Rep. Tranel Praises DOT Decision to Leave Farmers Alone

Madison, WI – Today State Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) praised the
Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s decision
to abandon an attempt to add more unnecessary government regulation on America’s
farmers.
 
The department was considering forcing all farmers who operate farm machinery on
public roadways to obtain a Commercial Drivers License. “Not only would have this
been a complete waste of time and money,” according to Tranel, “It also would have
been a barrier to getting Wisconsin youth involved in agriculture, as you have to be 18 in
order to obtain a CDL.”
 
Upon learning of DOT’s interest in this issue Tranel, the Vice-Chair of the Wisconsin
Committee on Agriculture, immediately sent a letter opposing the measure to the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration. He also sent a letter of opposition to Tom Vilsack,
the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
 
“It is refreshing to see that this government agency heard our concerns. Farmers are
skilled and professional operators, they should not have to deal with this undo burden and
over regulation. I am happy to report that this is now one less thing farmers have to
worry about,” Tranel said.