Here’s what’s happening in the legislature this week that’s of interest to Maine farmers:
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH
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Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Cross Building, Room 206, 9:00 am
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– LD 275, SP 87 An Act To Change the Bag Limits on Wild Turkey – Miramant – SUPPORT– LD 321, HP 246 An Act To Ensure the Continuation of the Landowner Relations Program – Keschl – SUPPORT
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House and Senate in Session
6:15 pm
Governor Mills is scheduled to deliver her State of the Budget address at 7:00 p.m.
House and Senate in Session
10:00 am
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Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Cross Building, Room 214, 1:00 pm
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– LD 292, HP 216 An Act To Feed Maine’s Residents by Allowing Dairy Dealers and Producers in the State To Donate Fresh Milk to Food Banks in the State – Millett – MONITOR
Currently, Maine’s minimum milk pricing laws prevents direct donations of milk because it is viewed as a “retail transaction” and would be below the minimum price. Good Shephard Food Bank, Oakhurst Dairy, the Maine Milk Commission, MDIA & Maine Farm Bureau had several meetings to discuss possible solutions, but did not come up with an alternative that was acceptable to all parties. MFB will monitor the bill to ensure that any proposed language will preserve Maine’s minimum milk pricing laws and find the best solution to providing milk to families in need.
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– LD 351, HP 277 An Act To Ensure Accuracy in the Labeling of Maine Meat and Poultry – Pluecker – SUPPORT
This bill, presented by member Bill Pluecker, works to ensure that the integrity of meat and poultry labeled with a Maine or Maine-grown designation.
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– LD 355, SP 95 An Act To Exclude Domesticated Species Used for Agricultural Purposes from the Laws Governing Permits To Possess Wildlife in Captivity – Black – SUPPORT
This bill, presented by member Russell Black, exempts wildlife that is domestically raised, hybridized or genetically altered and specifically used for farming or ranching or agritourism activity from the prohibition on keeping wildlife in captivity.
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Energy Utilities and Technology
Cross Building, Room 211, 1:00 pm
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WORK SESSION
– LD 147, HP 129 An Act To Extend Internet Availability in Rural Maine – Alley – SUPPORT
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– LD 173, HP 136 An Act To Promote Economic Development and Critical Communications for Family Farms, Businesses and Residences by Strategic Public Investment in High-speed Internet – SUPPORT
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
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Taxation
State House, Room 127, 10:00 am
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– LD 241, HP 204 An Act To Adjust the Personal Property Tax Exemption for Farm Machinery – O’Neil – SUPPORT
Rep. O’Neil worked with MFB to create this bill, based on a resolution that became policy at the recent MFB Annual Meeting. The bill adjusts the exemption from $10,000 to $45,000 to account for inflation. The last time the exemption was adjusted was in 1977.
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– LD 424, HP 333 An Act To Provide a Sales Tax Exemption for Baling Twine, Net and Wrapping for Hay – O’Neil – SUPPORT
Rep. O’Neil worked with MFB to create this bill, based on a resolution that became policy at the recent MFB Annual Meeting. In the 128th Legislative Session, a similar bill was supported by the House and Senate but vetoed by Governor LePage. This bill would remove the tax on twine, net and wrap used on-farm.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
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Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Cross Building, Room 214 1:00 pm
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No hearings scheduled