|
|||
|
For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Senate budget hearings begin The Senate Appropriations Committee began holding hearings with state Departments and agencies in February to learn more about their budget requests for 2008-2009. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I participated in the state Department of Agriculture's hearing to ensure that agriculture's priorities are being addressed. The Governor indicated some good things for agriculture in his budget, but there are also elements with which I am disappointed. I was very pleased to see a restoration to previous years' levels for Pennsylvania Crop Insurance, a vital program that eliminates the need for large state payouts to farmers in times of reduced production. Funding in other important areas like livestock shows, youth programs and Farms to Schools, was held harmless. However, the Governor has asked for substantial cuts in areas such as the state's conservation districts, agriculture research, Penn State Extension, the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission and agricultural fairs. Much work has yet to occur before a final 2008-2009 budget is adopted, and the legislative hearings are a very useful part of the process. I believe we must use taxpayer dollars efficiently to invest in programs that provide clear benefits to Pennsylvania, in agriculture and other areas, and look forward to again being a part of the state budget process. Senate Committee discusses Chesapeake Bay Strategy Recently, a Senate panel heard testimony on the state's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy (CBTS) and its impact. The CBTS addresses our commitment under the multi-state Chesapeake 2000 agreement to remove the Bay from the federal list of impaired waters by 2010. This comprehensive approach directs Pennsylvania, part of the Bay watershed, to significantly reduce its nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment levels. Reductions are required by both point sources, such as sewage treatment facilities, and nonpoint sources, including farmland and stormwater runoff. Pennsylvania began taking significant steps to address agriculture's role in this process long before the implementation of the CBTS by enacting nutrient management laws and helping farmers implement best management practices. The state's farmers are highly regulated and face some of the toughest water quality requirements in the country. Wastewater treatment plants are also working to reduce nutrients they send to the Bay, primarily through technology upgrades; the associated expense is something the Senate is examining. Recently, we approved a third-party study of the costs to municipalities for treatment facilities to implement the CBTS to give us a better idea of the true costs before we can address funding options. As a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, I will be monitoring this issue and working with the 36th District to address concerns. Community spotlight The Lititz community recently shared its generosity and support with the Borough Police Department K9 Unit. The K9 Unit, which consists of Officer Kenneth Wolfe and his canine partner Reky, is heavily utilized by police throughout Lancaster County and other Central Pennsylvania counties as well as state police, and has been involved in numerous drug finds and arrests in the past two years. All costs associated with the Unit are covered by donations, and recently the Department announced that it would be raising funds for a new K9 vehicle. The community responded by donating more than $30,000 in three months, which will completely cover the costs and the vehicle has been ordered. I am very impressed by the generosity the citizens of Lititz have shown to their local police force and commend the Department for its commitment to this valuable Unit.
| ||
|
Privacy Policy
|
|||
