Wisconsin Ag Connection - Walker to Sign State Budget This Weekend

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Walker to Sign State Budget This Weekend
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/28/2013

It looks like Wisconsin's state budget will be approved just in time for the new fiscal year. Gov. Scott Walker said this week he plans to sign the $70 billion spending package during a ceremony at Catalyst Exhibits in Pleasant Prairie on Sunday afternoon.

The biennial budget cut income taxes by $650 million over two years, expands private school vouchers statewide and rejects a federally funded expansion of Medicaid.

One of the key elements for agriculture in the bill includes a provision that make it easier for farmers, factory owners and sand mining companies to drill high capacity wells. Specifically, the measure would block anyone from challenging well applications and permits by arguing the state didn't consider the impact of the well and surrounding wells on the environment.

Another budget item funds a study to determine the feasibility of combining the the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

And the package, as currently drafted, would continue to cover programs like county land conservation programs, the Buy Local/Buy Wisconsin program and the Agriculture Chemical Cleanup program.

Wisconsin fiscal year begins on July 1.

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