1997 Assembly Joint Resolution 81
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: urging the U.S. secretary of agriculture to immediately change the federal milk pricing system.
Whereas, for many years the federal milk pricing system has set lower prices for milk produced in Wisconsin and other midwestern states than for milk produced in other parts of the country by using Eau Claire as the base point for setting milk price differentials; and
Whereas, the result of the federal milk pricing system has been to boost milk prices artificially in southern and southwestern states, causing rampant growth in dairy farming in those areas; and
Whereas, a federal district court has found that using Eau Claire as the base point for setting milk price differentials is arbitrary and capricious and unlawful; and
Whereas, the number of cows in this state is down by almost 100,000 compared to 1996, demonstrating that Wisconsin dairy farmers cannot wait longer for fairness in the federal milk pricing system; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature urge U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman to respond to the federal district court decision invalidating the current federal milk pricing system by immediately ceasing to use Eau Claire as the base point for setting milk price differentials; and, be it further
Resolved, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature support federal milk marketing reform option 1 B as a starting point for reform; and be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Glickman, to the President of the United States and to each member of the Wisconsin congressional delegation.
