 LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN - March 7, 2003 A subcommittee of Representatives Koppelman,
Carlson and Glassheim are working on the Public Service Commission’s
budget, which includes the $250,000 for a rail rate complaint. If you know these Representatives please contact them and
urge their support for the $250,000.
The hearing on March 4 went well, with all major ag groups
testifying in favor, no one spoke opposed. The big deal next week is the House
Transportation Committee hearing on SB 2358, our railroad
lease and indemnification bill. That
will be at 9:00 a.m. Thursday February 13.
Calls to these Representatives are timely.
See page 39 of your Lawmakers of North Dakota book for list of
committee members. The
hearing on HB 1486, Wheat Commission checkoff bill, went
on for more than three hours on March 6.
Amendments were offered to reduce the increase from 5 mills to 2
mills, for a total of 12 mills per bushel.
The Wheat Commission, Grain Dealers, and Farmers Union remain
opposed. Even as amended,
the bill still transfers money to the Grain Growers and Durum Growers
Association for membership dues. Expected
increased refunding will leave the commission with less money then it
receives now. Contact
Senate Ag Committee members Flakoll of Fargo, Erbele of Lehr, Klein of
Fessenden, Urlacher of Taylor, Nichols of Palermo and Seymour of Minot. HB 1197, the credit sale
indemnity fund, was heard in Senate Ag on March 7.
All major ag groups were in support, only Rep. Earl Rennerfeld of
Williston spoke in opposition. Prospects
appear good. SB
2407, the fertilizer spreader and chemical applicator weight
bill, got a favorable hearing in the House Transportation Committee on
March 7. Looks like it
should be a go. Here is how you can contact legislators: Phone numbers are: 1-888-635-3447 or 701-328-3373. The fax number is 701-328-1997. Internet users can go on a state website at http://www.state.nd.us/lr/. Under Legislative Assembly, click on 58th (2003) for access to the legislators’ Email addresses.
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