

sinall business spokespeople. Nebraska Change That Works is

a grassroots organization of Ne- braskans fro111 all walks of life who support the Employee Free Choice Act and health care reform

INEMAHA CO. HERALD FRIDAY WEEKLY AUBURN, NE Circulation = 2628

Uninsured Farm and Ranch Families Feeling Pinch of Health Care Costs

healthy lifestyle and have faith, since it seems very unlikely for me to obtain health coverage, at least affordable coverage."

Jon Bailey, Director of Rural Re- search and Analysis at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, noted that plans to reform the health care system

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nationally must take into account the needs of rural businesses and communities. "Health reform that continues to rely solely on the private insurance market and attempts to strengthen employer-provided insurance, no matter how regulated or reformed, will be irrelevant to a large number of rural people. If you want farmers to continue growing the food for our families., and if you want rural communities to thrive, then availability of affordable and quality health insurance musl be effectively addressed."

The findings from this report raise questions regarding the availability and affordability of health insurance coverage,especially for those families without access to en~ployer-based coverage. Their lack of insurancc may not only put their health at risk. but also their businesses. The Access Project urges policymakers, as they'- work to reform our nation's health care system, to consider options for expanding the availability of comprehensive insurance coverage and ensuring that this coverage is affordable for lower income families.

The full report is available onli~rc: at: www.cfra.org/files/AccessProject- 2007-Health-Insurance-FarrnRnnch- Survey .pdf

Lyons - A new report released farmers and ranchers face much June 24 by The Access Project found greater barriers to getting care and that farm and ranch operators, like suffer higher levels of financial hard- many self-employed Americans, can- ship than those with insurance. They not afford the cost of health insurance delayed needed care more than twice offered to small business owners. as frequently as those with insurance While family farmers and ranchers are - more than a third of the uninsured insured at a rate higher than the gen- delayed care (34%) versus 15% of the era1 population, still one in ten (10%) insured. Compared to the insured, the was uninsured, or had an uninsured uninsured were also more likely to: family member, sometime during the Draw down resources, such as previous year. withdrawing money from savings or

The report, Who is Uninsured? is taking out loans, to pay for health care based on data gathered through the (40% vs. 25%); 2007 survey of farm and ranch op- Spend more than ten percent of erators in seven Great Plains states. their income on health care (34% vs. The report found that uninsured farm 29%); and ranch operators were more likely Report that health care costs con- to say that their principal occupation tributed to financial problems (32% was farming or ranching than their vs. 22%); insured counterparts. They also had Accrue medical debt (32% versus lower incomes and were more likely 16%). to live alone. While these figures demonstrate

"Those most reliant on income de- the challenges faced by uninsured rived from the family farm or ranch farm and ranch operators, they can- are least likely to be able to afford not describe the fear and frustration private health insurance," said Carol they face. Isa Kirk, who owns a horse Pryor, lead author of the report and ranch in South Dakota with her hus- Policy Director at The Access Project. band Jack, was uninsured when she "This threatens both their health and was diagnosed with cervical cancer. their livelihoods. Washington must It was only because she was able to act to develop alternatives to a private get coverage from All Women Count, market that is unwilling or unable to a program run by the South Dakota provide affordable protection to the Department of Health, and from Med- self employed and small business icaid, that she was able to afford care. owners." She said, "If not for All Women Count,

The survey found that more than Jack and I might have lost our home, one-third of the uninsured farm and ranch and livelihood due to medical ranch operators spent more than 10% bills." But now that she no longer of their income on health care costs. qualifies for those programs, she is They were also four times more likely once again uninsured. She said, "We to have incomes under $20,000 than are determined to continue to live a those with insurance.

The Access Project's report is the fifth in a series of issue briefs based on a 2007 survey of farm and ranch operators in seven Great Plains states: Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Access Project and its partners at Brandeis University and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine's Center for Rural Health contracted with the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to survey more than 2,000 non-corporate farm and ranch operators (those operating as sole proprietors or partnerships). \ The report finds that uninsured

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Center Offers Farmers The Center is also operating a Farm -

and Ranchers Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing

Assistance Throrlgll farm bill programs. "The Center for - Rural Affairs has a long history of as- Bill Guide and Helo sisting family fanners and ranchers to

Line LYONS - The Center for Rural Af-

fairs recently released their farm bill guide, Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community. The guide is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implement consewation- based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. There are five conservation programs, six credit and land access programs, five rural development and local food programs, two

access farm bill programs," said Traci Bruckner with the Center for Rural Affairs. "Through our helpline you will get to speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to participate in the program."

Thc Fann Bill Helpline is also intended as a source for farmers and ranchers to call if they encounter barriers when applying for these programs. "The only way we can truly know how these programs arc being put into practice on the ground is to learn from the fanners and ranchers who apply for them," said Bruckner.

Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or more information and to download the full guide visit: http://www.cfra.org/node/19 17. - -

research programs, three horticulture and organic programs, and two risk management and outreach programs. Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of the guide. It includes state-by-state contacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed in each state.

1: MONITOR THURSDAY NrEEKLY BLOOMFIELD, NE Circulation = 1405

07/09/2009

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII -- - .- .-

available.

Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community

By Elisha G~.eeley Smith, el- [email protected], (:enter for Rural Affairs

'Thcre are many finn bill programs that offer opportullitics for farnxrs, - ranchers and a s p i ~ n g fanners and -

ranchers. The trick ', being aware of i n t . x prcibc;~~i~san~l bc;ng ahic to i c t i t r - i .

prchcnd thcm. The Center for Rum1 '

Affairs' reccntly released guide, Farm Bill f 'rogmtnsjbr You trnd Your Corn-

munify, is designed to provide fanncrs and ranchcrs information on fjnn bill programs that can help them get started in fanning or ranching, establish high- value niche markcts, implement conser.,ation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or tanching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. Therc are programs on conservation, credit and land access, rural development and local food, rc- search, horticulture and organic and risk management and outreach. Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of the guidc. It includes state-by-state contacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others, i,n -$: know about how programs canbe accessed in each state.

The free guide can be downloaded , at: http:llwww.cfra.orglnodel19 17.

The Center is also operating a Fann Bill Helpline where producers can call in (402-687-2100) and receive assistance in accessing fami bill programs.

People arc also cncouraged to call the helplinc to share their experiences with the programs. It is critical that fanners and ranchers add their voices to this proccss so these programs work effectively to serve their needs and the needs of their cotn~n~~nities.

For mow information:

Ralich Families Feel Pinch of Health Care costs

Report finds that uninsured Great Plains farmers and ranchers are being priced out of private health insurance market

LYONS - A new report relcased Wedncsday, June 24 by The Access Pro-iect found that farm and ranch operators, like many self-employed Americans, cannot afford the cost of health insurancc offered to small business owners. While family farmers and ranchers are insured at a rate higher than the gcneral population, still one in ten (10 percent) was uninsured. or had an uninsured family member, sometime during the previous year.

The report, Who is Uninsured? is based on data gathered through the 2007 survey of farm and ranch operators in seven Great Plains states. The report found that uninsured farm and ranch operators were morc likely to say that their principal occupation was fanning or ranching than their insured counterparts. They also had lower incomes and were morc likely to live alone.

"Those most reliant on incomc de- rived from the family fann or ranch arc least likely to be able to afford private health insurance," said Carol Pryor, lead author of the report and Policy Director at The Access Project. "This threatens both their health and their livelihoods. Washington must act to develop alternativcs to a private market that is unwilling or uriahlc to provide - F affordable protection to the self em- 5 ploycd and s~nall business owners."

The survey found that Inorc than one-third of the uninsured fann and ranch operators spent more than 10 percent of their income on hcalth care i costs. Thcy were also four times more '

likely to have incomes under $20,000 . than those with insurance.

The Acccss Projcct's report is the fifth in a series of issuc briefs based on a 2007 survey of farm and ranch opcra- tors in seven Great Plains states: Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nc- braska, North Dakota, and South Da- kota. Thc Access Project and its part- ncrs at Brandeis University and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine's Center for Rural Hcalth contracted with the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to survey morc than 2,000 non-corporate farm and ranch operators (thosc operating as sole proprietors or partnerships).

Thc report finds that unins~lrccl farmers and ranchcrs face much greatcr barriers to getting care and suffer higher lcvcis of financial hardship than those with insurance. Thcy delayed needcd care more than twice as fie- quently as those with insurance - rnore

than a third of the uninsured delayed care (34 percent) versus 15 percent of the insured. Compared to the insured, the uninsured were also rnore likely to:

* Draw down resources, such as withdrawing money from savings or taking out loans, to pay for health care (40 percent vs. 25 percent);

Spend more than ten percent of their income on health care (34 percent vs. 29 percent);

* Report that health care costs con- tributed to financial problems (32 percent vs. 22 percent);

* Accrue medical debt (32 percent versus 16 percent).

While these figures demonstrate the challenges faced by uninsured farm and ranch operators, they cannot describe the Fear and fi-ustration they face. Isa Kirk, who owns a horse ranch in South Dakota with her husband Jack, was uninsured when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. It was only because she was able to get coverage from All Women Count, a program run by the South Dakota Department of Health, and from Medicaid, that she was able to afford care. She said, "If not for All Women Count, Jack and I might have lost our home, ranch and livelihood due to medical bills." But now that she no longer qualifies for those programs, she is once again uninsured. She said, "We are detennined to continue to live a healthy lifestyle and have faith, since it seems very unlikely for me to obtain health coverage, at least affordable coverage."

Jon Bailey, Director of Rural Re- search and Analysis at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons Nebraska, noted that plans to reform the health care system nationally must take into account the needs of rural businesses and ,

communities. "l-lealth reform that continues to rely solely on the private insurance market and attempts to strengthen employer-provided insurance, no matter how regulated or reformed, will be irrelevant to a large number of rural people. If you want farmers to continue growing the food for our families, and if you want rural cominunities to thrive, then availability of affordable and quality health insurance must be effectively addressed."

The findings from this report raise qucstions regarding the availability and affordability of health insurance coverage, especially for those families without access to employer-based coverage. Their lack of insurance may not only put their health at risk, but also their businesses. The Access Project urges policymakers, as they work to rcfonn our nation's health care system, to consider options for expanding the availability of comprehensive insurance coverage and ensuring-that this .cover- -

age is affordable for lower income families.

The full report is available online at: ~~w.cfra.orglfiIesIAccessProject- 2007-Health-Insurance- FarmRanchSun/ey.pdf

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RECORD 1 WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

Toobigtofailortoosmalltomatter By Elisha Greeley Smith Center for Rural Affairs

What does it nican to a comniunity to lose a business like a car dealership? Sadly more rural conimuni- t ics are coming to grips with the loss of cornerstone, mninstreet busincss-

es thanks to the disproportionate closure of rural dealerships.

Dealerships are owned by independent business people who not only provide a product and service, but also own real estate and inventory.

According to a Chicago

1 Sun-Times article, dealerships generate an average of $280,000 just in local sales tax. Franchised deal- ers are a vital part of the local economy and community. They provide jobs, health care benefits and related business opportuni-

not significantly affect the bottom line of GM or Chrysler. The dealerships pay for the cars they sell and assume a lion's share of the risk in the new car sales business. Firing the automakers' independent sales team is penny wise and pound foolish.

This decision epitomizes how federal policy can adversely impact rural communities by favoring the needs of industry and underestimating the importance of entrepreneurship.

Congress should address the disproportionate rural

ties. And they contribute to dealership closures. other community institu- And we should all learn tions in myriad ways. the lesson that, if we invest

The closure of these in them, rural America's dealerships is a severe eco- entrepreneurs and small nomic blow to rural coni- businesses can contribute munities and countervro- to America's economic ductive to rural economic recovery precisely because development. they are neither too big to

Closing dealerships will fail nor too small to matter.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WEST POINT, NE I

-.-- -. Letters to the Editor - - - - -

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Farm Bill programs for you ... 3 Lyons - There are many farm and risk management and outreach.

bill programs that offer opportuni- Perhaps even more valuable for us- ! ties for farmers, ranchers and aspir- ers is the resource section at the end

ing farmers and ranchers. The trick of the guide. is being aware of these programs It includes state-by-state con- and being able to comprehend tacts for government agencies, non- them. profits and others in the know about

The Center for Rural Affairs' how programs can be accessed in recently released guide, Far111 Bill each state. Progran~s for You and Your Com- The free guide can be down- munity, is designed to provide loaded at: http:/lwww.cfra.orgl farmers and ranchers information node/ 19 17 on farm bill programs that can The Center is also operating a help them get started in farming Far111 Bill Helpline where produc- or ranching, establish high-value ers can call in (687-2100) and re- niche markets, implenient conser- ceive assistance in accessing farm vation-based farming or ranching bill programs. systems as well as transition to or- People are also encouraged to ganic farming or ranching. call the helpline to share their ex-

The comprehensive guide pro- periences with the programs. It is vides information on 23 different critical that farnmrs and ranchers farm bill programs that are targeted add their voices to this process so to help farmers, ranchers and rural these programs work effectively to people across the country. serve their needs and the needs of

There are programs on conser- their communities. vation, credit and land access, nl- ral development and local food. Elisha Greeley Smith, research, horticulture and organic. Center for Rural Affairs , ir i

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07/08/2009

IIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIY IIIIIIIII -~--- ---C - -

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aim Hill Programs for You and Your Community By Elisha Cireeley Smith, eli- [email protected]. Center ,fiw Rural Affairs

;. -- There are many far111 bil l programs that offer opportunities for farrners, ranchers and aspiring farmers and rancl~ers. The trick is being aware of these programs and being able to comprehend them. The Center for Rural Affairs' recently released guide, &rn_l,. Bill I'rogrum.~ fi)t. _)'ou_ cmd Y o y CIpm: - -- . - . -. . . .

LWI!/Q!. is designed to provide far- - mers and ranchers information on farin bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted : to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. There ; are prograrns on conservation, credit and land access, rural develop- i. nient and local food, research, hor-

s ticulture and organic, and risk management and outreach. Perhaps :. even more valuable' for users is the [ =

resGurce section at th6 end o f the guide. It includes state-by-state ; contacts for government agencies, i nonprofits and others in the know about how^ programs can be ac- .. , . :' ,:p .. ... ->- " cessed Fn each i{gte: .I?. >+ .< . . - -.- f-

The free guide can be downloaded at: h~:/~~www.cfra.orglnode/ I 9 17 t The Center is also^-operating a Farm Bi l l Helpline where producers can call in (402-687-2 100) and receive assistance in accessing farm bil l programs.

People are also encouraged to call the helpline to share their experiences with the programs. I t is critical that hrniers and ranchers add their voices to this process so these programs work effectively to serve their needs and the needs o f their communities.

For more information: www.cfrg.org . - I

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RII Ill 11111ll1111111111111llllllllll Center Offers Farmers And Ranchers Assistance Through Farm Bill Guide And Help Line

Tlir C m e r for Rural Affairs recently released their farm bill guide, J'w.I~! Bill I'r.ogrurns,fbr trrrtl )'out: ( ~ 9 n 1 1 1 4 n i ~ . The guide i s designed to pro- - vide farmers and ranchers information on farm bil l programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implenient conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic hrming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bil l progr;inis that arc targeted to help farniers. ranchers and rural people across the ~oun t r j . 'l'liere are five conservation programs, six credit and land access programs. five rural development and local food programs, two research progl-anis. three horticulture and organic programs. and two risk managcmcnt and outrcocli programs. Perhaps even Inore valuable for users i s the resource section at the end o f the guide. It includes state-by-state contacts for governllierit agencies. nonprofits and others in the know about how PrOg(.Rill\ call be acccssed in each state.

Tlil: Center is also operating a Farm Bi l l Helplitie where producers can call ill and receive assistance in accessing farm bil l programs.

"l'he Center ihr Rural Afhirs has a long history o f assisting family farmers and ranchers to access farm bil l programs," said Traci Bruckner with the Center for Rural Affairs. "Through our helpline you wil l get to speak to areal person who is knowledgeable about the prograrli rules to help you

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.I'lic Farm Bil l t-lelpline is also intended as a so~~rce for fjrmers and crrams. ranchers to call it'they encounter barriers when applying fbr these pro,

"The only way we can truly know how these progranis are being put into 1 practice on the-ground is to learn from the farmers and ranchers who apply for them." said Bruckner.

Producers can call (402) 687-2 I00 and ask for the Farm Hill tlelpline. For more i ~~h rma t i on arid to download the full guide visit:

http:l/www.cfra.org,/nodc/l9 I7 \ --

m- -

U NIVERSAL Information Services, Inc

MIRROR-SUN THURSDAY WEEKLY LYONS, NE Circulation = 735

07/09/2009

Farm bill programs for you and your community CFRA guest opinion

There are many farm bill programs that offer opportunities forfarmers, ranchers and aspiring farmers and ranchers.

The trick is being aware of these programs and being able to comprehend them. The Center for Rural Affairs' recently released guide, Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community, is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming orranch- ing, establish high-valueniche markets. implement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people

across the country. There are programs on

conservation, credit and land access, rural development and local food, research, hor-

By Elisha Greeley Smith Media and Outreach

ticulture and organic, and risk management and outreach.

Perhaps even more valuable

for users is the resource section at the end of the guide. It includes state-by-statecontacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed in each state.

The freeguide can be downloaded at: http://www.cfra. org/node/l9 17

The Center is also operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in (402-687- 21 00) and receive assistance in accessing farm bill programs.

People are also encouraged to call the helpline to share their experiences with the programs. It is critical that farmers and ranchers add their voices to this process so these programs work effectively to serve their needs and the needs of their communities. For more information: www.cfra.org

' U i NEWS

THURSDAY WEEKLY ORCHARD, NE

Circulation = 654

Omaha Listening Session Strong Points Against NAIS

Builds

A conversation was held in Omaha this week. It offered a fo- rum for comments about the Na- tional Animal Identification System (NAIS) and the soapbox was open to anyone who wanted to speak.

Members of the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) were there.

ICON President Dave Wright led off the day-long session by giv- ing personal testimony about his fifth generation small Nebraska ranch and the need to protect American Agriculture. He ques- tioned tlie need for the USDA to collect all the private and confiden- tial information from ranchers and farmers. I-le wanted to know what plan they had for it and emphasized the recent state law, LB 632, which ICON helped pass in the Nebraska Unicameral. It makes NAIS a voluntary program in Nebraska.

About 50 farmers, ranchers, businessmen and residents had a chance to express their likes and

.-dislikes for the five-year animal ,, ,

taggiirg program proposed by the USDA. In April, Secretary Tom

: Vilsack decided there still was little con~pliance with tlie program after considerable time and lie wanted to know why so he set up listening sessions across the nation.

Omaha was the site of last session. In a DVD presentation. Vil- sack invited comments with the hopes reasonable people with crea- tive ideas would come forth and create a program which would deal with animal health issues. He added, the United States necded a better system so consumers worldwide would have more confidence in our products.

So the comments began. From big producers to a small

2-chicken owner, the sentiment was the same. Speakers asked tlie US- DA to slow down and think about this program and the affects it will have in rural America.

"Lxt's take care of our own producers, instead of the globe." said Richard Shrunk of the O'Neill Livestock Market. Several livestock market businessmen agreed with him. The TB outbreak in the Sandhills was traced back to the owner and all the adjacent lan- .:

downers within 72 hours. "We have a good thing; our

brands, tags, producer records work very well," said Bill Raker of the Sandhills. "Our free market is the backbone of cattle country and more and more regulations will only weaken its foundation."

Bill Nelson of the Bassett Lives- tock Auction expressed strong comments against NAIS also.

"NAIS is not a magic bullet." said Nelson. "The system now in place already works." Hut the $200

million price tag on NAIS is only an estimate. He said USDA officials tell him it is paid for, but he asks whose money is being used for the program - the taxpayers. It is still our money and Washington needs to think about that - nothing is free.

Speaking up for young producers was Katie Meyer of Randolph. Her com~nents pointed out the weak- ncss in storing all this producer information in a co~nputer based prograrn. That amount of infortila- tion in a technological based system could be corrupted and used inappropriately.

''This only opens doors for corporate farms arid continues to push the small farmers out," said Meyer. She is a fourth generation farmer recently graduated from South Da- kota State University with a degree in agriculture and is seriously won- dering about the futi~re of herself and the next generation of small Nebraska farmers.

One Minnesota farmer traveled 250 miles to the listening session and expressed harsh comments about the USDA in more than one

,area. He was notified by his hog

processing facility if he did not have a premise ID by December of 2009, they would sever business relations with him. He wonders where he will sell his product now that the voluntary participation in NAIS has been taken away from him. He is in private business and feels the government manipulation has gone too far.

A trip to his Farm Service Agen- cy this spring to sign up for the farm program asked him questions which he felt invaded his privacy so he walked away and left the money setting on the table. He would not compromise his livelihood for the 'handout.'

A couple who ranches in South Dakota and Nebraska had strong reservations about N AlS and the high-handed way it is - being pro- .. -

motex

"When 4-H and FFA students =

are required to house their animals on property with a premise ID, that is shameful," said Chris Harvey. "In order to force property owners to 'voluntarily sign-up.' you use their children to promote your program." She added rural ranchers and farmers are stewards of tlie land and animals and believe it is their personal responsibility to love and care for the land.

"We have to just say no, it is not okay to have premise IDS and NAIS," said husband Kris Harvey. "What hidden agendas does the USDA have with this program? No one knows. It is like signing a blank check. There are no details; no guidelines. Remember. it is okay to think you don't want to compromise."

Only a few comments were made in support of NAIS.

"We have no illusion of who will bear the brunt of the economic downslide when a disease outbreak occurs," said John Hansen of Ne- braska Farmers Union. "It won't be the packers, it will be the producers. We need some program in place."

~ & e r a l comments from ~ o u n g and old producers asked Vilsack to - listen and let the states and rural markets solve this issue. It is offen- sive to rural producers to register their premise and the feeling is mutual from coast-to-coast; it will put small farmers out of business. Farming is the only sector of business in the US which cannot pass off additional costs and expenses to the consumer.

R-CALF USA Chair in Ne- braska, 1,ouis Day, told Vilsack everyone there came on their own dime. That is how important the question of the usefulness of NAIS is to people in the agriculture sector.

"This is very serious. the idea of premise ID," said Day. "We have the right to say no. Our constitution guarantees it. But if we don't speak up, i t will devastate the small farmer. Our profit margin is that small already ."

Day said the US already has the highest food standards in the world and this program lowers our regulations so other countries can get access to our market.

"It is our job to see this program stopped," said Day.

One speaker near the end of the session asked the inevitable question, "Today we tag our livestock; how long before we begin tagging humans?"

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NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WEST POINT, NE

Small businesses say health care reform important to getting economy back on track

Today, the Sninll Business Ma- jority on Tuesday released their survey of Nebraska small business owners' attitudes regarding health care reform.

Organizational experts, including John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, and Jon Bailey, Rural Research and Analysis Director for the Center for Rural Affairs, commented in further detail on the survey results and took questions from media on a media conference call.

Shirley McGinn, an Anselmo rancher and owner of a rural sniall business in Broken Bow, also pm- videcl commentary about her health insurance experiences and an- swered questions on the call.

The audio of the media conference call and full report can he downloaded at thc following: www.cfra.org - audio of media teleconference.

A full copy of the Small Busi- ness Majority Kcport can be found at files.cfra.org/pdf/Nebsi~sEr:i~re- seascli-report-62609.pdf

A recent survey conducted by the Small Business Majority found that 63 percent of Nebraska small businesses say health case reform is important to getting thc economy on track, while 70 percent support the creation of an option to pur- chase health insurance from a public health insurance plan.

And 82 percent of those Nehras- ka small businesses not offering health insurance say they cannot

afford to, while 72 percent of those nrho do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

"The results of this survey clearly demonstrate that the cursent health insurance system does not work well for small businesses," said Jon Bailey. Director of Re- search and Analysis at the Center for Rural Affairs.

"They pay too much and receive too little in the way of quality and security. The results also send a clear message to Congress - small businesses want a reformed system that provides affordable, quality health coverage that provides options that cover more people and more businesses. including a public health insurance option,"

According to Bailey, while rural businesses in the survey more strongly state that they cannot afford health coverage, as far as pre- fe~red approaches to health care reform and important reform goals, these is no difference between rural and urban husine\ses.

That includes dramatic support for inclusion of a public health insurance option in Congressional reform proposals.

"The lack of availability of affordable and quality health insurance is the primary ban-sier to entrepreneurship reaching its potential for rural people and rural co~nmu- nities," Bailcy said.

"The cost of health insurance prevents family farmers and sanch- ess. s~nall businesses and entrepre-

neurs from expanding their businesses and creating jobs. As this survey demonstrates, the cost and inadequacy of health insurance is killing the entrepreneurial dreams and opportunities needed to rein- vigorate much of rural America."

Nebraska small business owners view access to health insurance as a significant barrier to entrepreneurship, see reform as necessary and important to getting the economy back on traEk, and see themselves as part of the solution, working together with the federal government, insurers and providers. Other key findings include:

The number one concern for Nebraska small business owners in health care reform is controlling costs, followed by having coverage that is guaranteed and covers everybody.

82% of those businesses not offering health insurance say they can't afford to, while 72% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

80% of small businesses want to eliminate preexisting condition rules, and 63% see these rules as a ba~rier to starting a business.

70% support the choice of a private or public health insurance plan.

63% say health care reform is important to getting the economy back on track.

- 51 % say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage for its employees.

- NEWS 8 WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

WEST POINT, NE Circulation = 2990

07/08/2009 I

Ceater for Rural Affairs' Fama Bill guide provides in formation on programs

- . - . The Center for Rural Affairs re-

cently released its farm bill guide. "Farm Bill Prograrns for You and Your Co~nlnunity ."

'The guide is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The con~prehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country.

There are five conservation programs, six credit and land access programs, five rural developnlent and local food programs, two research programs, three horticulture and organic programs, and two risk management and outreach programs.

Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of the guide. It includes state- by-state contacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed in each state.

The Center is also operating a Fann Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing farm hill programs.

"The Center for Rural Affairs has a long history of assisting family farmers and ranchers to access fann bill programs," said Traci Bruckner with the Center for Ru- ral Affairs. "Through our helpline you will get to speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to participate in the program."

The Farm Bill Helpline is also intended as a source for farmers and ranchers to call if they encounter barriers when applying for these programs.

"The only way we can truly know how these programs are being put into practice on the ground is to learn from the farmers and ranchers who apply for them," said Bruckner.

Producers can call (402) 687- 2100 and ask for the Far111 Bill Hel- pline.

For more information and to download the full guide visit: http:// www.cfra.org/node/1917

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I INDEX WEDNESDAY WEEKLY MITCHELL, NE Circulation = 893

Center for Rural Mfairs Center Offers Farmers and Ranchers Assistance through Farm Bill Guide and Help Line

. The Center for Rural Af- The Center is also operat- , fairs recently released their ing a Farm Bill Helpline where

farm bill guide, Farm Bill Pro- producer$ can call in and re- grams for You and Your Com- ceive assistance in accessing munity. The guide is designed farm bill programs. to provide farmers and ranch- "The Center for Rural Af- ers information on farm bill fairs has a long history of as- programs that can help them sisting family farmers and get started in farming or ranch- ranchers to access farm bill ing, establish high-value niche programs," said Traci Bruck- markets, implement conserva- ner with the Center for Rural tion-based farming or ranching Affairs. "Through our helpline systems as well as transition to you will get to speak to a real organic farming or ranching. person who is knowledgeable

The comprehensive guide about the program rules to help provides information on 23 you undestand how to partici- different farm bill programs pate in the program." The that are targeted to help farm- Farm Bill flelpline is also in- ers, ranchers and rural people tended as a source for farmers across the country. There are and ranchers to call if they five conservation programs, six encounter barriers when apply- credit and land access pro- ing for these programs. "The grams, five rural development only way we can truly know and local food programs, two how these programs are being research programs, three horti- put into practice on the ground culture and organic programs, is to learn from the farmers and and two risk management and ranchers who apply for them," outreach programs. Perhaps said Bruckner Producers can even more valuable for users is call (402) 687-2100 and ask the resource section at the end for the Farm Bill Helpline. of the guide. It includes state- For more information and by-state contacts for govern- to download the full guide ment agencies, nonprofits and visit: http://www.cfra.org/ others in the know about how nodell 9 1 7 programs can be accessed in each state.

- - - - - -

REPUBLICAN

IMPERIAL, Nebraska

c Copyright 2009 \All Rights Reaved --. .

Date: Thursday, July 9,2009 Frequency: WEEKLY Circulation: 2080 Clip Size: 22.47 sq. inches

$6.8 Ad Rate: Pagelsection: 3

Center provides free guide on farm bill programs There are many farm bill pro-

grams that offer opportunities for farmers, ranchers and aspiring farmers and ranchers. The trick is being aware of these programs and being able to comprehend them.

The M t e r A r R ~ E U U X W recently released guide, EPun BfN-= Qmu&m& is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information

on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high- value niche markets, implement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country.

There are programs on conser-

vation, credit and land access, rural development and local food, research, horticulture and organic, and risk management and outreach. The resource section at the end of the guide includes state- by-state contacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed in each state.

The f'ree guide can be downloaded at: --a& node/1917

The Center is also operating 'a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in (402-687-2100) and , receive assistance in accessing farm bill programs.

- - - -

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Profile: Ill - Center for Rural Affiirs Recipient: John Crabtree

L

STAR-HER4LD 1 MORNING DAILY SCOTTSBLUFF, NE Circdatim = i 1625

-- VpL"'- -. - 7 REAP program [

.- .official to visit I Scottsbluff '!

-- Nancy Flock, a busi- 'i (I ness specialist with the I c : Center for Rural Affairs' .

Rural Enterprise Assis- tance Project Hispanic Business Center, will visit Scottsbluff in July to help business owners or those who hope to start a business.

Hours will be 2 to 7 p.m. June 22 at the Guadalupe Center, 1200 E. Ninth St.

The HBC program provides lending, training, network in^ and technical I

assistance opportunities for start-up and existing Hispanic small businesses. Flock will provide information in Spanish about the REAP HBC and will meet with Hispanics who are in- terested in starting their .

own business or currently are in business.

For more information or to schedule an appoint- ment, contact Nancy Flock, REAP Hispanic Business Specialist at (308) 534-3508 or nan- ; [email protected]. /

!

m,

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(402) 342-31 78

CHIEFTAIN THEGAY WEEKLY I TECUMSEH, NE Circulation = 1824

07/09/2009 I

Nebraska small business supports health care reform LYONS-A recent survey conducted by the Small Business Majority

found that 63% of Nebraska small businesses say health care reform is important to getting the economy on track. And 82% of those Nebraska small businesses not offering health insurance say they cannot afford to, while 72% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

On Tuesday, July 7th at 10:OO a.m. CDT, the Small Business Major- ity released their survey of Nebraska small business owners' attitudes regarding health care reform. Organizational experts, including John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, and Jon Bailey, Rural Research and Analysis Director for the Center for Rural Affairs, will commentted in further detail on the survey results and take questions from media on a media conference call officially releasing the results at 10:OO a.m. CDT, on July 7th. ANebraska farmer and rural small business owner was also be available for comment and questions on the call.

A full copy of the survey results and accompanying report can be viewed and downloaded at files.cfra.org/pdf7Nebraska~research~report~62609. pdf Key Findings

Nebraska small business owners view access to health insurance as a significant barrier to entrepreneurship, see reform as necessary and important to getting the economy back on track, and see themselves as part of the solution, working together with the federal government, insurers and providers. Other key findings include:

.The number one concern for Nebraska small business owners in health care reform is controlling costs, followed by having coverage that is guaranteed and covers everybody.

.82% of those businesses not offering health insurance say they can't afford to, while 72% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do SO.

~80% of small businesses want to eliminate preexisting condition rules, and 63% see these rules as a barrier to starting a business.

-63% say health care reform is important to getting the economy back on track.

~70% support the choice of a private or public health insurance plan. -5 1% say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage

for its employees. Small Business Majority is a leading national small business advocacy

organization focused on health care reform. The organization conducts original scientific research exploring the experiences and opinions of small business owners about health care reform throughout the nation, and projects this voice to policymakers through a network of small business spokespeople.

- The Center for Rural Affairs (www.cfra.org) was established in 1973 by rural Nebraskans concerned about family farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities

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' NEMAHA CO. HERALD FRIDAY WEEKLY AUBURN, NE Circulation = 2628

12E Club Will Host Bookkeeping & Online Networking Programs for July 14 meeting in Nebr. City

A year and half after the 12E (In- Riese will present on online network- vzntors, Investors ant1 Entrepreneurs) ing with Facebook and LinkIn. Riese. Club started, 12E is going strong as it an avid Facebook and LinkIn user heads into itsJuly meeting schedulecl himself, will show attendees how for Julji 14th at 5:30 p.m. they themselves can use these free

Up o n the podium next month is services as marketing tools for their part-tirnr. teacher at Central Com- munity Clollege and small business consultar~t Connie Harvey presenting. "Bookkeeping Basics for Business Success." A business owner herself, Harvey's Efficiency Counts helps small businesses and organizations improve their bookkeeping and data tracking.

Harvey's recent ties to the area and its businesses include assisting the REAP Women's Center with development of a Bookkeeping Basics Guide and facilitated individualized training with the mobile laptop computers hosted by REAP Business Specialists in several communities.

Also slated for this month is Mike Riese, UNL Kimmel Education and Research Center's intern and a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lin-

businesses. The final presentation for the eve-

ning will be Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild, Extension Educator at the UNL Kim- me1 Education and Research Center. Dr. Reimers-Hild will present, "The Elevator Pitch: What?And Why?" to help attendees and members prepare for 12E's second annual 12E Elevator Pitch Contest being held on August 11. An elevator pitch is a way to make a menlorable impression to sell services, products or ideas while building relationships, sales and in- vestments.

For more information about the 12E Club or any of its programming, contact Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild at the UNL Kimmel Education and Re- search Center at402-873-3 166 or cre- [email protected] or visit their website

coln, who is majoring in Hospitality, www.kimml.unl.edu) or Facebook Restaurant andTo~rrism Management. page, simply search 12E Club.

I HERALD a -

I THURSDAY WEEKLY WAYNE, NE Circulation = 1854

Computer Basics Workshops coming to northeast Nebraska

Two Computer Basics Workshops will be offered in July by the Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Hispanic Business Center in partnership with the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension, Northeast Community College, and the Wakefield Gardner Public Library. The workshops will be located in West Point and Wakefield.

The classes will be conducted in Spanish. Topics involved include how to operate a mouse, open and close files and programs, create a n email address, use the internet, protect a computer against viruses. and how to use Microsoft Word. ,.

"These classes will help business owners get more familiar with the use of a computer," commented Adriana Dungan, Center for Rural Affairs. "One of our goals is to increase the use of computers within the business to help business owners with their record keeping."

Computer Basics Workshops in Spanish will be held: .July 7, 9 and 10 on t,he Northeast, Community Collcge Campus, West Point, 202 Anna St,alp Ave., 6 to 9 p.m. (Registration Deadline is

July 6, 2009) and July 14, 16 17 a t Gardner Public Library in ,

Wakefield a t 114 W 3rd, 6 to 8 p.m. (Registration deadline is July 13, 2009) 1

For more information, contact 1

Adriana Dungan, adrianadacfra. j

org or 402.494.1013. More informa- 1 tion about REAP can be found a t www.cfra.org/reap. 1 - - - - -

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(402) 342-31 78 / TIMES-REPUBLICA N THURSDAY WEEKLY HAYES CENTER, PJE ( Circulation = 748

/ Women's Economic 1 / Self-Sufficiency Grants Available

. The WealthSpring Fund, a -statewide affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Founda- tion, is seeking grant applications from nonprofit, 50 1 (c) (3) organizations whose work aligns closely with its mission to increase Nebraska women's economic self-sufficiency. Or- ganizations may apply for up to $3,000.

The WealthSpring Fund collaborates with local organizations and supports projects and programs that help women with entrepreneurship training; banking skills; budget and financial management; financial literacy; education and training needed for employment or ad- vancement; and work-related child care needs.

Nonprofit organizations that provide these types of ser-

I vices to women in their commu-

nities are encouraged to apply. .

Since 2007 The WealthSpring Fund has provided grants to Lincoln Housing Charities, Community Action of Nebraska and Friendship Home in Lin- coln, REAP Women's Business Center in Seward, Kindcr Haus Child Care Center in Eustis, and the Adams County YWCA

,

For additional information or to request an application '

form, contact Reggi Carlson 402-323-733 1, or rcarlson@ -1 nebcommfound.org. Applica- tion forms and additional information are available on the Web at www.nebcommfound.org/ communities/ WealthSpring. htm.

All applications must be postmarked or received by fax or e-mad by 5:00 p.m. CDT on September 1, 2009.

TIMES-HERALD

ALLIANCE, Nebraska

Date: Monday, July 20,2009 Frequency: DAILY Circulation: 31 25 Clip Size: 7.22 sq. inches Ad Rate: $6.9 Pagelsection: B 1

Neb. Guide Breaks Down Federal Farm Bill Details

LYONS (AP) - Nebraska fannets and ranchers m get some help understanding the farm bill and finding gavem- ment p q p m s that can help their busheses.

T h e C m & r h ~ has published a guide to the federal farm bill to help people find p q a m s that might help them get started or succeed at farming and ranching. The guide offers detalls on

23 Merent programs in the farm bi that are desi&ed b help farmers, ranchem and other rural d e n t s . nK guide is available online

at www.cfra.og. The center also runs a farm bill hot line that h e r s can call at (402) 687-2 100.

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Page: 1 /I

WORLD-HERALD

OMAHA, Nebraska

r C q p r 2009 i All Ri$m Resaved

Date: Monday, July 20,2009 Frequency: DAILY AN\

Circulation: 192075 Clip Size: 5.58 sq. inches Ad Rate: $1 54 Pagelsection: B 2

Olrida to helpful farm bill pmgramr LYONS - Nebraska farmers

and ranchers can get some help understanding the farm bill and finding government programs that can help their businesses.

The Ca&xfPrBurW& has published a guide to the federal farm bill to help people Rnd programs that might help them get started or succeed at farming and rwhing.

The guide offers details on 23 programs in the farm bill that are designed to help farmers, ranchers and other rural residents.

The guide is available online at www.cfra.org. The center also runs a farm bill hot line that farmers can call at 402- 687-2100. - AP

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MIDLAND NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY VALENTINE, NE Circulation = 2056 L

I- , =.- - - L -

L--

Nebraska Small ~eusiness supports health care reform

- -

A recent s u ~ bey conductctl bc ;1~;~11al~lc' 50r comment ancl thece rule\ ac a barrier to start- by the Small ~usiiless h4rijori- Ly found that 63%: of Nchfaska small businesses say health care rcfol-ln is irnporlanl to getting ~ h c cconomy on track. And 82'h of those Nebraska small businesses not offcring health insur;rnce say t11cy cannot afford to. whilc 72% of those who do offct- i t say thcy are slnlggling lo do so.

On Tuesday. July 7th at 10:OO a.m. ClIYT. the Sniall Busincss Majoriiy ~ v i l l release their survey of Nebraska small busincss owners' attitudes regarding health cilre reform. Organizational cxpcrts. in- clutling Joho Arcnsmeycr. k>under and CEO of Small Business Majority, and Jon Bailcy. Rural Rcse31-ch and Analysis Director for the Center for Rur;~l Affairs, will comment in furthcl- detail o n the survey rccults and takc questions f ~ c , r r i nicdia on a niedia cor;' :::Ice call ofi'i- cially relc:, ;;-is the results :~t 10:00 a.rn. C'lIT, on July 7th. A Nebraska farnicr and rural -small business n\~~nerwill also

cl~rcstions on thk caii A i'i~ll copy ol'thc survey re-

sults and acuo~npany i n ~ report can bc vicwed ;inddownl~aded at 11 1es.cf~~n.or~lpdfPNchrdska- 1-e~carch-l-r:port-62~>00.pdf

Key Findings Ncbraskn small husincss

owners view acccs$ to health insurance as a signii'icani harrier to cnlreprcncurship, sce reform as necessary and important t o getting the economy hack on t~.ill'k. and see ihemselves as part of the solution. working to- gcthcr with thc federal government. insurers and providers. Othcr key findings include:

The nun~ber- one concorn Tor Nchraska small business owncrs in health carc rcfonn is controlling costs. followed by having coverage that i s guaran- lecd and covers c\,ci yhody.

X2(%1 ol'those busiilesses no1 ofl'ci.ing health insurance say they c.:~n't afSo~.cl to, %~hilc: 72% <i/'llli?sc L \ . ~ I O C ~ O 01'1':i i t %!j'111~~ art: struggling to do so.

XO'G, of small I~usinesses want t o climinaie I)I-eexistinl coniliiion rulcs, and 63% sce

ing a business. 63% say health care reform

is important to getting the econonly back on track.

70% support the choice of a private or public health insurance plan.

5 1 %I say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage for its employees. I

Small Business Majority is a leading national small business advocacy organization focused on health care reform. The

i organi~ation conducts original scientific research exploring the experiences and opinio~ls of small business owners about health care reform throughout the nation, and projects this voice to policymakers through a network of small business spokespeople.

The Center for Rural Af- fairs (www.cfra.org) was established in 1973 by rural Nebraskans cor~cerned about f~ l r~~ i ly farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.

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