The COVID-19 outbreak forced state legislatures to recess early after quickly passing short-term state budgets. Lawmakers immediately paused all other legislation under consideration so they could solely focus on coronavirus response. Unfortunately, this has not stopped activist groups from using the current climate to push their agenda.
So-called “Right to Repair” proponents are using the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to argue why these laws are needed for the agriculture industry. Implementing new regulations on the farming community, which was deemed essential by the federal government and is already struggling to stay afloat in the current economic crisis, is irresponsible.
Farmers already have the legal right to repair and manage their equipment. “Right to Repair” legislation is being pushed by well-funded activists whose main goal is to gain unfettered access to the equipment’s technology.
“Right to Repair” laws will create additional burdens for our nation’s farmers at a time when they are already under enormous stress due to COVID-19. We should be doing everything we can to help our farmers right now, not creating more uncertainty for them.
Sincerely,
David Catalfamo
Oneida County Director of Economic Development
Former Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development
The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Mid Hudson News.
