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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008 Farm bill headed to president's desk By Yoshiaki Nohara Herald Writer The U.S. Senate today passed a farm bill that is expected to increase help for farmers in Washington state and elsewhere, sending the $290 billion bill to the president’s desk. The Senate’s vote was 81-15. The House approved the same bill in a 318-106 vote on Wednesday. The bill aims to set aside grants to help farmers who grow vegetables, fruits and nursery products to market and export their produce and conduct research. That's considered one of the new key provisions for farmers in the Evergreen State. Agriculture has remained the state's biggest employer for decades, and many farmers in the state grow specialty crops such as apples, blueberries and pumpkins. President Bush has said he wants to veto the bill saying the measure is too expensive and gives too much money to wealthy farmers. Supporters of the bill hope that the Congress would override the veto, if it happens. All six senators from Washington, Oregon and Idaho voted in favor of the bill.

1. Some on Camano Island fear return of teen burglar could lead to tragedy 2. Marysville house destroyed by morning fire 3. Fire in Silver Firs area south of Everett leaves six homeless 4. Large fire destroys Maltby house 5. Two jailed suspects may be involved in dozens of purse thefts, police say 6. Vandals cause $12,000 damage at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett 7. Everett's study on Paine Field air service changes no minds 8. Airbus dominates Boeing at Farnborough air show 9. Couple finds new love in golden years 10. Everett sex offender housing debate gets city's notice 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

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