Currently, the compact price is not in effect because farmers are receiving more money under the regular federal orders. All local state lawmakers voted for the bill. Once Pataki signs the bill, the U.S. Congress must give final approval. Opponents of the compact say it unfairly manipulates the market, will cause milk prices to consumers to soar and won't help small farms that need it most. It's un-American and we shouldn't be doing it.
Supporters say the compact serves as a safety net in case milk prices drop dramatically.
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, R-Bainbridge, said he was glad the issue got linked to the legislative pay raise because it presented the best chance of getting the Assembly leadership to yield on the issue. We tried to bring it to the floor on its own merits, but they were resistant to it. Until last week, the compact issue in New York was dead. Assembly leadership refused to vote on it during the legislative session. And earlier this month, despite calls from some, it was not among the topics of discussion when lawmakers were discussing the pay-raise issue with the governor.