ColbertReport 🇺🇸 INDIANA

Indiana lost nearly 350k acres of farmland in 12 years, state estimates Indiana lost about 345,700 acres of farmland to other purposes between 2010 and 2022, but agricultural productivity still increased, the state found in a study released Monday. Most of it was lost to residential development around the edges of cities and suburban areas, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). The inventory of lost farmland was an opportunity for ISDA and legislators to gain access to reliable data, where up until now, we could only make assumptions,” agency Director Don Lamb said in a news release. “This information is important to have for policy development as we work to balance economic growth, food security and the preservation of agricultural land, because we know when agriculture is strong, Indiana is too,” Lamb said. Lawmakers last year tasked the Indiana State Department of Agriculture with creating the inventory. Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, called his proposal “a food security bill” at the time. ISDA recommended lawmakers let it update the report, involve local units of government in farmland preservation, and decide on a threshold for an “alarming level” of lost acreage. “Agriculture is, and always has been, the lifeblood of the Hoosier state,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development. “Data is critical for all levels of government when making decisions that may affect our rural communities and food security.” The study ISDA used two data sources: a parcel dataset from Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) and a cropland data layer dataset from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The first showed a total of about 18.31 million acres of land with property class codes in the agricultural range in 2010, and a total of 17.97 million acres in 2022 across the state of Indiana. That’s a decrease of about 345,700 acres — with cash grain and general farms, as well as specialty crop farms, losing the most. Much of the land was converted to residential, according to the report, and some went vacant. ISDA also compared 2010 and 2022 data to find the primary drivers of acreage losses and additions. However, researchers found matches for just 85% of parcels. The cropland data layer, after image generalization processing, showed about 14.84 million acres of land with land classified as any type of agricultural use to in 2010, and a total of 14.18 million acres in 2022. That’s a difference of 664,988 acres. Most was lost to developed land, but some became forest. But ISDA said quantity estimates from the second dataset are “likely less reliable.” The two methods yielded differing results, which the agency said was probably because the datasets categorize agriculture or farmland differently. The state’s five biggest farmland losers included Allen, Elkhart, Jefferson, Knox and Monroe counties. Despite land losses, Hoosier cash crop production is up. Indiana produced about 597 million bushels of corn for grain in 2012, but over 1 billion in 2022, per the report, which cited USDA yield data. Soybean production also increased from about 219 million bushels of soybeans in 2012 to over 326 million in 2022. “No two counties are the same and neither are their comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances or land use decisions,” ISDA said. “Local units of government should be empowered to identify land use trends in their area and use all available information when making land use decisions. But not all communities have plans. They’re not required. So the agency pushed local units to be “proactive rather than reactive” and to “ensure they have a strategic vision” for the future. It also suggested lawmakers find a threshold at which shrinking farmland “significantly reduces” access to food — while keeping in mind that technological changes have allowed farmers to produce more on less land. ARTICLE 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2024/07/01/indiana-lost-nearly-350k-acres-of-farmland-in-12-years-state-estimates/

Former President Trump moves to overturn Manhattan conviction, citing immunity decision by SCOTUS. Do you all see how Donald Trump is now using the SCOTUS ruling to declare his innocence and it hasn't been 72 hrs yet? This is what we all should be doing regarding the Chevron Doctrine. We now have legal grounds to challenge every single agency. You no longer have to sit back and take anything. Build your team and strike whenever you have all your ducks in a row. How a Landmark Supreme Court Decision Will Reshape the U.S. Energy Sector The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on “Chevron deference” could affect federal regulations of everything from power plant emissions to electric vehicles to transmission lines. Forty years after the justices first decided Chevron v. NRDC, the high court opted to upend legal doctrine directing courts to defer to agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws, as long as the decisions were "reasonable." Now, courts could have more say in interpreting rules on everything from EPA’s latest effort to curb power plant emissions to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's orders on transmission lines. "Where agencies appear to be carrying out sweeping and adventurous regulatory efforts to address our most pressing issues, that sort of effort is going to be immediately called into question," said Joel Eisen, a law professor at the University of Richmond. The 6-3 decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts came after the court had curbed agency deference in a series of recent rulings, even as the Chevron doctrine continued to be applied in lower courts. Friday’s decision affected two cases — Loper Bright v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Commerce — and could have wide-ranging implications for a host of energy and environmental rulemakings. Along with affecting EPA’s power plant rules and FERC orders, the decision could also make it more difficult for the administration to defend its efforts to reduce climate-warming pollution from cars and trucks. It could complicate the already embattled Securities and Exchange Commission’s effort to force public companies to disclose more information about their climate risks. It’s not only the EPA, but EVERY 3 letter agency (IRS, CDC, and etc). CANNOT create any law, regulation, mandates, or opinions that is repugnant to the Constitution or legislative process. They do not have the authority; their perceived power is now non existent. Resist! Your power has been returned to the people. ARTICLE 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-supreme-courts-chevron-deference-ruling-could-remake-the-energy/

INDIANA Representative Larry Bucshon recently attended a Global Foundation in Aspen, Colorado to participate in a Health Conference. This organization believes in “equity”, “climate change” and all the trigger warnings of agenda 2030 ideologies. Take a 👀 look. People always show you who they are. The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. We ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. History and Highlights For over 70 years, the Aspen Institute has been the nation's premier gathering place for leaders from around the globe and across many disciplines to engage in deep and inquisitive discussion of the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times. Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. In a ground-breaking extension of its mandate to create opportunities for deep dialogue, the Aspen Institute’s public events seek to engage a broader audience in a discussion of the significant ideas and issues that touch all parts of our society. We offer a stimulating and invigorating celebration of some of the liveliest minds at work today.  Our Mission We bring together thoughtful people with diverse backgrounds and points of view. We cultivate and support values-based, purpose-driven leaders in many communities. We turn ideas into action and impact for individuals and society. Ideas Spark intellectual inquiry and exchange, connecting new concepts to timeless values Leadership Create a diverse worldwide community of leaders committed to the greater good Action Provide a nonpartisan forum for reaching solutions on vital public policy issues The Aspen Institute: Who We Are Policy Programs Nonpartisan initiatives that drive dialogue and action on today’s challenges Leadership Initiatives Multi-year programs where leaders explore their core values to drive action in their communities and businesses Conferences & Events Opportunities for the public to engage with experts and each other Youth & Engagement Programs Initiatives that develop values-driven young leaders and activate the next generation of citizens Seminars Small gatherings where experts and leaders reflect, connect, and share ideas  International Partnerships A network of partners that address global challenges and develop values-based leaders  Media Resources Digital content and publications that promote innovative thinking and solutions Visit the Aspen Institute's website to learn more. WEBSITE 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 https://www.aspenideas.org/pages/about-the-aspen-institute

Joe Biden’s crimes happened while he was the VICE PRESIDENT, therefore he has no immunity. Treason is his crime against America. It’s all on display for every American 🇺🇸 Period. Justice is coming. #Americafirst

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s amendment would have effectively FIRED Secretary Mayorkas by reducing his salary to $1. These “Republicans” voted to KILL the amendment and keep paying Mayorkas AFTER we impeached him. Rep. Maria Salazar from Florida apparently thinks Mayorkas is doing a great job. Rep. Zach Nunn from Iowa thinks Mayorkas should get paid for the invasion at the Southern border. And retiring Rep. Larry Bucshon from Indiana wants Mayorkas to keep his job. COLBERT COMMENT: It’s shocking, NOT, that Bucshon consistently votes against his constituents. Hoosiers want the border secure.

Here is the final opinion of the term from the Supreme Court. It is a 6–3 opinion delivered by Chief Justice Roberts. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion, in which Justice Kagan and Jackson joined. This case is Trump V United States. (HOLDING: Under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. And he is entitled to at least presump- tive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.) 119 pages. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf

INDIANA Most candidates not returning thousands in political donations by disgraced sheriff Jamey Noel Multiple Republican campaigns and committees that received political donations from disgraced former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel said they have no plans to return or donate those dollars elsewhere — while numerous others are keeping mum, distancing themselves from Noel altogether. Noel, a prominent Hoosier Republican himself, currently faces more than two dozen felony charges for allegedly misusing money from the fire and EMS departments which he oversaw. Of the more than $100,000 he’s contributed to GOP candidates and campaigns since 2008, per state and federal campaign finance records, investigators now allege at least $33,000 made in Noel’s name actually came from public funds he misappropriated between 2020 and 2023. The donations — made through WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform — were earmarked to campaigns for former President Donald Trump, the Indiana State Republican Committee, Congresswoman Erin Houchin, and others. The former sheriff is accused of using credit cards from New Chapel EMS and the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association to fund his and his family’s lifestyle — spending millions of taxpayer dollars on cars, planes, vacations, cigars, clothing and other luxury purchases. Holcomb unwilling to redirect donations, for now Among Hoosier politicos, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb has received the lion share of campaign donations made by Noel over the last two decades. State and federal records tally at least $33,622 to Holcomb across his campaigns for both U.S. Senate and governor. None of those dollars came from WinRed, however. Holcomb has repeatedly maintained he never knowingly accepted political donations or non-nominal travel, gifts or otherwise from Noel — which could have been paid for with stolen taxpayer dollars. He said allegations against his close friend and associate are “so surprising.” The governor told the Capital Chronicle that his “understanding” was that Noel’s donations, specifically, were “all above board.” “This is not the first time that this scenario has unfolded,” Holcomb said, largely referring to campaign contributions he formerly received from online charter school scandal donors. We'll watch this legal process play out, but to my knowledge, all the contributions that he gave me and everyone else were of from legal means – Gov. Eric Holcomb The scheme came to light in 2020, revealing that nearly $70 million in taxpayer funds from the Pike Township Educational Foundation went to campaigns and committees for various Hoosier Republicans. Elected Indiana Republicans received more than $100,000 in contributions from companies and individuals tied to the scandal. Holcomb accepted more than $10,000 in campaign cash. He later donated the contributions to a local education nonprofit. “The campaign donations that I received from (Noel) — and I have received a lot of other donations, and none of which are in this situation, keeping things in proper perspective — but the individual donations that I received from that individual, I understand came from him, they came from his account,” the governor said, adding that, “if needed,” the donations “could” be returned. “But typically, you end up spending what you received during a campaign,” Holcomb continued. “What we’ve learned recently, what the accusations are — I’m just referring to my previous comments, and they remain the core of my beliefs, and that’s that I’m stunned, I’m shocked and surprised, and never once was one unethical word uttered to me.” The governor said “the legal process will have to play out” before any contributions could be returned. For now, the accusations against Noel are “unfounded.” “We’ll watch this legal process play out, but to my knowledge, all the contributions that he gave me and everyone else were of from legal means,” Holcomb concluded. https://share.newsbreak.com/7jjmbvu7?s=i16

From A-Z: All The Federal Agencies That No Longer Have Power Over You Law & Order Freedom & Liberation Power & Strength All has been returned to you. The American people. Congratulations. We did it. Where we go one we go all. 🇺🇲 Chevron Deference is no longer.

Ok, a new podcast is coming entitled “Republican in Bad Standing” It will air on Colbertreport on https://rumble.com Follow the channel; it’s free. You will be able to interact and provide video content suggestions. Nothing is off limits. The video will be formatted and uploaded on July 1, 2024. Follow Colbertreport for content related to local (Southwest Indiana Politics). The public will love ❤️ the channel; politicians not so much!