Transcript Highlights:

• What's the practical effect then? Of, I mean. Well, the practical effect is you're out on a PR.
• That's the practical effect.
• What's the practical implication?
• Counsel, I do a lot of estate work in my practice.
• Do you do estate planning in your practice? I didn't know. Oh, I'm sorry. I am an attorney, yes.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can appreciate that there are great vast differences in perspectives of attorneys practicing in the
• I can appreciate that there are great vast differences in perspectives of attorneys practicing in the
• I can appreciate that there are great vast differences in perspectives of attorneys practicing in the
• So can you clarify what is meant by foreign law, legal code, or system in practical terms?
• So are you aware of how the liturgical practices of the Eastern Church Thank you.

Bills: HJR1024, SB1316, SB1491, SB1552, SB1679, SB1877, SB2040, SB2133, SB2153, SB2174, SB2180, SB227, SJR39, SJR47, SJR48

Keywords: Judicial Nominating Commission, congressional districts, terms of office, Oklahoma Constitution, legal qualifications, political party restrictions, family ties, administrative rules, sunset provision, state agencies, regulatory review, legislative oversight, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, county home rule charter, home rule, county government

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met and first laid over Senate Bill 2133 and skipped several bills because the Pro Tem and Senator Hall were not present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1552, which would expand an option for very large counties to adopt local charters; an amendment was adopted to raise the population thresholds so the bill would apply only to future growth. After discussion that the measure was optional and not a mandate, the bill passed 12-7. The committee also passed SJR 39, a proposed constitutional amendment to lower the cap on annual increases in property tax assessed value from 3% to 1% for homestead and agricultural property and from 5% to 3% for other property, despite opposition that it would worsen funding pressures and create inequities between long-term owners and new buyers. SJR 47, moving voter ID requirements into the Constitution, and SJR 48, changing how the state handles ad valorem reimbursement for tax-incentive projects, both passed 16-2. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1491, which requires replacement presidential electors to take the same oath as the original slate, and Senate Bill 2174, which changes the membership mix of the State Fire Marshal Commission to include more business-oriented voices; both measures drew little opposition and passed overwhelmingly. Senate Bill 1877 also passed unanimously; it creates a centralized reporting system for 510 reports, with members noting it should have no fiscal impact because an existing state filing system would be used. House Joint Resolution 1024, which revises the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing certain lawyer/non-lawyer and party-balance restrictions and capping service at 12 consecutive years, passed after significant debate over judicial independence and political influence. The committee then approved Senate Bill 2040, which updates the Tulsa Reconciliation Education Scholarship Program by simplifying eligibility rules, changing the income cap to $128,000 and indexing it to inflation, and clarifying that unused funds may still be used for room, board, and books; supporters said it preserves a long-standing scholarship with no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 1316 passed 17-1 and would require agencies to periodically sunset a percentage of administrative rules, though the author said he may lengthen the cycle after reviewing other states’ models. Senate Bill 1679, the Preserving Oklahoma Values Act, passed 16-2 after debate over its references to foreign law and Judeo-Christian Western values; supporters said it protects due process and equal protection, while opponents warned it could marginalize other faith traditions and create legal uncertainty. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 227, clarifying which oil and gas facilities are exempt from ad valorem tax and ensuring flow lines, gathering lines, and injection wells are treated consistently; Senate Bill 2153, directing state agencies to use the terms Judea and Samaria instead of West Bank in official documents; and Senate Bill 2180, a transparency measure on foreign lobbying that was amended before passing 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the addition of a new Chapter 6 to define podiatry, to provide that licensure is a prerequisite to practice
• for asbestos removal and building demolition of old Albion State Normal School buildings not of practical
• We need to be practical about it.
• Their brother, Joshua Levitt, Their brother, Joshua Levitt, left a law practice to go work as an editor
• See what their business practices are.

Summary: The House convened with 63 members present, approved the journal, and received Senate and governor messages, including enrolled House Bills 533, 502, 555 and several Senate bills for first reading. Standing committee reports advanced a number of bills, including House Bills 713, 723, 664, 667, 716, 650, and 717, and introduced a large slate of new House and Senate bills covering health care, taxation, education, public safety, alcohol regulation, tribal water rights, and other topics. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced several bills. House Bill 570 on reckless driving was amended to clarify language about children and construction zones and reported back with amendments and without recommendation. House Bill 561 on flags was amended to add the Basque autonomous community flag and to prohibit certain political, religious, or ideological flags on government property; it was also reported back with amendments and without recommendation. House Bills 692, 575, and 562 were each amended with mostly clarifying changes and reported back with amendments and without recommendation. House Bills 530, 627, 598, and 673 were held in committee with progress reported and leave to sit again. The House then considered House Bill 704, which would require employers to use E-Verify to screen new hires for work authorization. Debate focused on immigration enforcement, labor shortages, agriculture, constitutional concerns, and whether the bill would burden businesses or displace workers. After extended debate, the House passed HB 704 by a vote of 43-26 with one absent and excused. House Bill 700, a related E-Verify measure with criminal penalties and broader application, also drew extensive debate on constitutionality, existing employees, labor impacts, and immigration policy; it passed 36-33 with one abstention and one excused. The House then adopted committee reports, held the remaining third-reading bills until Monday, received administrative rules letters, made announcements, and adjourned until March 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes several practical refinements to WUCIOA to improve clarity.
• This bill makes several practical refinements to WUCIOA to improve clarity and proportionality for common
• By prohibiting these discriminatory practices, HB 2266 helps the state avoid unnecessary litigation and
• I'm a nurse practitioner with Harborview's medical respite program, testifying on behalf of my own practice
• The current lack of shelter bed availability is inhumane and not consistent with practices of a civil

Bills: HB2304, SGA9280, SGA9281

Keywords: condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes several practical refinements to Wakawa to improve clarity.
• This bill makes several practical refinements to Wakawa to improve clarity and proportionality for common
• By prohibiting these discriminatory practices, HB 2266 helps the state avoid unnecessary litigation and
• I'm a nurse practitioner with Harborview's medical respite program, testifying on behalf of my own practice
• The current lack of shelter bed availability is inhumane and not consistent with practices of a civil

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on several measures and two gubernatorial appointments. At the start, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for Substitute House Bill 2354, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, and Second Substitute House Bill 2590. The committee also heard public testimony on House Bill 1859, which would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold needed to qualify for a density bonus. Supporters, including the sponsor, faith leaders, and local officials, said the current 100% affordability requirement has made projects difficult to finance and that the bill would better unlock underused church land for housing. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, which would further standardize where and how permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and shelters can be sited, while limiting local barriers and allowing some negotiated conditions near schools or when local governments provide significant support. The sponsor and supporters from King County, housing providers, the Attorney General’s office, disability advocates, medical professionals, and others argued the bill would reduce discriminatory or inconsistent local siting rules and expand needed housing. Some local government representatives supported the bill but asked for additional amendments to preserve local flexibility, require on-site contacts, and clarify how operating conditions and funding agreements would work. The committee also heard House Bill 2590, which would revise rules for limited equity cooperatives so they can better function as a long-term affordable homeownership model and remain exempt from certain Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act requirements. Supporters said the bill would help preserve manufactured housing communities and other cooperative housing while maintaining affordability and oversight. House Bill 2354, a trailer bill to WACOIA, would make technical changes affecting common interest communities, including EV charging and heat pump cost responsibility, reserve studies, and audit thresholds; the Washington State Community Association’s Institute testified in support. In executive session, the committee confirmed gubernatorial appointments Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone and voted do-pass recommendations for EHB 1687, SHB 2269, and HB 2304, all subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department could not demonstrate that it has policies and practices that position it to consistently
• We also recommended that the department develop policies and practices to ensure licensees who repeatedly
• We view this audit not simply as an evaluation of past practices, but as...
• We view this audit not simply as an evaluation of past practices, but as an opportunity to strengthen
• relies on broad terms like cartoon or appealing to minors without defining what those words mean in practice

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Expanding the sales and use tax deferral program is a practical, fiscally responsible way to help projects
• Expanding the sales and use tax deferral program is a practical, fiscally responsible way to help projects
• </p> <p>This bill will target a practical way to preserve resources for our community-based developers
• This legislation creates a new practical and sustainable tool to leverage the capacity of developers
• Programs like CRP provide practical, targeted support that helps small businesses stay compliant, retain

Bills: SB6256, SB6275, SB5868, SB5954

Keywords: tax exemptions, affordable housing, nonprofit, unoccupied property, housing policy, community reinvestment, economic development, local investment, financial assistance, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges

Transcript Highlights:

• Judges and staff have expanded calendars, adopted national best practices, worked with volunteer attorneys
• The finality of criminal convictions is a bedrock principle in the criminal law and also a practical
• I want to share some practical knowledge on how the time bar actually works.
• Justice should not be foreclosed by arbitrary deadlines that ignore the practical realities of incarceration
• My name is Alex Dietz, and I'm an attorney practicing in Tacoma who represents individuals who've been

Bills: HB2095, HB2500, HB2412, HB2595, HB2354, HB2597

Keywords: public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation, charitable organization, charity, nonprobate transfer, beneficiary designation, life insurance, retirement account, payable on death, POD account, transfer on death, TOD, financial institution, insurance company, transfer agent, estate planning, donor intent

Transcript Highlights:

• Judges and staff have expanded calendars, adopted national best practices, worked with volunteer attorneys
• The finality of criminal convictions is a bedrock principle in the criminal law and also a practical
• I want to share some practical knowledge on how the time bar actually works.
• Justice should not be foreclosed by arbitrary deadlines that ignore the practical realities of incarceration
• My name is Alex Dietz, and I'm an attorney practicing in Tacoma who represents individuals who've been

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. On House Bill 2354, relating to common interest communities under WUCIOA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would exempt small middle-housing communities from most WUCIOA provisions, exempt certain middle-housing communities from reserve studies if wastewater-related reserve components are not needed, raise the audit threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 in annual assessments, and prevent governing documents from shifting maintenance costs for EV chargers and heat pumps away from the unit owner. Representative Reed and a Community Associations Institute witness supported the bill as a set of cleanup changes tailored to smaller communities, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then heard House Bill 2412, which would add a ninth Superior Court judge in Yakima County. Representative Mendoza and Yakima County officials and judges testified that the county has had eight judges since 1998 despite major population growth, rising filings, and a backlog of more than 2,800 cases older than two years. They said the county can accommodate the new judge physically and has budgeted its share of the cost. The bill was supported as a way to reduce delays, protect speedy-trial rights, and improve access to justice, and the hearing was closed without opposition testimony. House Bill 2500, concerning transfers of beneficiary-designated property to charities, would require holders such as financial institutions or insurers to notify charitable beneficiaries within 10 days of the owner’s death, allow charities to submit an affidavit to claim the property, require transfer within 30 days, and bar holders from demanding personal information or requiring charities to open accounts or wait on other beneficiaries. Charitable organizations strongly supported the bill, describing long delays and invasive paperwork, while credit unions and bankers raised concerns about identity verification, fraud risk, and the 30-day deadline. The committee then heard House Bill 2595, which would extend the time limit for collateral attacks on criminal judgments from one year to three years and allow the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation in those matters. Supporters, including incarcerated individuals, defense-related advocates, and the League of Women Voters, argued the current deadline is too short for pro se prisoners and juvenile offenders to discover and litigate claims; prosecutors and victim advocates opposed it, citing finality, workload, and harm to victims. Finally, House Bill 2597 would create a state civil cause of action for violations of federal constitutional rights during civil immigration enforcement, with damages, fees, and a three-year limitation period. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an accountability measure for constitutional violations, while law enforcement and other opponents warned about unclear definitions, immunity issues, and unintended consequences. The hearing on HB 2597 was concluded, and the committee noted an executive session on the bill would occur later.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my practice that if I think It's my practice that if I think someone's out of the room and their
• That's a new practice we adopted a couple of years ago, so you can find the committee substitute online
• And there are a number of what I think are very practical guideposts there, or rating points.
• I don't know, once again, not being a tax person, I don't know how practical that is, but it certainly
• How practical that is, but it's certainly, I think, would be very good for New Mexicans.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is currently not a practice in Washington State, and in Rep.
• Our goal is to ensure the bill does not unintentionally hinder improved safety practices or delay the
• This is a shift from prior practice that creates unintended consequences.
• And Representative Schmidt's bill here elevates what we think is a very practical solution whereby all
• are paid what they're owed and that responsible contractors aren't competing against illegal labor practices

Bills: HB2144, HB2190, HB2191, HB2303, HB2345

Keywords: employee monitoring, workplace privacy, performance evaluations, notification, transparency, language access, collective bargaining, providers, healthcare, interpreters, social services, construction, wage theft, misclassification, independent contractor, employee classification, fringe benefits, prevailing wages, subcontractor liability, joint and several liability

Transcript Highlights:

• Pam Stokes, and at the request of the chair, I'm here to make a presentation on the history of tax practices
• So they have to pay that out of what they get to bring it to their practice.
• someone representing an agricultural district, fundamentally do not understand the mechanics and practical
• I can go to New Mexico I can play in that game, because New Mexico is practically perfect in every way
• We have Practically perfect weather, we have practically perfect people, and if we do this, this is what

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• creation of a physician health and wellness program that aligns with nationally recognized best practices
• for protecting patients and connecting doctors with the help that they need to continue practicing safety
• It blends fairness with conservation, aligning the best practices in California's fisheries management
• And what we see around the state of California isn't theoretical. practice in places like Los Angeles
• We should have a common practice throughout the state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually need to put them into practice.
• And that practice also needs to include community residents and the groups already working on preparedness
• We actually need to put them into practice.
• I would love to connect with you on best practices. And we'll reach out after. I don't know.
• So I would love to connect with you on best practices.

Summary: The committee first took up a consent calendar of multiple bills, moving them forward mostly to Appropriations, with AB 1531 sent to Insurance. It then heard AB 645, requiring emergency medical dispatch training for public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls. Supporters said standardized dispatcher training would improve CPR and other pre-arrival instructions, especially in rural areas with long response times; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations. AB 716, on statewide hydrogen fire safety standards and a State Fire Marshal hydrogen expert, also drew support and was sent to Utilities and Energy. AB 783, aimed at lowering disaster rebuilding costs by allowing state contracting for construction materials in declared disaster areas, was supported by housing and building groups and moved to Appropriations. AB 591, creating a public works mutual aid plan for disasters, and AB 1200, expanding disaster preparedness through tabletop exercises, a State Lifelines Council, and CERT training, both received supportive testimony and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 300, which would require regular updates to fire hazard severity zone maps; witnesses from fire agencies and cities supported moving the review schedule to every five years, and the bill was sent to Appropriations as amended. AB 986 would add landslides and climate-change-exacerbated conditions to the definition of state and local emergencies; supporters from Rancho Palos Verdes and the League of California Cities described severe land movement and major costs, while members raised concerns about overbroad emergency declarations. The bill nonetheless advanced to Appropriations. AB 478, requiring local emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures and longer holding periods for rescued animals, was supported by the author, a mayor, and animal advocacy groups; members suggested revisiting the 90-day reclamation period and transfer rules, but the bill moved to Appropriations. Later, AB 598 proposed school mapping technology for K-12 campuses so first responders can access accurate layouts during emergencies. The sponsor and dispatch representatives said the maps could reduce response times and improve coordination, while committee members asked about costs, vendor neutrality, rural school funding, and coordination with the 911 Advisory Board; the bill was moved to Appropriations with members noting possible follow-up amendments. Throughout the meeting, several votes were left open for later addition, and the committee eventually recorded additional aye votes and one no vote on AB 783 and a not-voting position on AB 986 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Florida Bar; it was invalid, or I forget the term they use—it wasn't active—but yet she was practicing
• But yet she was practicing law.
• So that's not something uncommon in our practice. Is it the best thing? No, but it's not uncommon.
• She received a waiver from the Supreme Court to continue practicing when her dues came current, or as
• her dues become current, and not necessarily that she was disciplined and not able to practice.

Summary: The State Affairs Committee met with a quorum present and took up several measures. It first considered HJR 1215, an ad valorem tax exemption for farmers and agricultural lands. The committee adopted an amendment making technical changes and removing a requirement that implementing language be set by general law. Several agricultural and business groups supported the measure, and it was reported favorably by a vote of 22-4. The committee then heard CS for CS for HB 1169, a bill revising water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and business practices, including restrictions on lobbyist expenditures and additional budget disclosures. An amendment removing the statutory section on management review teams was adopted after debate over whether those teams were still useful. The bill was reported favorably 19-8-7. Members then debated PCS for CS for HB 1221, which would redirect local option tourist development tax revenues toward property tax relief and give counties more control over certain local taxes. County, tourism, beach preservation, and hospitality groups opposed the bill, warning it would weaken tourism marketing, beach renourishment, and local services, while supporters argued it would provide property tax relief and accountability. The bill passed 14-12. Finally, the committee considered HB 4079, which would dissolve the town of White Springs. The sponsor and supporters described years of mismanagement, intimidation, and illegal conduct, while opponents argued dissolution was an extreme step and pointed to the ongoing election and other remedies. After extensive public testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 19-6. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Women and people of color are especially disadvantaged by traditional banking practices.
• I'm just thinking about the practicality of the implementation.
• So anyways, I'm just thinking out loud in terms of the practicality and how we actually put this into
• That's where I think we're caught up in this: the practicality of it.
• I'm just trying to see the practicality of this.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 407, which would expand the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The author said the measure would increase flexibility and access to resources, and the bill was approved 7-0 and sent to the Committee on Local Government. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included AB 76, by a 7-0 vote. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on AB 1065, which would prohibit swipe fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters, including small business owners, restaurant and grocery representatives, and a payments-policy expert, argued the bill would reduce costs for merchants and consumers and rein in dominant card networks. Opponents, including banks, credit unions, and payment industry groups, argued the bill is likely preempted by federal law, would be difficult to implement, and could disproportionately affect community banks and credit unions. After extensive questioning about preemption, fraud, implementation, and consumer impacts, the committee rejected the bill on a 6-0 vote, but then granted reconsideration by a 7-1 vote. The committee then heard AB 1365, which would create the Cal Account Program, a zero-fee, zero-penalty state banking account for unbanked and underbanked Californians. Supporters said the program would help low-income households, survivors of abuse, and others facing barriers to traditional banking, while opponents from community banks and credit unions argued existing low-cost accounts and the Bank On program already address the need and raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and duplication. The bill advanced on a 6-0 vote and later received enough votes on the reopened roll to move forward to the Committee on Labor and Employment. The committee also approved AB 1052, which would create a legal framework for digital assets and address unclaimed digital property and restrictions on public officials issuing or promoting digital assets, and AB 1180, which would create a pilot program for paying state fees with digital financial assets and require a report on broader adoption. Both bills passed with broad support after brief testimony and discussion. Final roll calls later confirmed AB 1052 and AB 1180, along with AB 407 and AB 1365, were moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we're talking about NATOs, they've been practicing here.
• No training, no regulations... ...regulatory practices put in place to tell these people you can't do
• You can ask me any questions you have about the ethics of these practices and many questions about the
• I'm here today as a voice for my brother and others who were victimized by this practice.
• Through history and civilization, there have been practices of treating our deceased with dignity and

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a nationally recognized health system with numerous hospitals, physician practices, urgent care
• where we've had a tremendous shortage of veterinarians, and particularly those that would start practices
• to deal with large animals as opposed to just the small animal practices.
• But the other thing I want to say, too, about really good family practice physicians coming out of these
• And these physicians come and practice in these markets; it's so different from the urban experience.

Bills: HB42, HB125

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I practiced vendor medicine in Ocala for 13 years.
• Just last year started my own practice, invested over half a million dollars and countless hours and
• starting this practice, I currently have 2 full-time employees.
• They are already leaving my practice.
• It's been in business in ocala 100% equine practice for 43 years.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After one such bad incident, I started practicing the Idaho Stop and have found that the number of incidents
• Additionally, the owners, as a matter of practice, will also call and text the tenants to try to track
• You've contractually agreed to the limit, I think, but I'm curious just in terms of the practice of..
• I know I pay for my storage unit via electronic, and so I think that's a common practice.
• By passing SB 56, New Mexico aligns itself with best practices, reinforcing our agricultural economy