So far, all the talk about Michigan’s legislature intervening to halt implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) March 1 is just that—all talk.
There had been rumblings that State Sen. Liz Brater, an Ann Arbor Democrat, might sponsor legislation to put off implementation of the requirement that all Michigan cattle be tagged for NAIS as of March 1, which is about seven weeks off. But Sen. Brater’s legislation assistant, Eilene Davis, says she’s “not sure (Sen. Brater) will” sponsor legislation.
Part of the problem is that any momentum to make the change seriously dissipated as a result of the election of a new legislature, which will be sworn in tomorrow (Wed). Sen. Brater will no longer be on the agriculture policy committee, where she served as vice chair. In the new legislature, she will be on the appropriations committee, and presumably have less incentive to pursue agriculture-related issues.
Eilene Davis indicated that other legislators share Sen. Brater’s concerns, but apparently not enough to take the lead on proposing legislation. She acknowledged that a meeting of farmers, consumers, and legislators in Lansing late last year had helped encourage Sen Brater to consider sponsoring legislation. Various articles, including one I wrote, also fanned the flames.
If any legislation is going to be enacted prior to March 1, it’s going to need to become a high priority so it can be placed on a fast track. There’s going to require pressure and loud voices directed at the new legislature to reinvigorate the lawmakers. Otherwise, Michigan will have the dubious distinction of being the first state in the country to begin requiring compliance with the NAIS.
Recent Comments