May 8, 2002

This isn't a perfect bill by any measure. It has flaws, including being too large. But I reluctantly supported it because - on balance - it ultimately benefits Connecticut farmers and our state. Among other things it ensures increased support for dairy farmers - especially small dairy farmers - in the our state and the northeast when they hit hard times. It also increases funding for Senior and WIC (Women Infants and Children ) Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs, which are extremely successful in Connecticut. It also provides at least $12 million per year for conservation funding in our state, including a 20 fold increase in the Farmland Protection Program to preserve working, open farmland, which will help keep it out of developers' hands. In short, the bill will help protect environmental treasures in our state. I was also happy to see the bill reinstate food stamp benefits for legal immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, and restore benefits for legal immigrant children and the disabled without onerous residency requirements.