Whereas, this legislation must take effect immediately in order that the fund established in this measure can begin to accrue money for distribution by the Maine Milk Commission; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §2956-A is enacted to read:

§2956-A.__Dairy Industry Fund

1.__Fund established; source.__The Dairy Industry Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established.__In addition to the payments made pursuant to section 2956, a dealer shall withhold and pay to the fund from each Maine milk producer a fee of 1__per hundredweight as monthly payments, based on the quantity of milk purchased or produced in any market area or purchased or produced in any uncontrolled area and sold in any market area.

2.__Distributions from fund.__Notwithstanding section 2957, the commission shall make distributions from the fund to a statewide association that has been approved by the majority of dairy farmers in the State in amounts allocated from the fund for that purpose.

Sec. 2. Allocation. The following funds are allocated from Other Special Revenue funds to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02 2002-03

AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL RESOURCES,

DEPARTMENT OF

Maine Milk Commission

All Other $70,000 $70,000

Provides funds for payments to a statewide association representing dairy farmers.