Connecticut House Bill HB05520

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Revising The Community Investment Act To Provide Dairy Farm Funding And Restore Funds To The Farmland Preservation Program.

Impact

If successfully enacted, this bill is expected to have a positive impact on the dairy farming community by providing a structured form of financial assistance. It will also ensure the continuity of the Farmland Preservation Program, which plays a critical role in safeguarding agricultural land from conversion to non-agricultural uses. This preservation is not only vital for food production but also for maintaining the environmental quality and rural character of the state.

Summary

House Bill 05520 aims to revise the Community Investment Act specifically to enhance support for dairy farmers and bolster the Farmland Preservation Program. The legislation emphasizes the state's commitment to establishing a safety net for dairy farms, which is crucial given the challenges faced by the dairy farming sector, including fluctuating market prices and operational costs. By amending the existing statutes, the bill seeks to ensure that dairy farms continue to receive necessary funding and assistance to remain viable and sustain their contributions to the state's agricultural economy.

Contention

Notably, the bill may encounter some contention as discussions around agricultural funding can evoke diverse opinions among stakeholders. Proponents argue that supporting dairy farming is crucial for the local economies, while opponents may raise concerns over the allocation of state funds, suggesting that resources could be better utilized in other sectors. Additionally, debates could center around the effectiveness of preservation programs in actually achieving their intended goals and the criteria for distributing funding among various agricultural sectors.