WHEREAS, all of the states represented by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors have enacted the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact; and

WHEREAS, these states adopted the Dairy Compact to address the imminent threat to the regional public interest caused by the continuous loss of dairy farms in the region; and

WHEREAS, these states each adopted the Dairy Compact because it strikes the appropriate balance among all the interests involved in the regional dairy marketplace, including those of consumers, processors, retailers and farmers alike; and

WHEREAS, the Dairy Compact has operated successfully in the six New England states since 1996, providing much needed, long-term price stability; and

WHEREAS, the dairy marketplace imperfections of price swings and depressed overall pay prices, which are addressed directly by the Dairy Compact, are expected to be particularly severe in 2000; and

WHEREAS, this form of cooperative solution to a local and regional problem is expressly authorized by the Constitution of the United States;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Coalition of Northeastern Governors request that Congress extend authority for the Dairy Compact through at least 2005, and that Congress authorize the additional states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to join the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the leadership of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, and the Chairs of the appropriate congressional committees.

February 2000