Nebraska Farmers Union leaders are concerned about budget legislation in the House Appropriations subcommittee on Agriculture. President John Hansen says the fiscal year 2016 proposal calls for a total of $ 20.65 billion in discretionary funding. That is one percent, or $ 175 million, less than the fiscal year 2015 levels.

Hansen says there are several ag programs, that although not priorities, need to be funded.

The House appropriations measure is $1.1 billion below the President’s budget request. It cuts $15 million of funding by for the Rural Energy for America program.  The Biomass Crop Assistance program could see funding cut from $25 million in mandatory funding to $12 million.