President Signs Farm Bill in East Lansing

A massive farm bill is in the books.
President Obama signed the measure during an appearance at Michigan State University in East Lansing Friday. Leelenau County fruit farmer Ben LaCross introduced the President.
The nearly one (t) trillion dollar bill funds agricultural programs for five years. It reforms subsidies and cuts about eight-billion dollars from federal food stamp programs.
The farm bill was hung up in Congress for a couple of years over disputes about subsidies, dairy pricing, crop insurance and the food stamp programs. It finally cleared the Senate this week after earlier approval by the House.
President Obama’s speech was delivered at the Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center before a crowd Michigan State University Police estimated at about 500. He praised Michigan U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the Lansing Democrat and Senate Agricultural chairwoman, for helping to shepherd through the farm bill.
Obama also said no state reflects what the country has gone through during the past five years like Michigan, praising the state’s comeback with the auto industry. The President also said MSU shows how research and innovation can help the country.
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder didn't join the President at Michigan State. Instead he spoke to the Detroit Regional Chamber at the MGM Grand in Detroit.

Story by Michigan Radio Network

Photos courtesy of George Hubka/MG News Service