The priorities – targeted to improve the business climate for land improvement contractors - fall under the following subject headings:
• Protect and Enhance our Environment
• Invest in Infrastructure
• Develop and Mentor the Next Generation of Skilled, Technical Workers
• Support Farm Bill Programs for Reauthorization, specifically Title II, Conservation
• Implement LICA Action Steps from the NRCS, NACD and ADMC MOUs
If you want to share your views on these issues or have other legislative or regulatory issues impacting your business, please contact Nick Yaksich, LICA’s Director of Government Regulations at nyaksich58@gmail.com.
LICA 2021 Legislative/Regulatory Priorities
The Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA) is an organization of earthmoving contractors dedicated to the professional installation of soil and water conservation practices protecting the environment and improving agricultural productivity. LICA members have installed many of the conservation practices on the U.S. landscape over time. LICA is focused on encouraging high standards of workmanship in natural resource management, land improvement practices, and promoting private enterprise in land improvement contracting. Below are the LICA legislative and regulatory priorities for 2021.
Protect and Enhance our Environment
Federal environmental policy should support land improvement managed by locally led, voluntary approach to conservation supported by science to achieve the healthy soils and clean water while also addressing climate change. The Clean Water Act works best when policies lead to sound management of natural resources that improve water quality and increase agricultural land value and productivity. Scientifically developed farming practices improve the environment, reduce pollution, and improve productivity while reducing costs. Federal support should focus on collaboration, conservation incentives and market-based and watershed-specific approaches.
Invest in Infrastructure
A modern infrastructure system is essential to the nation’s economy and to ensure the safe, efficient movement of all people and goods. Local, state and federal officials – and the private sector – must identify new revenue sources to rebuild and improve our nation’s infrastructure. Our nation faces a significant shortfall in dams, levees, airports, broadband, pipe and water system investments. Improving rural infrastructure is particularly in need of investment to improve farm to market and broadband capacity.
Develop and Mentor the Next Generation of Skilled, Technical Workers
Federal laws should be updated to reflect the current workforce needs. Congress must also increase funding for Carl D. Perkins Act and other programs that support providing skilled technical education opportunities. Additionally, Congress should expand need-based Pell Grant eligibility to qualifying, short-term career and technical education programs and incentivize tuition reimbursement by making company contributions to their employees’ student loan payments tax-free, a benefit to both the employer and the employee.
Support Farm Bill Programs for Reauthorization, specifically Title II, Conservation
The farm bill’s investment in agricultural research and conservation programs is critical to ensuring the productivity and sustainability on our farms and in our domestic food supply. LICA encourages the support of conservation delivery partnership that conservation districts across the country participate in by providing conservation planning, technical and financial assistance alongside state conservation agencies and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Implement LICA Action Steps from the NRCS, NACD and ADMC MOUs
LICA has recently signed Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs) with three critical partners: National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), National Association of Conservation Districts (NACDs) and Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC). Recognizing the safety and health challenges presented by COVID, priority should be given to execute the MOUs to the benefit of land improvement contractors and our industry partners.