WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVDN) – Recently, Senator Jim Justice introduced the Roll-Over Prevention & Safety Act. A bipartisan effort alongside U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) to protect American farmers:
“I know the needs of our farmers because I am one, which is why we must do everything possible to protect their health and safety. This bill is one simple way we can help decrease the risk of fatal tractor rollovers on farms. I’m proud to support the effort in the Senate and hope that this grant program will encourage more farmers to consider retrofitting their tractors with roll bars to protect themselves and their equipment operators,” said Senator Jim Justice.
“We need to extend this small, but important program that can save lives in rural America. Farming and ranching can be dangerous work, which is made even more perilous because receiving help after an accident in rural areas can take a considerable amount of time. Making retrofitting tractors affordable is worthwhile and I hope this lifesaving legislation finds broad support in the Senate and House,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
“Farming is dangerous work, and efforts that help Colorado farmers do their jobs safely and get home at the end of the day matter. I’m glad to join my colleagues in the Senate and House to introduce this bipartisan legislation, which will help our farmers purchase, transport, and install rollover protection structures on their tractors. Legislation like this saves lives and protects our farming communities across the country,” said Senator Michael Bennet.
“Georgia farmers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and they take on tough, often risky work to feed our families every day. This legislation will help prevent overturn accidents and give farmers peace of mind, allowing them to upgrade their equipment without having to make difficult financial decisions to do so. Supporting our nation’s farmers shouldn’t be a partisan issue, and I’m proud to have worked on this bipartisan legislation to deliver for Georgia families,” said Senator Raphael Warnock.
BACKGROUND:
The Roll-Over Prevention and Safety Act would:
- Require the Secretary of Agriculture to make cost-share grants for retrofitting older tractors with roll bars and other protections.
- Create a federal grant program to help farmers and agricultural schools add rollover protection.
- Pay up to 70% of the cost to buy, transport, and install roll bars and seatbelts.
- Help reduce injuries and deaths caused by tractor rollovers.
