02/11/05 Next year`s budget, Finale

Most of the press about President Bush's proposed 2006 Fiscal Year budget, as it pertains to the Northwest, has centered around farm subsidy payment reductions and perhaps a reopening of the 2002 Farm Bill, and a switch in power rate structures that could mean as much as a twenty per cent rate increase for Bonneville Power Administration customers. But like any comprehensive work, there are negatives, and there are positives. So what can the Northwest citizen, the Northwest farmer, glean as benefits from this proposed budget? Well for starters, despite the call of farm subsidy reductions, U.S.D.A. Under Secretary J.B. Penn says the bright side is that our trade partners may now be more willing to reach ag trade reform agreements through the World Trade Organization as a result, which could mean increased markets for U.S. ag goods. PENN: In fact, we're seeing stories filed all around the world where people are applauding the willingness of the Administration to show that it's willing to make cuts. We said we were willing all along but this is tangible evidence of that. So I think this is going to give some added momentum to Doha. And while the President's budget calls for increased defense spending, U.S.D.A. Secretary Mike Johanns says that includes more money for food and agricultural security. JOHANNS: Funding for programs reflects $140 million dollar increase above 2005 including $37 million in increases to strengthen the Food Emergency Response network and the Regional Diagnostic Network to ensure the capacity to respond quickly to food emergencies and plant and animal diseases. And there are more monies proposed for federal nutrition assistance programs for low income Americans. JOHANNS: The budget includes resources to fully fund estimated food stamp participation. The estimated 2006 participation level is the highest ever. Regionally, despite the outcry of proposed B.P.A. rate hikes, members of the Northwest Congressional delegation have found some positives, like Oregon Representative Greg Walden. WALDEN: Funding actually is up for the Klamath Basin restoration issues and water issues down there, and they're working very aggressively on that. And on the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, I think they've step up to the plate on the work that needs to be done there. We'll be doing oversight hearings in my sub committee but clearly they're committed to that effort. And Oregon Senator Gordon Smith applauds the proposed $15 million dollars in funding to begin the process to deepen the Columbia River channel from Astoria to Portland.