In today’s news… right to vote via Chapter 3.5 denied by Judge, plus court date rescheduled.
Yesterday, the Administrative Law Judge who heard the Chapter 3.5 Petition issued his decision recommending that the Secretary deny STOP QIP’s Petition for a referendum to Suspend Chapter 3.5. The Judge appears to have misinterpreted STOP QIP’s Petition concluding that it was an effort to terminate the QIP when, in fact, it was and is a proper effort to suspend the Chapter that includes both the Fixed Differential and the authority for the QIP as opposed to the QIP itself.
The Judge did not make any decisions about the benefits or viability of the quota program, but rather focused on a narrow legal issue. This is only the first step in a process as STOP QIP intends to appeal this erroneous decision in court. The reality is that had the Judge ruled in our favor, the other side would have appealed to court as well. Also this is only the first part of our multi-pronged effort to restore equity and fairness to the California dairy industry and end a system that takes millions from the many and gives it to the few.
Our lawsuit (a separate endeavor) is challenging the QIP in its entirety; questioning the legality of its initial implementation.
The hearing for that lawsuit will now take place on July 31st at 10:00 a.m. This Friday, you can listen to the proceedings LIVE here. We will be sure to send out another reminder email on the 31st.
Participation from individual dairy farmers isn’t permitted for this event.
We are looking forward to this as we continue to make progress toward leveling the playing field for ALL (even quota holders!)
Stay informed,
Stop QIP Dairy Tax
