Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is delaying millions of dollars in regulatory fee hikes following pushback from fellow Republicans and ranchers and farmers.
Miller contends that collecting an additional $11 million annually from the industry he oversees is necessary after lawmakers didn't meet his funding requests this spring. That was despite the Republican-controlled Legislature leaving money on the table in the budget.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that Miller is now putting off the fee increases until Jan. 1. The higher costs had been scheduled to take effect in December.
Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is among those who have questioned the higher fees. It would raise levies on seed certification, grain warehouse inspections and product registrations.
