Press Release - Agriculture Bills Signed
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
CONTACT:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER SIGNS AGRICULTURE BILLS INTO LAW
Gov. Bill Ritter signed three bills into law today that support Colorado's $16 billion, 100,000-job agriculture industry, one of the state's most important economic sectors.
"Colorado's economic well-being depends to a great extent on the health of our state's agricultural sector, and I believe these bills will contribute to that," Gov. Ritter said. "As someone who grew up on a farm, I fully understand the significance of agriculture to Colorado."
Senate Bill 178 (Isgar/Looper) was supported by the Colorado Horse Council and creates a special license plate honoring the contributions the horse industry makes to the economy and culture of the Centennial State.
SB 201 (Isgar/Curry) phases out over 10 years confining crates for veal calves and pregnant hogs. Supported by both the livestock industry and the animal protection community, Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp won plaudits for helping all parties reach consensus on this bill.
House Bill 1399 (Isgar/Buescher) directs interest revenue from the Unclaimed Property Fund to agriculture-related needs, including the Colorado State Fair, agri-tourism promotion, fighting invasive weeds, and developing alternative energy from agricultural commodities.
For a complete list of 2008 legislation Gov. Ritter has signed into law, click here.