The Minnesota House has approved a budget bill that would cut farm programs while giving a boost to veterans.
The bill would slash the Agriculture Department's budget by more than 8 percent. That includes a 20 percent cut to ethanol subsidies, or $6 million over the next two years. A move to eliminate ethanol subsidies failed.
Democratic Rep. Al Juhnke (JUNK'-ee) of Willmar, the bill's sponsor, says spending on veterans and military programs was increased by tapping about $9 million in unused educational aid for veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans homes would see their funding go up by about 3 percent.
The 83-49 vote on Wednesday was mostly along party lines.
