House Passes Slotkin-Led Amendment Securing $10M in Funding for Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

WASHINGTON -- As part of the FY20 appropriations bill passed in the House yesterday, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) secured $10 million in federal funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, a program that provides funding for mental health assistance to farmers. Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations in the country, and farmers are increasingly experiencing severe stress due to fluctuating commodity prices that pose a threat to their families' livelihood, and growing uncertainty driven by tariffs and changing market forces.

Slotkin's effort to secure this funding comes following a visit with farmers in Mason, who asked her to help strengthen mental health support services for farmers during this challenging time. The program is currently funded at $2 million.

"This amendment comes directly from an issue farmers in Mason raised with me: the immense uncertainty and stress farmers are facing right now are taking a toll on their mental health. They asked me to make sure funding for resources like hotlines and counseling remain intact," Slotkin said. "Farmers not only grow our food, they drive our state, and it's up to us to make sure we're there for them. I'm proud to introduce an amendment to increase funding to support mental health resources farmers rely on through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in this challenging time."

Michigan State University's Farm Stress Management Programs, which currently provide mental health workshops and other support resources to farmers, is one program that could benefit from this increase in funding for the FRSAN.