Nebraska Cattlemen Association members are concerned State Senators want to use Brand Committee funds to help balance the state budget. Cattlemen’s President Troy Stowater says the Brand Committee is self-funded through producer fees and not with tax monies. Plus, he’s says if lawmakers take the Brand Committee funds they won’t have any reserve money available.

He says it’s not right for the legislature to take funds collected by fees and weren’t obtained by taxes.

Stowater says debate on the budget is expected to begin the 70th day of the Unicameral which is April 24. His group will provide input at that time.

Stowater says depending on the amount swept from the Brand Committee funds, the agency might not be able to meet their financial obligations and stay in compliance with current Nebraska Brand Laws.