The letter below is from Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) to a Vote Hemp supporter in reply to a letter asking him to introduce a Senate version of H.R. 1866, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT)

If you receive a reply from one of your elected representatives please email a copy of it to us at hempinfo@votehemp.com. It will help with our lobbying efforts to know the contents of these letters. We will not publish your name or address and hold them in confidence.

February 11, 2010

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about industrial hemp grown for commercial purposes.

In 2001, the Montana Legislature approved a bill to recognize industrial hemp as an agricultural crop. This legislation also established a licensing procedure that allows local farmers to grow hemp commercially. An amendment to the bill requested that the federal government issue a "waiver that will allow this act to be effective without federal preemption."

As a former State Senator, I understand that Montana's lawmakers know what's best for Montanans. As these issues move forward in the process, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Please don't hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Jon Tester
United States Senator