The House Appropriations Committee this week held a special hearing on the 2008-09 budget featuring members of the House making their suggestions for budget priorities. Several legislators suggested increases in environmental funding.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Funding

Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) asked for state support in funding wastewater plant upgrades required by the Chesapeake Bay clean up strategy, saying the Department of Environmental Protection estimates compliance will cost $630 million and other estimates place the cost above $1 billion, all of which will be borne by ratepayers without state assistance.

He noted Maryland and Virginia are both helping to fund implementation of the strategies in their states. Rep. Grell asked for enactment of a $300 million grant program, to be funded over several years. He said at least $40 million should be appropriated this year.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) also urged state aid for implementing the Chesapeake Bay clean up strategy, saying if all Pennsylvanians are expected to pay for mass transit in Philadelphia, then all Pennsylvanians should be expected to help pay to clean up the Bay.

Funding Fish & Game Commissions

Rep. Dave Levdansky (D-Allegheny) urged passage of House Bill 1676, which would dedicate a small portion of the sales tax revenue to the Game and Fish and Boat Commissions (0.00116 percent to the Game Fund and 0.00058 percent to the Fish Fund).

Rep. Levdansky argued these agencies are funded by license fees, however they provide services that affect all Pennsylvanians, not just hunters or anglers, such as wildlife management and establishing a protocol for the placement of wind turbines. He noted the number of hunting and fishing licenses issued by the Commissions is declining and increasing those fees will only further erode these numbers. It is time for a reliable and permanent public funding source, he stated.

Organic Farming

Rep. Dave Kessler (D-Berks) urged passage of House Bill 2347, which promotes organic agriculture and helps farmers transition to organic farming. He cited the advantages of organic farming, noting that if every farmer adopted no-till practices it would sequester the same amount of carbon as removed 2-3 million cars from the roads.

He argued organic farming can save money because it reduces the need for crop insurance. Organic farming techniques can help farmers weather droughts and wet periods better, provide healthier food which will reduce health care costs.

Rep. Kessler said $5 million would be needed for the next six years.

Rep. Evans (D-Philadelphia) serves as Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Rep. Civera (R-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair.

NewsClip: Lawmakers Put In Dibs for Next Year’s State Budget

3/21/2008