By AP
Frankfort, KY – Millions of dollars would be stripped from programs to help tobacco growers find alternative crops under a bill passed by the Kentucky House last week.
House members voted 92-0 Friday to make up a $114 million shortfall in so-called Phase II payments with $27 million earmarked for agricultural diversification projects across the state.
A bond issue would cover the remaining $87 million and be paid off with settlement money the state receives.
The bipartisan bill does not effect dollars set aside for counties based on their tobacco dependence and administered by local farmers' councils.