Dear Neighbor,
The Legislature has continued working this week to put omnibus finance bills in shape to be considered by both bodies for re-passage so we can send them to the governor for his decisions.
Concern has arisen since the governor has chosen to not be engaged in the conference committee process. His agency staff also has not been willing to negotiate various provisions and are just saying “no” to proposals. That approach makes it far more difficult to be on the same page as we get ready to send him a complete set of bills to form the state’s next two-year budget.
On a similar note, the governor has said he is unwilling to compromise on the enactment of buffer strips. This issue has been one I have addressed in numerous email updates and columns to District 12B as it becomes more and more clear that buffer regulations are not ready for enforcement to begin this November as scheduled.
This is especially true in light of the fact alternative practices were just released and, until now, farmers didn’t know what other options will be available to them. It will take some time to determine where those alternative practices may be beneficial and then implement them.
The main point is we need clarification on numerous aspects of buffer law before it can be reasonably enforced. It would be helpful if the governor would understand this is about doing the right thing for both landowners who will be expected to comply with the changes and the local officials who will be enforcing them.
In my role as chairman of the House Agriculture Policy Committee, I will be part of a panel during two public meetings in the region tomorrow night where we plan to discuss buffer strips and a number of other ag-related issues.
Here are the details:
- Herman: 6 p.m. Friday, April 28; American Legion Post 378 (307 Pacific Ave S., Herman)
- Alexandria: 8 p.m. Friday, April 28; Glenwood State Bank Community Room (2221 S. Broadway St. Alexandria)
The more feedback we can receive during these meetings the better, so I hope you are able to attend. Please spread the word to anyone else you feel may be interested, especially on the topic of buffers.
Look for more news on omnibus finance bills next time, including the ag package I am working on as a member of that conference committee. One issue that might warrant further comment down the road pertains to efforts to reach a solution on the verification of need for pesticide use. We are working on language which would help farmers in that regard.
Sincerely,
Paul