By Sen. Frank Ruff
Source: chathamstartribune.com
As reported here and elsewhere, the 2015 session was less confrontational than the last. Much was accomplished with many of us working hard on those issues on which we agreed, rather than those that pulled factions apart.
Issues that dealt with gun control, drug legalization, and such issues were introduced, but were generally dealt with by up or down votes without long debates on issues members knew how they were going to vote.
The tobacco commission was created 15 years ago to assist Southern and Southwest Virginia to recover from the loss of the tobacco quota system.
This year, we updated it to better relate to today’s economics and to the policies that we have adopted internally over the last few years.
The commission will still maintain its focus on growing area businesses and attracting new opportunities.
In addition, we are focusing on training for skills needed in today’s job market and assisting with the infrastructure needed for communities to attract business.
Legislation passed allowing farmers to grow industrial hemp for such things as rope production.
Fear of illegal drug use in the first half of the last century resulted in laws preventing the cultivation of hemp because it is in the same family as marijuana without the properties needed to create drugs.
Some claim this will have an impact in agricultural communities; however, with no existing market it will take years before it will add any significant impact.
There was successful legislation that removes the requirement that the Department of Agriculture inspect those food products with fresh milk produced in home kitchens if it is labeled as such and is sold to use and not for resale.
You can contact us at Sen.Ruff@verizon.net, 434-374-5129, or Post Office Box 332, Clarksville, Va. 23927.
Sen. Frank Ruff represents the 15th District, which includes part of Danville and Pittsylvania County.
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