2010 Resolutions Passed
Resolution and Legislative Committees did a great job this year. Nearly 70 resolutions (more if one takes into account floor motions and recommits) were handled by the Delegates in the allotted time and not once during this Convention did the delegates debate after the dinner hour. A highly deserved ”Well Done!” to all.
The Committees were changed this year, both by combining some committees and expanding the scope of others. This year the committees were:
Agriculture Cass Mutters, Chair
Communities Marion Nichols, Chair
Conservation & Energy Jan Saxton, Chair
Government Lanny Cotler, Chair
Grange Law & Activities Howard Sihner, Chair
Health, Education & Welfare Patty Allen, Chair
Science & Technology Jeremy Heckman, Chair
Water David Lewis, Chair
Some committees were overwhelmed with resolutions, resulting in passing some of the workload to other committees which had fewer resolutions to work. State Master McFarland sent out a survey to ask for ideas to make the process flow even smoother. A report on those results will be made as soon as they are available.
While there was little controversy in the discussions, perhaps the strongest statements made by the delegates concerned fiscal responsibility. First, the Delegates told Congress that they did not appreciate a Congress that did not operate under the same rules and regulations that they set down for the rest of us, and particularly in creating special health and retirement plans for themselves while denying the general public like benefits. “You must abide by the same rules you set for the rest of us” was the message.
Nor did the Delegateds appreciate National Grange’s fee and surtax on the general membership to pay for their Convention. Pointing to California’s lean budget for Convention, the Delegates demanded an end to the tax and suggested National Grange could follow California’s example by cutting down on Convention costs.
The following resolutions were passed at the 2010 Session:
AGRICULTURE
Title: Methyl Iodide
Proposed By: Santa Cruz/Live Oak Grange #503
Whereas: The original Grange mission statement support sustainable farming; and
Whereas: The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is proposing to permit the use of methyl iodide, a recognized carcinogen, to replace methyl bromide for soil fumigation; and
Whereas: Fifty-four scientists, including five Nobel Laureates in chemistry, have opposed the use of methyl iodide in a letter to the EPA; and
Whereas: The Scientific Review Committee of the DPR reported that methyl iodide is highly toxic, with potential to cause cancer, harm fetuses, damage DNA, and contaminate groundwater; and
Whereas: Farmworkers, children in schools near farms, and nearby residents would be adversely affected by the use of methyl iodide; and
Whereas: There are alternatives to methyl iodide, as demonstrated by 127 certified organic strawberry growers in California who do not use methyl bromide; therefore be it
Resolved: That the CSG lobby against the use of methyl iodide and communicate that opposition to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and advocate the use of safer alternatives for the control of soil borne diseases.
Title: USDA Reclassify The Light Brown Apple Moth And End Government Quarantines Of California Farmers
Proposed By: Sonoma Valley Grange #407
Whereas: The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) current quarantine policy for the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) unfairly benefits foreign farmers shipping harvested crops into the United States over the interests of California farmers. Currently, California farmers would be quarantined if the apple moth is found in their orchards or farms. New Zealand does not quarantine produce grown on farms where the apple moth is present. Instead, inspection for the apple moth happens at the point of export from New Zealand into the United States. Thus apples grown in a New Zealand orchard where the apple moth may be found, once through inspection, could end up in American grocery stores.
As an example of this trade policy inequity, if one of our local Gravenstein farmers in Sebastopol, Sonoma County were found to have an apple moth in his orchard, the CDFA would not allow him to sell apples to his local grocery store. This farmer could walk into that same store and buy imported apples which came from a farm in New Zealand that was riddled with the light brown apple moth while his crop sits only a few miles away, restricted from sale domestically based upon the exact same conditions. This is an unfair policy built on faulty scientific assumptions that benefits foreign growers over domestic ones; and
Whereas: Numerous independent scientific experts, including a review by the National Academy of Sciences challenge the need for the present regulations, the eradication program and the likelihood that eradication will succeed. A large number of California farmers (over 100 statewide) have signed a letter requesting reclassification (which was entered as evidence/testimony at the CFDA Committee hearings) and many more California business owners have also expressed support for California farmers; and
Whereas: It has been government (CDFA and USDA) quarantines, not crop damage due to LBAM, that have caused significant financial and management burdens to California farms and nurseries, including driving some out of business. Reclassifying LBAM to more accurately reflect its status as an insect of minor concern and harmonizing trade agreements related to LBAM are more reasonable long-term solutions for California farmers; therefore be it
Resolved: That since the LBAM (Light Brown Apple Moth) program is being conducted throughout our state, we ask that this resolution be sent to California Secretary of Agriculture requesting reclassification for LBAM as a non-actionable pest; and be it further
Resolved: That the CA State Grange ask all our elected representatives to work diligently and forcefully to sever the taxpayer funding for the Light Brown Apple Moth eradication program.
Title: Encouraging A New Generation Of Family Farmers
Proposed By: Little Lake #670
Whereas: The average age of American farmers is 55 and rising; and
Whereas: It is important to begin now to train the next generation of farmers, and many young people interested in farming do not have family members who can provide the experience necessary; and
Whereas: Many young people interested in farming have found volunteering or interning on small, family farms an ideal way to try out their interest while learning important skills; and
Whereas: Farmers who take on volunteers and interns not only benefit from the work of these
individuals but contribute in untold ways to their education; and
Whereas: The State of California has recently begun a campaign of enforcement of state labor
laws aimed at forcing farmers hosting volunteers and interns to comply in all particulars with those laws, imposing insupportable burdens on farmers who wish to host volunteers and interns and imposing thousands of dollars in fines on farms that are struggling for survival; therefore, be it
Resolved: That the California State Grange call upon the California Division of Labor Standards
Enforcement to cease investigation and prosecution of farmers hosting volunteers and interns unless pursuant to a complaint; and be it further
Resolved: That the California State Grange petition the State Assembly to begin hearings to review California Labor Law in the light of recent legislation in Oregon and Washington aimed at accommodating the practice of volunteering and interning on small farms; and be it further
Resolved: That the California State Grange support a specific exclusion from existing law for farms grossing under $100,000 annually who wish to host volunteers and/or interns.
Title: Use Of Antibiotics In Healthy Food Animals
Proposed By: Sacramento Community Grange #843
Whereas: In 1977 the California Grange adopted a Resolution favoring the use of tetracycline and penicillin and other antibiotics in the feed of livestock raised for human consumption; and
Whereas: Now, antibiotics that kill microorganisms like bacteria are routinely given to healthy livestock to make them grow faster and to compensate for crowded and unsanitary conditions on industrial food animal farms; and
Whereas: The unnecessary use of antibiotics on livestock raised for human consumption creates an environment in which bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance; and
Whereas: current day research indicates that animal resistance to antibiotics is passed to human beings who consume them and this reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics to treat human illnesses; therefore be it
Resolved: That the CSG opposes the routine feeding or injection of antibiotics in healthy animals raised for human consumption.
National
Title: Control Of Genetic Use Resriction Technology
Propsosed By: Mc Cloud Grange #831
Whereas: US Patent #5723765 jointly held by the USDA and Monsanto, Inc. describes bio-technology that when deployed detrimentally impedes the biological competence of seed-bearing plants in both the reproductive and vegetative stages of growth.
Whereas: The GURT-modified genes may uncontrollably spread to non-target crop and native plants to the economic detriment of farmers and the degradation of the broader natural eco-system. Therefore be it
Resolved: The California State Grange (CSG) and The National Grange (NG) actively promote legislation to ban the field testing and commercialization of GURT (Genetic Use Restriction Technology) in the United States, as described in US Patent #5723765, and be it further
Resolved: The CSG and NG actively partner with other national and international organizations to permanently ban the GURT on a global basis.
COMMUNITIES
Title: Legalizing Hen Chickens In Urban Areas
Proposed By: Orangevale Grange #354
Whereas: The Grange supports agriculture in our Nation; and
Whereas: The raising and keeping of chickens is educational for all; and
Whereas: Local production of any food source is environmentally beneficial through educated practices; and
Whereas: Production of local food sources has been economically sound throughout history; and
Whereas: The joy gained from such an endeavor is priceless; therefore be it
Resolved: The CSG support by letter, resolution, donation or other means, legalizing the humane and sanitary keeping of domestic* hen chickens in urban areas. *animals which are kept at one’s home as pets or for personal use.
CONSERVATION AND ENERGY
National
Title: Identifying Genetically Modified Salmon
Proposed By: Coe Committee
Whereas: The California State Grange supports the containment and control of genetically engineered crops and the labeling of all foods or products with genetically modified ingredients; and
Whereas: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is charged with the duty to determine the safety of genetically engineered crops; and
Whereas: The FDA has indicated that it will approve the production of genetically engineered salmon fish for human consumption; and
Whereas: The FDA’s Environmental Assessment of the safety of genetically engineered salmon fish does not include adequate independent consideration of the potential for the escape of the genetically engineered salmon into the wild; and
Whereas: The FDA has indicated that they will not require labeling identifying salmon or salmon products that have been genetically engineered; therefore be it
Resolved: That the CSG and National Grange oppose FDA approval of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption and that adequate assessment has proven the GMO Salmon is safe for human consumption; and be it further
Resolved: That the CSG and National Grange advocate for clear product labeling of all genetically modified salmon and salmon products, and be it further
Resolved: That the CSG and National Grange oppose FDA approval of genetically engineered salmon unless an adequate Environmental Assessment has been conducted that shows there is no possibility of GES escaping into the wild.
GOVERNMENT
Title: Law Vs. Accounting
Proposed By: Windsor Grange #410
Whereas: Spending in our State has gotten out of hand; and
Whereas: Our Legislators have not taken new law implementation costs into account; therefore be it
Resolved:: That all new implementation of laws by the CA State Legislature be accompanied by the source of funding; and be it further
Resolved: That if future new CA State laws are not accompanied with funding means, the local governments and the public may hold the new law null and void.
Title: State Legislators Hiring Restriction
Proposed By: Windsor Grange #410
Whereas: Our State legislators have the ability to “feather their nests” for the future in the State employment field; and
Whereas: Some past legislators take unfair advantage of this “insider” situation without being necessarily qualified; and
Whereas: This “dormant waiting period” allows them high paying income while waiting for other “termed out” openings; therefore be it
Resolved: That the CSG urges our legislators to implement laws similar to the Federal government prohibiting employment by the State of California of past legislators within two years of the expiration of their term of office.
National
Title: Medicare For Congress
Proposed By: Windsor Grange #410
Whereas: Most Senators and Representatives have no idea how lacking the system is; and
Whereas: Our new President stated several times that our “Public Servants” should be on Medicare only, paid by the people; and
Whereas: This education should greatly enhance their knowledge of the system; therefore be it
Resolved:: That the CSG and NG actively lobby for the requirement that all members of Congress, upper and lower Houses, shall be provided the standard Medicare offered to our citizens at age 65 and that any additional medical insurance shall be purchased at the going rate as necessary for the Congressman’s family at his/her own expense.
National
Title: To Ban Members Of Congress From Becoming Lobbyists
Proposed By: Little Lake Grange #670
Whereas: Bribery of members of Congress is against the law; and
Whereas: Campaign contributions from lobbyists all too often amount to little more than a
bribe; and
Whereas: Money from big, esp. Transnational corporations, has a disproportionate and un-democratic influence over political matters as compared to small (or grassroots) money; and
Whereas: Closing the revolving door between K-Street and Congress will do much to cut down on corruption in Congress; and
Whereas: Transparency in government is a hallmark of a government of, by, and for the People; therefore, be it
Resolved: That the National Grange urge the U.S. Congress to pass a law banning members of
Congress from becoming lobbyists for 5 years following the end of their congressional service.
National
Title: Only Human Beings, Not Corporations, Enjoy The Constitutional Rights Of Natural Born Citizens
Proposed By: Little Lake Grange #670
Whereas: The American Revolutionary War was as much a war against the tyranny of the East India Company and other corporations as against King George III; and
Whereas: The Grange was founded as a fraternity of farmers across the land, united against the monopolistic tyranny of the railroads and the greed of many large Eastern banks; and
Whereas: American history makes clear that corporations were intended to serve the common
good; and
Whereas: if these chartered corporations were found to pursue "merely private or selfish goals", their charters were revoked by the state; and
Whereas: For-profit corporations now have the ostensible legal obligation to maximize profits for their shareholders and managers, no matter what the cost to citizens or to the commons; and
Whereas: The notion of corporations being "persons" and having "rights" has been wrongly foisted upon the people by judges, not by legislation, and now (with Citizens_United v FEC) by the Supreme Court; and
Whereas: The Supreme Court has argued that contributions of money to political campaigns and in support of specific public policies amounts to "speech," permitting corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money in their efforts to promote their own interests; and
Whereas: A government of the people, by the people and for the people cannot compete or coexist with a government of, by and for immortal corporations with millions of dollars at their disposal for influencing public opinion and political office holders; and
Whereas: "Rights" pertain and belong only to natural-born human beings; therefore, be it
Resolved: That the California State Grange declare that corporations are not persons, people or human beings, and therefore should not enjoy the protections of the Bill of Rights; and be it further
Resolved: That the California State Grange and National Grange lobby strongly for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would declare corporations as non-persons and therefore do not enjoy the rights of a natural-born citizen.
National
Title: Expand Primary Election Choices
Proposed By: Mccloud Grange #831
Whereas: America's founding fathers hoped political parties would not develop and
Whereas: Currently, voters look at options beyond their registered party affiliation, therefore be it
Resolved: that the California State Grange and the National Grange strongly support changing the primary election ballot so that it will include all candidates for State and National office regardless of party affiliation.
GRANGE LAW & ACTIVITIES
National
Title: Convention Assessment
Proposed By: Butte Pomona Grange #16
Whereas: In our current economy, the Grange as a whole is under great financial stress; and
Whereas: The National Grange assesses each State Grange $1.00 per member to subsidize the Annual Convention of the National Grange; and
Whereas: There are approximately 200,000 members nationally, and California’s share of this assessment is about $8,000.00; and
Whereas: The CSG has set an example of “back to our roots” by reducing the costs of our annual convention by conducting our convention at Grange halls instead of renting a facility; and
Whereas: The expenses for the 5 day convention were under $16,500.00 and the income was almost $21,000.00. Therefore, be it
Resolved: The National Grange cease to assess the state granges $1.00 per member for their annual National Grange convention; and be it further
Resolved: Upon passage, the CSG Master send a copy of this resolution to all State Granges with a cover letter.
HEALTH, EDUCATION, WELFARE
National
Title: Support Of Adapting Measures To Reduce Childhood Type 2 Diabetes
Proposed By: Chico Grange #486
Whereas: Type 2 diabetes in those under 20 was uncommon 40 years ago: and
Whereas: Type 2 diabetes devastates a large and growing percentage of children and their families; and
Whereas: Today, over 50% of American’s school age children are overweight, significantly elevating risk and rate of type 2 diabetes; and
Whereas: Type 2 diabetes prevention relates directly to the accessibility and consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts in conjunction with adequate exercise; therefore
Resolved:: The California State Grange and National Grange support creative and practical personal, local, state & national health re-vitalization actions and policies to reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and obesity through promotion of healthy lifestyle practices.
Title: Grange History – Interactive Video Conferencing
Proposed By: Education Committee
Whereas: The California State Grange has adopted policy to develop a Grange History presentation for use in the classroom, and
Whereas: The Worthy Master, in his 2010 State Master’s Address expressed interest in developing a “Grange on Wheels” to visit classrooms with presentations about the Grange; and
Whereas: Through electronic technology a single location can serve as a worldwide hub for interactive video conference presentations, and
Whereas: Teachers and schools are utilizing this technology for virtual field trips using such sites as K12Video.org, K12 High Speed Network, CALAXY and CLIC, and
Whereas: The California State Grange can use this same technology to teach students about the Grange and its role in the history of our nation, therefore be it
Resolved: The California State Grange will investigate the feasibility of developing and using interactive video conference technology as a way to present Grange History in schools.
Title: Focus On Health
Proposed By: Mccloud Grange #831
Whereas: Nothing is of greater importance than the health of all of us and
Whereas: Our excellent Grange News has limited space and must focus on many very important matters, often health cannot be included, therefore be it
Resolved: That the California Grange News shall include at least one article concerning health in each issue.
Title: Coordinate The Grange Grassroots Philosophy
Proposed By: Mc Cloud Grange #821
Whereas: Most Grange members understand that most leadership begins in the community Grange or at the grass roots level and works upward to the thop State leadership; and
Whereas: Many Granges do not clearly understand how grass roots leadership operates, therefore, be it
Resolved: That the CSG establish a program to help members gain a better understanding of how the Granges grassroots organizational structure operates.
WATER
(Note: Motion to print only the “resolved” in the journal carried 34 to 33)
Title: Water Stewardship
Proposed By: Santa Cruz/Live Oak Grange #503
Whereas: The State of California has been experiencing a severe water crisis that includes some of the driest periods in recorded history; and
Whereas: California is located in a semi-arid environment that experiences unpredictable cycles of periodic draught conditions; and
Whereas: Many urban, rural, commercial, industrial and agricultural water users in California have haphazardly wasted water with little thought or concern about the long-term consequences of such use; and
Whereas: Modern research and technological advances provide many valuable tools and best-management practices to help implement the efficient and beneficial use of our precious collective resource, water; and
Whereas: Wasteful water practices have directly contributed to the pollution and destruction of some of California’s waterways and wetlands; and
Whereas: Wasting water is a violation of the California Constitution, Article 10, Section 2, the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; and many local ordinances statewide; and
Whereas: Water conservation, which generally refers to efficiency of use, is the most powerful and cost-effective took that California has in addressing water shortages; and
Whereas: Vulnerability to dry conditions elicits water reliability to be of the utmost value to water consumers; therefore be it
Resolved: That the California State Grange augment its policy to support, through legislation, education, and publicity, the efficient use of water by all urban, rural, commercial, industrial and agricultural users.
Title: California Water Bond
Proposed By: Kings River Grange #562
Whereas: The 2009 proposed water bond for the November 2010 State election has a lot of good and bad features in it that needs to be studied and reported to the membership of the California State Grange, in the Grange News; therefore be it
Resolved: That the State Master (President) instruct the Water Committee to study water bond measures of 2009, and then write the pros and cons of it and print it in the Grange News as soon as possible