CHARLESTON, W.Va. — If there is a state government shutdown on July 1, closing the doors and simply waiting for a budget agreement is not an option for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, according to Commissioner Kent Leonhardt.
“I think they’re going to get something done. I’ve got faith. They’re all good people. Nobody wants a shutdown,” said Leonhardt, a former Monongalia County senator, of the Legislature’s budget work.
Leonhardt was a guest on Tuesday’s MetroNews “Talkline” as budget talks continued at the State Capitol on what was Day 17 of the Special Session.
Many lawmakers have said Monday, June 19 is the last day a budget agreement can be approved to avoid all disruptions associated with payroll and other state government services at the close of June.
Leonhardt’s department, with its 233 employees, is one of many in state government dedicating time and resources to preparations for the possibility of a government shutdown.
“Being a military planner, I’m going to prepare for it, but I’m going to hold out hope that we get this resolved,” he said.
Altogether, Leonhardt estimated the Department of Agriculture, responsible for the safety of agricultural products in West Virginia and promotion of the agricultural industry, provides oversight for $4 billion worth of products and services.
The department’s duties include the following:
– preventing, controlling and eradicating animal and poultry diseases
– inspecting commercial slaughterhouses
– regulating pesticides
– detecting and controlling plant diseases
– distributing agricultural information
– enforcing laws to protect the public food supply
– supporting rural development initiatives
The state Department Agriculture also cooperates with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on some matters.
“There’s a whole lot of things that are going on in the Department of Agriculture that most people don’t even realize what’s going on,” said Leonhardt.
In the event of a shutdown, Leonhardt said many agriculture employees will continue working without pay. “We have to do something,” he said. “We just can’t let live animals run around the farms and do nothing.”
“We have a lot of great people and we’re just going to keep trying to move forward,” Leonhardt said. “But, my gosh, we’ve got to get something done.”