This year’s News York State budget did not contain nearly enough tax relief for families and small-business owners in our state. However, the one area where New York got it 100 percent right was its investment in our crucial agriculture and markets programs.

As the representative of an agricultural district, I work especially hard to fight for the interests of our family farmers. With so many elected officials hailing from New York City, it can be a challenge. But nonetheless, I share stories with them about the farmers and dairy producers in my district and the innovations they are developing in one of the oldest industries in the world.

Agriculture is a powerhouse in New York that drives much of the upstate rural economy. Last year, the industry contributed $6 billion in sales to the state’s economy. Family farms account for much of the employment in our rural areas, and their business activities keep other service-related industries in business. There is no doubt that farming drives the rural economy.

Every year, the governor has tried to cut funding from agricultural programs. This year, he proposed $8 million in cuts — cuts even the Assembly Democratic majority thought were too much. The legislature worked across party lines to increase funding for these programs by millions of dollars. And, much of it will be used to support rural communities like those in my district.

These agricultural programs create ways for our family farms to be more profitable, expand the markets for their goods, increase scientific studies that support New York’s farmers, instill a passion for farming in our youth, and support community-based programs like Cornell Cooperative Extension, among others. New York’s farmers continue to make a commitment to us and our state; it is so encouraging to see that my legislative colleagues gave them the same commitment.        

Marc W. Butler (R,C,I–Newport) is a New York State Assemblyman for the 118th District, which encompasses parts of Oneida, Herkimer, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as all of Hamilton and Fulton counties. Contact him at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us

Years ago, retailers discretely called them “foundation garments.” Bras, girdles, and corsets. You knew they hid lots of things. They re-configured some and padded others. And, camouflaged them all. (No way those body parts could be that rounded, slim, or pointed.) What they displayed was different from what was really there. It was a bait and switch deal, for sure.

Maidenform’s theme could have been the old song, “Yes, I’m the great pretender.” Hillary Clinton might consider this for her presidential campaign.

Now, if you like nostalgia, take heart. The meaning of “foundation” lives today. As in the Clinton Foundation. A new book, “Clinton Cash” by Peter Schweizer, details and alleges what is no secret in Washington, DC. The Clintons have taken in many millions — supposedly for charitable works. To save the world, and all that. However, the book alleges the money bought favors from Mrs. Clinton, Secretary of State. Along with favors down the road — if she becomes president. You might call it a form of crony insurance.

Now, I am not picking on the Clintons. Hundreds of politicians set up such charities. The charities do a bit of good work. And, “bit” is probably an accurate word. Meanwhile, they employ relatives and friends. (One report claims the Clinton Foundation spends a bit on charity. And, a mountain on friends and political staff. Surprise, surprise) They hit up companies, people, and governments for big donations. To buy influence, favors, and face-time with the politicians.

Let’s be honest. This is the primary purpose of most of these foundations. It is also the main goal of the teams that twist arms for campaign contributions for shoo-in candidates. The candidates don’t need the money because they are shoo-ins. But you need to give. If you want to stay on good terms with the politicians, that is.

A good example of this is New York Senator Chuck Schumer. He has already raised nearly $3 million for his 2016 campaign. Yet his re-election is certain. He’ll need to spend maybe 25 cents on campaign publicity.

Used to be these guys could keep money they did not spend for their campaigns. Something tells me that does not surprise you. I cannot recall whether this scam was ended. And I am too weary of corruption in politics to try to look it up.

Our politicians are among the most charitable people on earth. You would think this if you saw the list of their charities. Albany is awash with them. The word “awash” implies liquid. Like the liquid in cesspools and septic tanks.

Now the Clintons are the best at lots of the things they do. They make competitors look like bush-leaguers. This is surely true in this influence-peddling racket. They have perfected this dodge. They have set the bar for this as high as Mount Everest’s peak. If there was a Nobel Prize for influence peddling they would win it every year. Hands down. Or, maybe, hands out is the right term.

As you know, the Clintons are taking fire from all sides in this scandal. Some of this comes from politicians who envy them. They are berating their staffs at this very moment.

“Hey! Hillary gets $600,000 for three speeches? And all you line up for me is $1,500 and a rubber chicken dinner? Come on man, Bill gets half a billion and maybe more. To grant a pardon for that sleazy crook Marc Rich. And, Rich’s shapely ex-wife spends lots of nights at the White House, nudge, nudge, wink, wink? When guess who is away? A perfect deal for him. So what do you guys line up for moi? Tea with the Association of Retired Librarians? What are we doing wrong here, guys?”

You have to concede that politicians are getting better at this. Used to be they took envelopes stuffed with cash. Vice President Spiro Agnew, hello, hello. That was high-school stuff. Next, they conjured up this campaign contribution con. Let’s rate that as an undergraduate activity. Today’s top politicians work at more sophisticated levels. They are worthy of honorary doctorates in influence peddling.

From Tom…as in Morgan.        

Tom Morgan writes about political, financial, and other subjects from his home near Oneonta, in addition to his radio shows and TV show. Contact him at tomasinmorgan@yahoo.com