Friedman Would Freeze Funds to Halt Spraying
Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Los Angeles) joined the widening legislative war against malathion spraying Wednesday, announcing a proposal to “hold hostage” $6 million in funds earmarked for the Department of Food and Agriculture until its eradication program is stopped.
“Some say we should hold the entire Food and Agriculture budget hostage,” said Friedman, a member of the Ways and Means Committee. “Well, we’re going to start in a reasonable way.”
Friedman was joined at a press conference in Van Nuys by Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-West Los Angeles), who also unveiled a proposal to stop the spraying. His bill, expected to be introduced Friday, proposes that farmers bear the entire cost of eradicating the Medfly.
Meanwhile, Lynwood voted Wednesday to join Pasadena in opposing the spraying. The five-member City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that prohibits formation flying by helicopters under 700 feet. Helicopters release their load of malathion at altitudes of about 500 feet. The Lynwood ordinance is similar to one passed recently by Pasadena.
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