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Hagan urges eligible African American farmers to take action in discrimination case
Story Date: 3/15/2012
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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 3/14/12
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) today encouraged eligible North Carolina farmers to file claims in the Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation Settlement with the US Department of Agriculture. Yesterday, approximately 250 North Carolina black farmers filed claims at an event in Durham. The deadline to file is May 11, 2012.
"I encourage all eligible North Carolina farmers to take action and file claims in the Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation Settlement before May 11th," said Hagan. "For years, the federal government failed to live up to its obligations to our African American farmers, including more than 4,000 North Carolinians. Since coming to the Senate I have worked with my colleagues to shed light on this discrimination and bring about justice for our farmers. Now, I am urging all eligible North Carolina farmers to take action."
Since coming to the Senate, Hagan has been fighting for justice for black farmers in North Carolina and across the country. She has worked closely with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to ensure 4,000 African-American farmers in North Carolina and 75,000 nationwide can receive settlements following decades of discrimination by the Department of Agriculture. Hagan also introduced legislation to fund the settlement with then Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
In May 2008, as part of the 2008 Farm Bill, Congress passed legislation appropriating $100 million for compensation for Pigford II claimants. On December 8, 2010, Senator Hagan looked on as the President signed into law new legislation that appropriated an additional $1.15 billion for these claims, bringing the total available compensation to $1.25 billion. On October 27, 2011, the United District Court for the District of Columbia gave final approval to the Settlement. The Court Order provided that the Claim Submission Period would begin on November 14, 2011 and end on May 11, 2012.
Meetings are being held across the country in 21 states and Washington, D.C. to provide information about the case and to assist plaintiffs in completing their claim forms. Yesterday, a representative of Senator Hagan's office was on hand as farmers filed approximately 250 claims during a scheduled meeting in Durham, N.C.
Future meetings in North Carolina:
3/19/12
9:00 AM
The Hotel Bordeaux & Conference Center
1707 Owen Drive
Fayetteville
4/23/12
9:00 AM
Marriott Charlotte Executive Park
5700 WestparkDr.
Charlotte
4/24/12
9:00 AM
Marriott Charlotte Executive Park
5700 WestparkDr.
Charlotte
4/26/12
9:00 AM
The Hotel Bordeaux & Conference Center
1707 Owen Drive
Fayetteville
4/27/12
9:00 AM
The Hotel Bordeaux & Conference Center
1707 Owen Drive
Fayetteville
4/28/12
9:00 AM
The Hotel Bordeaux & Conference Center
1707 Owen Drive
Fayetteville
For a full list of meetings across the country where you can receive free legal help in filing and tracking a claim PLEASE CLICK HERE.
For additional background and to review eligibility requirements, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
On September 23, 2010, Senator Hagan held a rally on Capitol Hill with the National Association of Black Farmers to introduce the legislation that funded the $1.15 billion settlement.
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