State Senate's One-House Budget Restores Money for Agriculture

From state Sen. Patty Ritchie's office:

State Sen. Patty Ritchie, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said the Senate's 2017-18 one-house budget includes key funding for agriculture.

Among the highlights of the Senate’s one-house budget is a restoration of $12 million in support for agriculture. Ritchie has advocated in recent weeks for committing resources to over 30 programs that were cut in the governor's executive budget.

The one-house budget was adopted by the Senate March 15. 

Also included in the spending plan is $3 million to assist farmers impacted by last summer’s severe drought.  In the last six years, the Senate has restored more than $55 million in funding cuts and investments for agriculture.

“This spending plan reflects the priorities of our communities in Central and Northern New York,” Ritchie said. "I will continue to fight strongly in the coming weeks to see that the needs of our region are met and that these smart investments in things like education, agriculture and infrastructure remain in the state budget that’s currently being negotiated.”

“As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I'm thrilled the Senate's one-house budget makes critical investments in our state's leading industry,” Ritchie said. “From helping farmers recover from last year's crippling drought to assisting the next generation of agriculture professionals, I'll be working to see these key investments that bolster agriculture are included in the final enacted state budget.”