MPBN News Bill Would Steer Stimulus Funds to Maine's Dairy Farmer

Bill Would Steer Stimulus Funds to Maine's Dairy Farmers - 2/23/09 2:19 PM ESTBack

A Skowhegan representative has introduced a bill aimed at steering some of the federal stimulus funds to Maine's beleaguered dairy farmers. Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe says the state's existing dairy stabilization fund works, but is short of cash--about $5 million short. He says his bill would seek to identify any money among the hundreds of millions coming to the state that could be used for the fund. "Here's a chance to give the tools that are needed to stabilize an industry that works," he says. McCabe says dairy farmers provide jobs and the industry has a significant economic impact throughout the state. He says if money can't be found in the stimulus package, he'll seek state funding for the program.