By RFD/Farmweeknow.com
The lack of a fiscal year 2016 budget challenges both IDOA programs and those of others whose funding is part of IDOA’s budget, Warren Goetsch told the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable this week.
About 130 individuals representing agriculture agencies, organizations, academia and elected officials discussed mutual issues at the Illinois Farm Bureau, Bloomington.
Goetsch assured roundtable members that Acting Illinois Ag Director Raymond Poe, who was unable to attend, “will be an advocate for agriculture and will fight for agriculture.”
The budget problem is twofold. In one case, the Compassionate Use of Medicinal Marijuana fund that is held by the state comptroller contains roughly $7.8 million, but without a budget appropriation IDOA is unable to spend it. Medicinal marijuana generated $1.5 million in sales, and 360 pounds of medical cannabis was delivered in the last two months, Goetsch reported.
In other cases, the lack of a budget has disrupted programs from Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to county fairs and horse racing. Some county fair officials “had to make some tough choices,” and harness racing events were reduced at the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair, Goetsch noted.
Four SWCDs have no employees, while other districts have reduced business hours and some SWCD employees are covering their insurance personally, he said.
“We’re working with the SWCDs, the governor’s office and his office of management and budget on whatever options are available,” Goetsch said. Those options include exploring restructuring and reducing expenses where possible, he noted.
IDOA also remains concerned about University of Illinois Extension funding that is included in the department’s budget, Goetsch said.
On the bright side, the Illinois agriculture community embraced the state Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and provided instrumental support “to bring us where we are today … Let’s keep that going,” Goetsch said.
