Moultrie, GA -- Michael Coles, candidate for United States Senate, met with farmers in Moultrie to discuss solutions to the growing economic crisis confronting Georgia’s farmers. Coles discussed his plan to reform the current system and save Georgia’s family farms while criticizing Paul Coverdell for his record on farm issues. “In 1996, Coverdell assured farmers that the Republican farm bill, which removed the federal safety net for farmers, would not jeopardize Georgia’s rural economy or endanger our family farms.” Coles stated. “It is now 1998 and Coverdell’s claims have been proven false.” “Under the current scheme the only people who prosper are the insurance companies.” Coles said. “And now, Senator Coverdell, who has made millions as an insurance salesman, has appeared before farmers promising to change the current system a system he created.” “The limited emergency aid money that Coverdell is promising you just two months before the election is merely a small, temporary bandage for the gaping wound that he and his allies inflicted upon farmers two years ago.” Coles stated. “We need to do more to provide long term protection for your family farms right now, all farmers can do is go begging to Congress for emergency assistance.” “The U.S. Department of Agriculture should deal with farm losses caused by floods or droughts in the same manner that the Federal Emergency Management Agency deals with the loss of a home or business due to natural disaster by making substantial emergency assistance immediately available.” Coles continued. Coles stopped in Moultrie to talk with farmers and community leaders at the Sunbelt Peanut Company. # # # |
