Appropriations panel restores $150,000 for agriculture inspection and enforcement

The Joint Committee on Appropriations voted to restore $150,000 in general funds to the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for inspection, enforcement, travel, laboratory testing, rents and state matches for federal spill investigations and pesticide and air/water programs. Representative Nordstrom moved the $150,000 addition and asked members to support the motion; the panel approved motion B7 on an 11-7 roll call.

The motion drew objections from several members who said the item was a late addition that effectively walked back a reduction the committee had approved earlier. "The taxpayers expect better," Senator Howard said, urging colleagues to "resist the motion" and calling the late insertion poor fiscal practice. Other members objected to receiving motion sheets "added overnight," saying they prefer tracking changes weeks in advance.

Supporters said the money fills operational needs for inspection and response functions that officials identified as necessary. The motion sheet listed a range of uses including increased inspection activity, lab testing fees and state matches for federal spill investigations.

Committee members debated procedure and substance before the vote. On the roll call the motion passed with 11 yays and seven nays; the committee then moved on to set the remainder of the department's budget at levels shown on the department motion sheet.