Feb. 10, 2016
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the importance of funding that supports the state’s top industry, the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) that would transfer money to several vital programs.
The bill passed by a vote of 16-9, with all Republican members supporting the effort and all Democrat members opposing it.
“There is absolutely no reason to oppose funding our Veterinary Laboratory System, Animal Health Commission, fairs, State Farm Products Show Fund or the State Racing Fund,” Causer said. “This funding has been agreed to by all parties and the administration, and it doesn’t even come out of the General Fund. It is simply a transfer of money that can and should be made, sooner rather than later.”
House Bill 1589 amends the state’s Fiscal Code to transfer approximately $25 million from the Race Horse Development Fund to the five programs. Two of those programs, the Animal Health Commission and the PA Veterinary Lab, support our animal diagnostic laboratory system and play a vital role in the Commonwealth’s efforts to monitor for and protect against the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a serious threat to the state’s poultry industry
While this proposal now proceeds to the full House for its consideration, Causer has also sponsored bills to restore other key agriculture funding initiatives cut by Gov. Tom Wolf’s line-item vetoes late last year.
House Bill 1831 provides more than $50 million in funding to Penn State, including its extension programs which offer vital support to farmers in legal and regulatory issues, as well as implementation of best practices.
House Bill 1832 provides $350,000 in funding for the Hardwoods Development Council. The council plays a key role in research and promotion to support the ongoing development and expansion of the forest products industry.
House Bills 1831 and 1832 are awaiting consideration by the House Appropriations Committee.
Causer also noted the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee voted on Wednesday in support of a resolution calling for a study of the state’s horse racing industry. Specifically, the study would include an assessment of various financial, regulatory and market factors and make recommendations on best practices. If approved by the full House, the study would have to be completed no later than Feb. 1, 2017.
Representative Martin T. Causer
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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