Balanced budget or jobs? Meatpackers say Indiana inspection cuts will hurt growing businesses
By APWednesday, March 10, 2010
Meatpackers say inspection cuts are shortsighted
INDIANAPOLIS — Farmers and small meatpackers in Indiana say they are worried the state’s plan to lay off some meat inspectors to save money could hurt one of the state’s few growing industries.
Their fears highlight a dilemma lawmakers in many states face as they struggle to balance budgets: How deeply do they cut programs essential to growing businesses that could generate new tax revenues?
The Indiana Board of Animal Health announced in January it would cut its inspection program in half but backed off after complaints poured into lawmakers’ offices. It now says a lesser number will be let go.
Meatpacker Steve Beutler says his payroll grew from 15 to 20 workers last year, and any layoffs are bad news for him and other business owners who hoped to continue expanding.
