Appropriations committee removes $10 million earmark, advances $15 million ag diversification appropriation

The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday amended and advanced House Bill 02/1927, a request for $15,000,000 from the General Fund to replenish the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund.

The committee struck language that had specified "of the $15,000,000 up to $10,000,000 is available for agricultural infrastructure grants to political subdivisions," giving the program broader spending flexibility, and then voted to give the bill a "do pass" recommendation as amended.

The bill sponsor told the committee the $15 million is intended to replace monies expended during the current biennium for grants and low-interest loans. A staff summary and discussion noted the bill largely continues an existing program; section 2 of the bill sets the membership of the advisory committee. Representative Brandenburg moved to remove the earmark language; Representative Munson seconded the motion. The committee reported the amendment passed (22–0–1) and later advanced the amended bill out of committee (do pass; 20–2–1).

Representative Bosch asked whether the committee had received testimony that past recipients included out-of-state entities or projects receiving tax abatements. Committee members said they had not received documentation of such complaints during committee testimony and that it might relate to a particular past project; members agreed to follow up if more information was requested.

With the amendment, the bill proceeds to the floor with the committee recommending passage.

Votes at a glance: the amendment to remove the earmark passed 22–0–1; the do-pass motion on the bill as amended passed 20–2–1.

The committee named a carry (to return the bill to the originating Ag Committee) and identified Representative Belts as the carrier to the floor.