To the Point
Welfare for Agribusiness and Food Stamps in the Farm Bill
The $100 billion Farm Bill pays for controversial policies, including food stamps and agribusiness subsidies. Now it's expired, and compromise is stalled by partisanship.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenAt the cost of $100 billion taxpayer dollars a year, the Farm Bill pays for controversial policies, including food stamps and subsidies to big agribusiness. Now it's expired, and compromise is stalled by partisanship. We hear about Republican and Democratic versions and what might happen if no bill passes at all. Also, the Supreme Court hears a union organizing case, and same-sex marriage goes back to Hawaii — where it began.
Banner image: Lars Plougmann
In this episode
3 storiesSupreme Court Hears Union Organizing Case
The US Supreme Court today heard arguments for and against a strategy used recently by unions to successfully organize workers. It's called a "neutrality agreement," and a case turns on whether it constitutes a "thing of value" under federal law. Tom Taylor is Assistant managing editor at Bloomberg BNA .
Read the story8 minThe Farm Bill and America's Food Supply
The Farm Bill dates back to the Great Depression, when family farms were in trouble and many Americans could not afford what they needed to eat. It gives taxpayer support to a huge range of Americans, from the poor who survive on food stamps to wealthy farmers insured against losses.
Read the story35 minHawaii Comes Full Circle, Legalizes Gay Marriage
By the end of today, Hawaii will be the fifteenth state to legalize same-sex marriage, a moment rich with historical irony. Hawaii's State Supreme Court recognized that right 20 years ago, setting off a backlash that impacted the rest of the country.
Read the story8 min
