MOFGA 2003 Legislative Updates
MOFGA is supporting the following bills in the current legislative session. MOFGA members can help by contacting members of the respective Committees to urge their support for the bills, especially prior to work sessions (where Committee votes are usually taken).
Contact information on other Committees is available at www.mainelegislature.org.
- L.D. 199, "An Act to Protect Children from Cancer-causing Chemicals", Status: Passed as a resolve, asking State government departments to take a coordinated look at these issues.
- L.D. 315, "An Act To Provide a Discount to Farmers Who are Certified as Organic Farmers, Status: Died in committee.
- L.D. 345, "An Act To Reinstate a Milk Handling Fee.", Status: Governor Baldacci has threatened a veto; is announcing an alternative bail-out plan for dairy farmers on April 4.
- L.D. 759, "An Act Concerning Public Members of the Board of Pesticides Control", Status: Died in committee
- L.D. 1219: "An Act to Establish a Moratorium on Genetically Engineered Plants", Status: As of June 22, the legislation died in Conference after House and Senate representatives failed to agree. Senator Richard Kneeland orchestrated an amended Senate version that created a committee predominantly composed of industry advocates to study the benefits of biotechnology. Read the 6/19/03 Bangor Daily News story on the issue (free log-in required).
- L.D. 1309: "An Act to Protect Public Health by Reducing Human Exposure to Arsenic", Status: Public Hearing April 1, 1;30, RM 437 of the State House, Augusta.
L.D. 199, "An Act to Protect Children from Cancer-causing Chemicals"
Sponsor: Representative John EderCommittee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Prohibits the use of hazardous chemicals known to cause cancer in schools and child care facilities.
Text and other info: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD019901-1.asp
Status: Passed as a resolve, asking State government departments to take a coordinated look at these issues.
Click here for MOFGA's testimony (delivered by Sharon Tisher).
L.D. 315, "An Act To Provide a Discount to Farmers Who are Certified as Organic Farmers"
Sponsor: Representative Deborah HuttonCommittee: Agriculture
Provides for a 50% discount on Land for Maine's Future lands leased to certified organic farmers.
Text and other info: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD031501-1.asp
Status: Died in committee.
Click here for MOFGA's testimony (delivered by Polly Shyka).
L.D. 345, "An Act To Reinstate a Milk Handling Fee."
Sponsor: Senator Peter MilsCommittee: Taxation
Reinstitutes the milk handling tax, which was in effect in 1995 and 1996, at the rate of 8 cents per quart on all milk handled for retail sale in Maine.
Text and other info: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD034501-1.asp
Status: Governor Baldacci has threatened a veto; is announcing an alternative bail-out plan for dairy farmers on April 4.
L.D. 759, "An Act Concerning Public Members of the Board of Pesticides Control"
Sponsor: Representative John EderCommittee: Agriculture
Adds two additional members to the Board of Pesticides Control, from environmental and public health groups.
Text and other info: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD075901-1.asp
Status: Died in committee.
Click here for MOFGA's testimony (delivered by Sharon Tisher).
L.D. 1219: "An Act to Establish a Moratorium on Genetically Engineered Plants"
Sponsor: Representative Linda McKeeCommittee: Agriculture
(Original Bill Summary:) Establishes a three year moratorium on planting genetically engineered plants in Maine. Requires the department of Agriculture to prepare a marketing plan that uses the moratorium as a promotional tool for Maine's agricultural products.
Text and other info: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD121901-1.asp
Status: As of June 22, the legislation died in Conference after House and Senate representatives failed to agree. Senator Richard Kneeland orchestrated an amended Senate version that created a committee predominantly composed of industry advocates to study the benefits of biotechnology. Read the 6/19/03 Bangor Daily News story on the issue (free log-in required).
Click here for MOFGA's testimony (delivered by Sharon Tisher).
See Action Alert on MOFGA homepage for "talking points"
Contact Sharon Tisher, 581-3158, sharon_tisher@umenfa.maine.edu, if you would like notice of the public hearing.
Following is an editorial by Sharon Tisher framing the arguments in favor of this bill:.
- Bangor Daily Op-ed Piece Supporting L.D. 1219, the GE crop moratorium (link to Bangor Daily News web site version)
L.D. 1309: "An Act to Protect Public Health by Reducing Human Exposure to Arsenic"
Sponsor: Representative Scott CowgerCommittee: Natural Resources
A bill that would prohibit arsenic treated wood from being sold except for marine purposes (thus excluding playgrounds, planters, raised beds, etc).
Text and other info: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD130901-1.asp
Status: Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 1;30, RM 437 of the State House, Augusta.
Click here for MOFGA's testimony (delivered by Sharon Tisher).
Contact Sharon Tisher, 581-3158, sharon_tisher@umenfa.maine.edu, if you would like notice of the public hearing.