Whereas, the producer price of milk has dropped to 20-year lows; and

Whereas, these prices jeopardize the viability of the Maine dairy industry; and

Whereas, the Maine dairy industry is essential to the State's rural economy and communities and generates business activity and preserves open space; and

Whereas, the stablization of the dairy industry during temporary price drops constitutes a public purpose and an appropriate expenditure of state revenues; 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. Transfer of funds. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Controller shall transfer to the Maine Milk Pool as established by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 7, section 3153 $500,000 from the unallocated cash balance of the Maine Milk Commission.

Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL RESOURCES,

DEPARTMENT OF

Maine Milk Pool

Initiative: Provides for a one-time appropriation of funds to be transferred to the Maine Milk Pool.

General Fund 2002-03 2003-04

All Other $225,000 $0

________

General Fund Total $225,000 $0

Initiative: Provides for the allocation of funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. The funds must be distributed no