Lawmaker opposes Bush ag cuts

March 15, 2005
By CHRISTINE DES GARENNES

CHAMPAIGN - Before catching a noon flight to Washington , D.C. , on Monday, U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, had a few things to say to his friends in the agriculture community.

He opposes cuts to the ag budget and will work to maintain the level of funding promised to farmers in the 2002 farm bill.

The Urbana Republican visted Parkland College for what has become an annual affair - a short speech, followed by a question-and- answer discussion.

The main point of discussion: President Bush's proposal to trim the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget by almost 10 percent. Congress is expected to discuss the budget this week. Johnson sits on the House agriculture committee.

Johnson reminded constituents the budget proposal, released a month ago, isn't final.

"The budget is supposed to be a blueprint for spending for fiscal year 2006. ... It lays out the parameters for spending," he said.

The Bush budget calls for a 5 percent reduction in subsidies, capping payments at $250,000 and changing the crop insurance coverage program, among other proposals.

If the cuts become a reality, "farmers can probably bite the bullet," said Rantoul farmer Maurice Verplank of the 5 percent caps. "Everyone will just have to tighten their belts," he said after the meeting.

It doesn't mean farmers will not be able to buy that tractor or combine, but it does have an affect on the bottom line and will add to the cost of putting the seed in the ground, said Kevin Johnson, Tim Johnson's Bloomington-based ag director who also farms land from Rantoul to Hoopeston. (Kevin Johnson is not related to Rep. Johnson.)

"I think Tim will do a good job, but he's one person," said retired farmer Maurice Gordon of Rantoul, who attended the talk.

There are some positive changes in the budget, Johnson said.

"The good news (about the ag budget proposal) is we have the opportunity to expand trade," he said. He said he supports expanding trade with countries like Cuba , if there are reasonable environmental and labor limitations put in place.

Also, the budget calls for an increase in funding for research into mad cow disease.

Johnson said he is "moderately optimistic" Congress will pass an energy bill this year.

He supports an energy bill that aims to increase production of alternative fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. But Johnson said it is up to his Senate colleagues to make it happen.

"We passed a bill three times, and the U.S. Senate refused to even allow a vote on it. We need to continue to press for this," Johnson said.