We're in the grips of a head cold, but want inform readers about a couple of key committee hearings in the Minnesota House. Fortunately, there's copy to draw from at Session Daily, as well as video.
In State funding to fight chronic wasting disease tops $1 million, Erin Martin reports:
. . . An estimated $1.3 million was spent from DNR Fish and Game funds in 2018 on surveillance (testing and assessments) and prohibitions against carcass transportation, feeding, and attractants in an effort to control the spread of the disease. But, as noted by DNR Assistant Commissioner Bob Meier, that figure would be insufficient in the face of further outbreaks in the state.
Nor does that figure include the cost of time spent by enforcement personnel investigating CWD-related complaints – easily accounting for additional expenditures in excess of $200,000 per year.
State efforts are currently focused on 17 counties in central and southeast Minnesota, with funding for the CWD response provided entirely through hunting and fishing license revenues.
Here's the video of the hearing; it's definitely worth a watch:
We have to wonder how better off the herd would be if the Republican majority had listened to Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, DFL-Roseville, and Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-S. St. Paul, over the past session.
Photo: Bob Meier, left, and Lou Cornicelli testify before the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division Jan. 15 about Department of Natural Resources’ expenditures responding to the chronic wasting disease outbreak. Photo by Andrew VonBank, Minnesota House Information Service.
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