On Tuesday, the state Assembly passed the biennial budget with a 60-39 vote. On Wednesday afternoon, the state Senate approved the biennial budget with a 17-16 vote.
“Wisconsin Farm Bureau would like to thank the state legislature for passing a state budget that includes support for several key agricultural items,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Jim Holte.
The biennial budget bill includes:
- $8.9 million for the UW System’s Dairy Innovation Hub.
- Four new positions at Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources to operate the concentrated animal feeding operation program.
- $1 million during the biennium to fund the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s producer-led watershed grant program.
- $700,000 in funding during the biennium for Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium.
- $90 million in bonding to support the UW School of Veterinary Medicine renovation.
- One-time funding of $95 million in general funds for local road projects.
- Three additional positions to support the hemp program, including one-time funding of $300,000 for testing equipment.
- Funding for farmer mental health assistance.
Governor Evers has called for the Assembly to send him the biennial budget bill. Once it is enrolled it will be received by the Governor for his considerations.
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