06/23/08 Farmers told to think state budget; WHIP deadline this week

Washington Ag June 23, 208 Farmers attending last week's WSU Lind Dryland Field Day were told by state Senator Mark Schoesler the issue they most need to think about is the next biennial state budget. The ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee said the projected state budget deficit for 2009 to 2011 was projected at about 2.4 billion dollars when lawmakers completed their session earlier this year, but a new revenue forecast issued last week added another 167 million dollars to that shortfall. Schoesler: "That is based on the projections that the turn around in real estate occurs during the 3rd quarter of this year. Now, you can make your own guesses as to whether real estate turns around in the 3rd quarter or later, but that will also influence it." Schoesler said the "Rainy Day Fund" won't be the solution to the revenue situation by itself but will be a piece of the solution. Washington landowners interested in developing or improving wildlife habitat have until this Friday, June 27th, to apply for cost-share assistance through USDA's Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Applications received by that date will be ranked, prioritized, and considered for 2008 funding. Check with you local NRCS office. I'm Bob Hoff.