Correction appended
Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., will travel to Penn State today to visit the honeybee research facility, the Berkey Creamery and various other local points of interest.
"Even though he's visiting the College of [Agriculture], he's taking time out of a very busy schedule to come here because, obviously, Penn State matters," Samantha Miller, College Democrats spokeswoman, said. "It shows a lot of care for Penn State."
Kendra Barkoff, a spokeswoman for Casey, said the Centre County region is important to Casey and that he is familiar with the area because of his Bellefonte office.
"We're glad to have a U.S. senator on campus, and it's an opportunity for him to see some of the research done by Penn State faculty and students," said Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon.
Casey will speak with staff at 11 a.m. at the Agriculture Farm to discuss Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a disease that has eliminated 25 percent of the commercial honeybee population in the United States, according to a press release from Casey's office. Penn State entomologists have researched CCD extensively and will discuss ways to eliminate the disease with Casey.
He will also tour the Creamery and visit an agricultural business management class to talk about the impact of the Farm Bill with students, according to the press release.
The Farm Bill, which was renewed in 2007, seeks to aid farmers with economic hardships and regulate the agricultural market, according to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
Casey also plans to go to the Centre County Women's Resource Center, 140 W. Nittany Ave., to talk about the possible funding freezes that the center and similar organizations may face.
A representative from the women's resource center was unable to offer additional details except to confirm that Casey would visit.
Miller said Penn State students should view Casey's visit as a reminder for students to be more politically engaged, particularly in the upcoming elections.
"[Casey] thinks it's necessary to visit Penn State, and that should send a clear message to Penn State students that they should act on their responsibility to be civilly engaged," Miller said.
This article incorrectly states the status of the Farm Bill, which seeks to aid farmers with economic hardships and regulate the agricultural market. It was not renewed in 2007.
