White Farmers Claim Discrimination, Sue Federal Government Over American Rescue Plan Act
Farmer Lawsuit 050321
The federal government is facing another lawsuit over The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the provision that aids farmers of color.
A group of farmers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois and Ohio filed the lawsuit, alleging they're ineligible for the COVID-19 stimulus loan forgiveness program because they're white.
The group of farmers argue the Biden administration's stimulus plan only provides loan forgiveness to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, defined as Black, American Indian, Hispanic or Pacific Islander. The lawsuit alleges that violates white farmers' constitutional rights.
USDA said in a statement the agency is reviewing the lawsuit.
This lawsuit comes after a lawsuit was filed last week by Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller against the federal government over discrimination claims.