Congressional Art Contest Winners Recognized at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
Participants of the Congressional Art Competition were featured in an exhibit in the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (300 S. Capitol Ave.) on Thursday, April 5, 2012. Congressman Mike Simpson invited all to attend a reception acknowledging participating students.  Simpson recognized 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both categories of Photography, and Painting, Pastel & Pencil.

High School art students around the congressional district had the opportunity to create an artwork to enter in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. The winner will be sent to the Architect of the U.S. Capitol and will be on display at the Capitol for one year. Southwest Airlines will also fly the student and his or her parent to Washington, D.C to attend the National Ceremony in June.

“Each year I am impressed by the incredible pieces of art that our youth put forward for the Congressional Art Contest,” said Simpson. “There were some amazing entries that demonstrated a lot of talent and I’m glad all the participants’ artwork will be on display at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho for the public to enjoy.”

The jurors focused on originality, technical skill, and how well the artist’s work reflected the theme of the show – Idaho, Window of the West. All entries were on exhibit thru April 13.

Photography
1st place: Matt Armstrong, Timberline High School - “Placerville”
2nd Place: Christelle Gardner, Sugar-Salem High School - “Budd”
3rd Place: Cerise Barber, Timberline High School - “Swan Falls Dam”

Painting, Pastel & Pencil
1st place: Sarah Johnson, Idaho Falls High School - “Shoshone Dancer”
2nd Place: Taylor Allen, Hillcrest High School - “Truck and Barn”
3rd Place: Ashley Bevan, Snake River High School - “Girl Holding a Man Fly Fishing”

The Grand Prize winner that will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol is Sarah Johnson from Idaho Falls High School artwork titled “Shoshone Dancer” and her art teacher is Brett Schwieder.

The first place photography winner that will be displayed in Congressman Simpson’s office for one year is Matt Armstrong from Timberline High School artwork titled “Placerville” and his art teacher is Patricia Thorpe. 

Committee Schedule

Tuesday
At 10:00 a.m., the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing titled Strengthening the Safety Net – Reforming Our Means-tested Entitlements.

Wednesday
At 9:30 a.m. the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee will mark up the energy and water development appropriations bill for FY 2013.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, APRIL 16TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.
 
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 3001 - Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks / Financial Services Committee)
2) H.R. 1815 - Lena Horne Recognition Act (Sponsored by Rep. Alcee Hastings / Financial Services Committee)
3) H.R. 4040 - To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Jack Nicklaus in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Baca / Financial Services Committee)
4) H.R. 2453 - Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer / Financial Services Committee)

TUESDAY, APRIL 17TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

H.R. 4089 - Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller / Natural Resources Committee / Agriculture Committee / Energy and Commerce Committee)

 H.R.      - Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. John Mica / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee / Ways and Means Committee / Natural Resources Committee / Science, Space, and Technology Committee / Energy and Commerce Committee)

 H.R. 9- Small Business Tax Cut Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Eric Cantor / Ways and Means Committee)

FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH
On Friday, no votes are expected in the House.

In the News

Take milk prices off rollercoaster
By Ryan Prahl, April 9, 2012 www.wausaudaillyherald.com
Rollercoaster milk prices hurt Wisconsin dairy farmers and consumers alike.

When farm milk prices drop sharply, as they did in 2009, the damage to farmers and the state's economy is devastating. At the peak of the recession, Wisconsin dairy farmers saw their net worth shrink by a collective $1.8 billion.

Nor do consumers see much benefit from those declining prices. The full savings are rarely passed through to the retail level. At the same time, when prices turn around and head back up, consumers usually do feel the full impact of the increase. That can hurt consumption, and start the downward price cycle anew.

It's time both farmers and consumers got off this milk price rollercoaster. And the way to the exits is through legislation now before the U.S. Congress.

Known as the Dairy Security Act, the bill is authored by former Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Appropriations and Budget Committee member Mike Simpson, R.-Idaho. The Dairy Security Act needs to be part of the next farm bill, which Congress is now in the initial stages of creating.

The Peterson-Simpson bill offers the best hope in a generation for improving federal dairy policies. It repeals the current dysfunctional and failing dairy safety net, and replaces it with an insurance program focused on protecting farmers' margins rather than price. This change of thinking is critical, because it recognizes the reality that it doesn't matter what the price of milk is, if it costs a farmer more than that to produce it.

Under the Peterson-Simpson bill, when the margin between milk prices and feed costs falls below $4 per hundredweight for two months, an insurance-like "margin protection program" will cover the difference between the price of milk and average feed costs for most of a farmer's output. To prevent steep milk price declines or prolonged low margins, a standby program will encourage farmers to reduce their milk output, if needed to help balance supply and demand.

Together, these two elements will moderate the wild price swings that have plagued the dairy industry in recent years. In addition, by eliminating price supports, the Peterson-Simpson bill allows for growth both domestically and internationally. Most importantly, the new program is voluntary. Dairy farmers will not be required to participate in the program. They will have the option to go it on their own, or they can choose a government safety net, that also, if necessary, will require them to adjust their milk production.

Finally, the Peterson-Simpson bill saves taxpayers' money--at least $100 million over five years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Independent economists say the Dairy Security Act's margin protection program offers better protection for farmers than current programs when help is most needed. At the same time, they say, replacing today's dairy price supports and direct payments won't hurt either milk prices or milk production.

The Peterson-Simpson bill has the potential to end years of Congressional battling over national dairy policy. It protects producers, provides for growth, assures more stable prices, and saves money. It deserves the support of all Wisconsin dairy farmers and our Congressional representatives.

Ryan Prahl is a dairy farmer in Wausau.