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Cotton Checkoff Bills Move To Governor's Office
Alabama voters will play a part in deciding the future of the state's cotton industry in the July runoff election when they vote on a cotton checkoff amendment. The referendum is the result of two bills, SB 255 and SB 256, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, which passed the State House of Representatives March 20.
The measure would provide greater security for the state's cotton industry by establishing an automatic cotton checkoff.
"Alabama cotton farmers will have a more stable future if this amendment is adopted," said Alabama Farmers Federation Cotton Division Director Carla Hornady. "The state's cotton farmers provide an annual economic impact of more than $290 million. Voters should support this amendment and tell others to vote 'yes' to keep cotton growing strong."
All Alabama cotton producers benefit from checkoff dollars, which must be used for research, education and promotion of the state's cotton industry.
The set of bills had almost unanimous support in the Legislature, receiving only one "no" vote in the House of Representatives. On March 19, SB 255 and SB 256 passed the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee, chaired by Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes. Companion bills in the House were sponsored by Rep Jim Patterson, R-Meridianville.
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Governor Signs Alabama Workforce Council Bill
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Joined by state elected officials and Alabama education and business leaders, Gov. Robert Bentley signed the Workforce Council bill March 14 at Nucor Steel in Decatur, Ala.
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Gov. Robert Bentley signed a bill aimed at improving communication between state educators and leaders in business and industry. SB 217, sponsored by Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, established the Alabama Workforce Council, which will advise and support the state Community College System Chancellor and the State Superintendent.
Council members must be senior managers in state businesses and industries. The group will include at least 14 members, four appointed by elected officials and 10 who represent different state regions.
The development of a professional council was suggested by the governor's College and Career Ready Task Force. Alabama Farmers Federation's Young Farmers Director Jennifer Himburg served on the task force.
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Legislature Continues Budget Work
The Alabama Legislature took action on the state Education Trust Fund (ETF) and General Fund (GF) budgets this week. The ETF, sponsored by Sen. Trip Pittman, R-Montrose, passed the House of Representatives 51-47 Tuesday. A conference committee has been selected to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.
The GF, sponsored by Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, passed the Senate 30-2 Thursday with an amendment to the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee's proposal. The House must vote on the amendment before being sent to the governor.
Funding for Alabama Farmers Federation priorities are listed below for the GF and ETF.
AFF Priorities At A Glance - GF Budget
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Budget Item
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Senate Proposal
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Change from FY14
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Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
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$90,674
| No change
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Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
| $380,000 | No change | |
State Water Assessment Program
| $1,000,000 | No change
| Department of Agriculture and Industries
| $9,625,974 | $221,741 
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AFF Priorities At A Glance - ETF Budget
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Budget Item
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House Proposal
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Change from FY14
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Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
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$30,724,684
| $101,730
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Career Tech - Operation and Maintenance
| $5,000,000 | No change | |
Career Tech Initiative
| $3,257,967 | $1,000,000
| | Office of State Climatologist | $850,000 | $600,000
| | Cooperative Extension System | $32,139,768 | $518,216
| | Rural Medical Scholars Program |
$750,000
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$100,000 | |
Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University
| $250,000 | No change |
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Outstanding Young Farm Family Recognized
The Alabama Senate and House of Representatives commended Stan and Kayla Usery of Limestone County as the Alabama Farmers Federation's 2013 Outstanding Young Farm Family. Along with their daughter, Jessa, the Userys met with Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn; Rep. Dan Williams, R-Athens; and Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, R-Madison. Pictured, from left, are Williams, Hubbard, Jessa, Kayla and Stan.
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The Legislature is on spring break through April 1.
The next edition of Capitol Connection will be released April 4.
The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 1,
for the 28th day of the 30-day regular session.
The House reconvenes at 1 p.m. the same day. |
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For questions or comments regarding newsletter content, e-mail:
Matthew Durdin - State Legislative Programs Director for the Senate
or
David Cole - State Legislative Programs Director for the House
For distribution questions or media inquiries, e-mail:
Mary Johnson - Director of News Services
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