News

Ag and EPA funding off the chopping block

Lawmakers are expected to approve the 2017 budget this week that would reject most of President Trump’s proposed cuts to EPA and USDA funding.

The spending bill maintains almost all current funding for the EPA, including $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative this fiscal year. Trump had proposed a 31 percent cut to the agency and a total elimination of the GLRI.

Michigan Senator and co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force Debbie Stabenow says she’s pleased to see funding for the Great Lakes restored for this fiscal year and will continue to work to stop efforts to completely eliminate funding next year.  Ohio Senator and co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force Rob Portman says the Initiative has been an effective public-private program protecting the Great Lakes from threats like harmful algae and invasive species and he will continue to work to protect it in the future. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown says he’s proud to see bipartisan support for the Great Lakes and ensuring clean water for Ohio.

Increases were made to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, including earmarked funding for highly pathogenic avian influenza; food safety; farm loans; and rural development.

Nearly $2.5 million has been cut from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program based on declining enrollment.

Congress included $103 million to address the opioid epidemic across the country and increased funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.

School lunch program standards set by the Obama Administration would be relaxed.

Funding for immigration enforcement and border security was increased, but not to the levels Trump requested.