For immediate release  
Beth Martino, Press Secretary
April 23, 2009  785.368.8500

Supporting local dairy farmers and consumers,
Sebelius vetoes milk bill

Governor calls on legislature to resend legislation without labeling provisions


To support Kansas dairy farmers and consumers, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed legislation concerning the labels on milk products.

“House Bill 2121 contains a number of provisions relating to pesticide and fertilizer laws and fees as well as dairy inspection and dairy-related fees. Without these fees, Kansas could lose important programs that support essential agricultural business operations in our state. I urge the legislature to send me these components in an independent bill so I can affix my signature and the Department of Agriculture can effectively administer these programs,” Sebelius said. 

“However, the Bill before me also provides for changes in dairy labeling that could make it more difficult to provide consumers with clear information.

“The milk labeling provisions negatively impact a dairy producer’s ability to inform consumers that milk is from cows not treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST).   

“Supporters of the bill claim it’s necessary to protect consumers from false or misleading information.  Yet there has been overwhelming opposition by consumer groups, small dairy producers and retailers to this proposed legislation. 

“Furthermore, I am concerned that patchwork labeling requirements that differ from state to state will make it too expensive, in an already troubled economy, to provide consumers with information regarding the dairy products they purchase.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I veto HB 2121.”

The Governor signed an additional eight bills today and vetoed an additional two.