TAHC Seizing The Moment To Save TOP JOBS It has come to our attention that back in 2003, during the 78th regular legislative session TAHC came under fire. There was a recommendation by the State Comptrollers Office, do away with TAHC. It would save untold millions of tax payer dollars by eliminating TAHC and putting it's duties under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Agriculture. There would be a huge incremental savings eliminating synergies between the two state agencies. According to the Comptroller's 2003 Special Report. "TAHC has 205 employees, 35 percent of whom are based in the Austin headquarters. TAHC appropriations for the 2002-03 biennium total $24.4 million". In other words 35 percent of the fat is setting at TAHC HQ in Austin. Holy Smokes SAVE Their BACON! In 2004 the USDA initiated the implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Back in 2005 TAHC was able to get . This bill gave them the ability, if they so wished, to create rules for premises registration, animal identification and the ability to collect "fees" which of course we all know is giving TAHC the ability to become another TAX MAN just in time to Save Their Bacon! Despite what some folks associated with TAHC will tell you, USDA states that " Although the draft strategic plan references mandatory requirements in 2008 and beyond, to date no actions have been initiated by USDA to develop regulations to require participation in NAIS." USDA goes on to say that while they might some day make NAIS mandatory, their hope is that "market forces may drive those involved in the livestock industry toward participation". We all wonder, if USDA is in no big hurry nor is participation in NAIS mandatory even in the foreseeable future, why is TAHC rushing this deal by shoving it down throats of Texas livestock owners. Are they really interested in us or they just trying to SAVE THEIR BACON? If you have any information you would like to share please Contact US!
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