Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, proposed the General Fund budget in the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee.

The House Ways and Means General Fund Committee passed a General Fund (GF) budget with cuts to nearly every line item Thursday, May 14. 

The proposed budget removed funding that previously offset Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) permit fees. The proposal also cut funding for the State Water Assessment Program from $1 million to $500,000 and reduces matching funds for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) from $90,674 to $45,337. AWEP provides matching federal dollars to expand irrigation reservoirs on Alabama's farms.

The proposed budget cut $2.16 million from the Department of Agriculture and Industries and $1.54 million from the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Alabama Farmers Federation members are encouraged to contact their legislators and ask for AWEP and CAFO to receive level funding.

Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, speaks at the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee meeting.

House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Chairman Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, said the proposed budget includes a $202 million conditional appropriation, which would allow level funding for major agencies and a two-percent reduction for remaining line items. The House will vote on the budget next week. 

Several bills have been introduced to try to shore up the GF, including proposals to unearmark funds from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and GF and a bill to expand gambling in the state.

SB453, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, would create a state lottery, establish casino-style gaming at up to four locations and encourage Gov. Robert Bentley to discuss a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The bill passed the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee 5-3 Thursday, May 14.

Federation policy opposes legalized gambling in any form.  

Paul Pinyan, Alabama Farmers Federation executive director, praised Sen. Paul Sanford, R-Huntsville, and Rep. Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville, for offering options to address the budget shortfall without increasing taxes or expanding gambling in Alabama.

"Unearmarking is a smart solution to address the budget shortfall," Pinyan said. "We don't think we have a revenue problem but a problem with how it's appropriated in Alabama." 

SB12, sponsored by Sanford, would distribute funds from recurring revenue to the GF and ETF budgets. The bill was indefinitely postponed at the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee meeting Wednesday, May 13. HB656, sponsored by Ainsworth, is the House companion bill.