By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled a $271 million agriculture budget proposal, aiming to bolster the state's farm sector competitiveness. The plan includes several key initiatives:
Innovation: $10 million will be allocated to attract innovative agricultural businesses through grants, loans, and technical assistance. This could involve cutting-edge practices like methane digesters for manure management.
Dairy Support: $5.6 million will support farmer participation in the USDA's Dairy Margin Coverage program, particularly relevant for Pennsylvania's many small dairies.
General Operations: $6 million will boost general agricultural operations to strengthen the industry's foundation.
Veterinary Services: $5 million will be invested in creating a new state veterinary laboratory in western Pennsylvania, enhancing disease response capabilities.
Funding and Development: $500 million in bond funding is proposed to expand development of construction-ready projects for agriculture and manufacturing businesses.
Education and Talent: A pay-for-performance funding model is proposed for state-related universities and a new system encompassing state universities and community colleges. Agriculture is included as a focus area for student direction. Additionally, restoring $32 million in funding for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is proposed.
Public Transit: $1.5 billion over five years is allocated for public transit improvements, aiming to benefit both urban and rural communities.
Marijuana Legalization: Legalizing recreational marijuana is proposed, potentially generating revenue and providing a new crop for farmers.
Budget Overview: The total proposed budget is $48 billion, exceeding the previous year by $4 billion. Governor Shapiro emphasizes investing in the state's people rather than accumulating an excessive surplus.
Reaction: House Republicans expressed concerns about unnecessary programs and the burden on taxpayers, particularly regarding the transit plan.
Next Steps: Lawmakers will hold hearings on the agriculture budget later this month.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sinartcreative
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy