CHAPTER 522

H.P. 1378 - L.D. 1852

An Act To Extend the Dairy Stabilization Subsidy Through

May 31, 2004

Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, serious financial harm will occur to dairy farmers due to rapidly declining prices for their milk before the 90 days have passed; and

Whereas, a delay in providing these payments could cause irreparable harm to the dairy industry and result in the loss of additional dairy farms and agriculture-related businesses, which will have significant adverse effects on the economy of rural and inland Maine, jeopardize maintenance of valuable open space and compound existing problems of sprawl; and

Whereas, this legislation will provide temporary financial assistance for dairy farmers while the Legislature deliberates on a proposal to provide a long-term response to inadequate and unpredictable milk prices; 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: