NAEDA supports passage of Small Business Health Care Plans legislation and the use of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to permit individuals and small companies to receive the same price advantages that large corporations receive. NAEDA-affiliated associations also are encouraged to participate in The Association Health Care Coalition (TAHC).

NAEDA supports the USDA's minimal-risk rules for BSE that have been established based on sound science and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines for the importation of cattle from Canada under 30 months of age.

NAEDA support the rights of dealers as independent entrepreneurs to choose the most appropriate mix of suppliers and products that best serves the needs of their customers and markets, to align with manufacturers and suppliers that are consistent and reliable, and to apply sound business and economic criteria in the operation of their businesses.

We further believe manufacturers and dealers should adhere to all applicable state, provincial and federal laws.

NAEDA believes the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) from which a dealer purchases a completed, final product should bear the ultimate responsibility for all warranty claims on the product and its component parts.

NAEDA supports a comprehensive reform of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that would:

• incorporate better science and peer review in making ESA decisions,
• encourage continued discussions and coordination among the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other federal and state agencies, and
• seek clarification that under "the citizen suit provisions of the statute" individuals whose socioeconomic interests are harmed by an ESA action would have the same standing to challenge that action as environmental groups.

NAEDA also supports reform of the ESA that would:

• allow species protection efforts to be compatible with landowner rights,
• pay compensation for loss and use of property when property and use are seized under the ESA, and
• allow the delisting of species based on subspecies, distinct populations, or "isolated populations" of species that are plentiful in other areas of the United States or other countries.

NAEDA supports the development of a national energy policy that defines the energy needs of the nation, what measures should be undertaken for new energy sources and exploration, and how the nation's energy needs can be met in a manner that is consistent with the use of natural resources, protection of the environment, sound land use and the welfare of the people. To help reduce the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources, a comprehensive energy policy should:

• promote conservation of all fuels,
• encourage universities and other institutions and organizations to conduct research on and provide education programs about energy, and
• encourage the development of alternative fuels, renewable fuels and next-generation technologies for wind, biomass, coal and nuclear fuels.

NAEDA supports restoring and redefining a federal provision related to the "established business relationship" to permit legitimate business-to-business and association-to-member communications and promotions.

NAEDA encourages Congress to make the increased expensing levels under Section 179 permanent and change the IRS Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) depreciation rate on farm equipment to a five-year depreciation schedule from the current seven-year schedule.

NAEDA supports the 2002 farm bill and the continuation of the provisions and funding protocols outlined in the legislation until its expiration in 2007.

For the next farm bill, NAEDA supports legislation that:

• provides for planting flexibility
• provides a safety net for producers and considers extreme weather conditions and trade related issues
• balances the needs of conservation and the needs of land used for production
• considers trade issues
• supports education and research efforts
• provides for rural development activities to include agricultural credit, beginning farmer programs and value-added programs for a renewable bio-economy
• provides for educational programs to assist dealers hire and retain quality employees in the agriculture and outdoor power equipment industries

NAEDA further supports the formation of and membership in coalitions to enhance the objectives of the association as Congress begins discussions related to the next farm bill.

NAEDA supports legislation that would 1) regulate fast tractors - defined as any factory built tractor with the capability to exceed 25 miles per hour on public roadways - and 2) include the following requirements:

1. A fast tractor operator must have a valid driver's or commercial license.
2. No driver's or commercial license would be required to operate a fast tractor on public roadways if the tractor's speed does NOT exceed 25 miles per hour.
3. When towing any farm machinery or implement of husbandry, individually or in combination, tractor/towing speed cannot exceed the speed designated on the Speed Indication Symbol (SIS) of the slowest unit. If no SIS is on the unit(s), speed is controlled by safe operation not to exceed 25 miles per hour.
4. Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem(s) should be displayed.
5. Tractor should be equipped with ASAE recommended lighting.

NAEDA supports a guest worker program that would provide labor for U.S. agriculture. Such a program should allow for daily commuters as well as housed workers where commuting is not practical.

Guest workers are critical to maintaining a safe, reliable and economical food supply in the United States.

NAEDA supports a dealer's right to carry competing product lines.

NAEDA supports OSHA reform measures that would allow greater adjudicative flexibility when OSHA issues a citation or assessment of a penalty.

NAEDA supports legislation that would prohibit federal, state or local economic development assistance for any entity that uses the power of eminent domain:

• to obtain property for private commercial development
• or fails to pay relocation costs to persons displaced by the use of the power of eminent domain for economic development purposes

All equipment and inventory financed or refinanced by Secured Party for Debtor that has not been paid off in full by Debtor (the "Financed Equipment and Inventory"); all accounts, chattel paper, inventory, equipment, instruments, investment property, documents, deposit accounts, letter of credit rights, general intangibles, and cash relating to an item of Financed Equipment and Inventory; together with all present and future attachments, additions, accessories, accessions, spare parts, replacements, substitutions, exchanges, trade-ins, repossessions, and returns relating to an item of Financed Equipment and Inventory; insurance payable by reason of loss or damage to the Financed Equipment and Inventory; and all cash and non-cash proceeds of all of the foregoing, including, without limitation, proceeds in the form of goods, future accounts, cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, rental contracts, contract rights, issues, profits, rents, chattel paper, documents, instruments, insurance payable and/or general intangibles related to the Financed Equipment and Inventory.

NAEDA supports the permanent repeal of the estate tax, known as the "death tax". NAEDA further supports the continuation of a step-up in basis at the time of death and increasing the gift tax exemption amount.

NAEDA supports the efforts of individuals, associations, insurance companies and others to solve the increasing problem of cost and availability of liability insurance coverage. These efforts should protect businesses, property, landowners and tenants from frivolous liability claims, medical malpractice claims, and place limitations on attorneys' contingency fees. New legislation also should modify current law to encourage that liability litigation be filed and commence in the jurisdiction where a service or product is provided or in a plaintiff's official domicile.

NAEDA supports federal legislation to protect agricultural producers by requiring the U.S. secretary of agriculture to evaluate, test and approve test results of high-horsepower tractors (100 horsepower and greater) sold into the U.S. market. The legislation should ensure that such tractors meet manufacturer claims regarding power, fuel efficiency and performance prior to their sale.

NAEDA supports the renewal of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for the administration and the removal of government policies and rules that inhibit trade.

NAEDA supports voluntary arbitration.