Briefs: Latta’s bill to advance farm technology OK'd by Energy and Commerce Subcommittee

Bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Rep. Latta promotes precision agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL2) legislation was unanimously approved Wednesday by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Latta's bill would require the Federal Communications Commission to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture. This latest effort builds upon Latta’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, included in the Farm Bill and signed into law in 2018, which established the Precision Agriculture Task Force.

“Farmers in Ohio’s Fifth District increasingly rely on advanced technologies to improve efficiency in their operations,” Latta said. “Despite billions of dollars being made available for rural broadband deployment in recent years, too many communities continue to lack internet access. And while many farms have made progress in accessing fixed and wireless networks, we know that satellite technology can play a key role in connecting equipment or sensors in the field."

Latta says the bill will help farmers increase productivity and produce higher yields, while minimizing operating costs.

Free 'Welcome to Medicare' virtual town hall to kick off statewide educational events

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is hosting a free “Welcome to Medicare” virtual town hall educational event at 11 a.m. Tuesday for Ohioans new to Medicare.

The virtual town hall kicks off OSHIIP's free in-person and virtual "Welcome to Medicare" statewide events that will run April through June.

OSHIIP representatives will provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplemental insurance plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, important deadlines, and take questions.

Registration is required for the virtual town hall and can be done at insurance.ohio.gov.

Upcoming meetings:

● Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, the board room, 1630 E. Southern Ave., Bucyrus

● From Citizen to Patriot (FCTP), 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Galion Grace Point Life Activity Center, 683 Portland Way North, Galion

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Farm technology bill co-sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta passes committee