PFB: New Budget Bill Saves Penn State Ag Research, Extension
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) praised the state General Assembly for coming together in a bipartisan effort to pass legislation that would provide funding for vital agriculture programs, including more than $50 million to save Agriculture Research and Cooperative Extension programs administered by Penn State University. The state House and Senate approved House Bill 1801, which effectively completes the 2015-16 fiscal year budget. The bill received strong support from Democrats and Republicans, which is important since the Governor has already indicated he will veto the legislation.
"Approval of the spending included in the legislation would ensure that agriculture research facilities and Cooperative Extension offices across the state will not be closed and that more than 1,100 employees of Penn State will not lose their jobs," said PFB President Rick Ebert. "The research, information and services provided by those employees are crucial to the success of family farms of all sizes and commodities across the state."
On March 8, PFB hosted a news conference at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in Biglerville to put a spotlight on the urgency for the General Assembly to swiftly approve funding for Cooperative Extension and Research after learning from Penn State President Eric Barron that layoff notices would be sent on May 1 to all employees working at 67 county extension offices and Penn State research facilities. In addition, more than 90,000 children involved in 4-H would lose access to the popular youth leadership program, without an influx of state funding.
"With the planting season right around the corner and the possible risk of new pests, diseases, avian influenza or countless other issues, farmers and the public need to know that vital services designed to identify, contain or negate those problems are in place," added Ebert.
The budget also provides $1.1 million for Agriculture Excellence programs, more than $1.5 million for Agriculture Research conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, $250,000 for Agriculture Exports, while the Dairy Show and Livestock Show receive $177,000 each. Meanwhile, the Animal Health Commission will receive $5.35 million, the Veterinary Lab System will get $5.3 million and Pennsylvania Fairs will receive $4 million through the Racehorse Development Fund.
Farm Bureau is asking all Pennsylvanians interested in preserving vital agriculture programs to visit www.pfb.com/actnow where they can urge the Governor to forego a veto and sign the budget.