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Date: March 12, 2010
Subject: Small-Plot Farming Is Beautiful; Private-Benefit Eminent Domain Is Not!
Forward Broadly!
Small-Plot Farming Is Beautiful; Private-Benefit Eminent Domain Is Not!
Dear friend,
There are two simple land-use bills that we are supporting which improve current laws regarding small-plot farming and eminent domain, respectively. Please take action to make sure these get promptly reported out of their committees favorably!
Act now to promote small-plot farming in MA
State Rep. Steven D'Amico has introduced a bill (H 715) that extends certain benefits and protections that currently apply to small farms (5 acres and up) to include micro-farming plots of 1 to 5 acres. This is an important step that recognizes the increasing importance of small-plot farming to our food security, ecological security, and economic security.
This bill is currently in the Joint Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Committee. To find their contact info and read more about the bill, click here. Please call them and them to report this bill out favorably.
Act now to eliminate private-benefit eminent domain
House Bill 1778 would eliminate the power of eminent domain "for the purpose of commercial enterprise, private economic development, or any private use of the property." At a time when corporate "persons" are gaining new political rights and powers, this would be one small protection against harmful, profit-driven policy at the public's expense.
The bill is before the Joint Judiciary Committee, and we urge you to contact them and ask that this bill be reported out favorably. Read MCHC Board Member Shirley Kressel's letter to the Judiciary Committee and make a couple of phone calls in support of this bill.
Thanks for all you're doing to fight for a better, more just and sustainable future,
Eli Beckerman
Project Coordinator, Mass. Coalition for Healthy Communities
617.821.1453 | eli@masschc.org
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