Accessibility menu
State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
CELEBRATING OUR RICH HERITAGE AND PROTECTING OUR FUTURE
Last week, I had the honor of taking part in recognizing the Minnesota National Guard's 150th Anniversary in a bipartisan resolution on the House floor. Whether it's aiding Minnesotans during disasters, volunteering in our communities, or defending our country overseas, the Minnesota National Guard is a vital part of state's past, present, and future.
The Minnesota National Guard is the oldest continuously organized, citizen soldier militia in the United States, pre-dating even the United States Army. Formed in 1856 in the Minnesota territory, two years before statehood, the First Minnesota Infantry was among the first volunteers for the Civil War. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the infantry played a key role in turning the tide in the Union's favor. Since then, the Guard has served both at home and abroad for 150 years. This year, the Guard has been able to aid in flood relief efforts while over 2,600 members are serving in Iraq.
These citizen soldiers and airmen represent the best of Minnesota and we should all be proud of their past and continued service to our state and country.
Last Wednesday, I attended the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) breakfast in St. Paul. Founded in 1982, LSP is a farm and environment membership organization based in Minnesota. LSP was founded on the values of stewardship, community, democracy and justice.
Agriculture has changed dramatically over the past few decades. As the result of new technology and machines, specialization and government policies that favor maximizing production, fewer farmers are producing a larger share of the food in our country. As a result, we are seeing the loss of family farms and those who are able to maintain theirs, have a harder time making a good living. For instance, according to LSP, in southeast Minnesota, our farmers sold $912 million of farm commodities, on average, each year between 1997 and 2003. However, they spent $996 million each year to produce those commodities.
In addition, consumers in our area spend about $500 million annually on food that is produced outside of southeast Minnesota. That means there is a multi-million dollar opportunity for farmers and processors who can service local needs. This would not only benefit the producers, but would serve as a significant economic stimulus for the region, as well. Just imagine if a good portion of this $500 million was spent locally; not only would this provide a significant economic boost to our area, but has the very real potential of lowering the costs of these goods by decreasing transportation costs.
At this time of gas shortages, greenhouse gases and global warming, it is prudent to consider ways to conserve and protect our natural resources. Sustainable agriculture, which is based on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations, as well as expanding the local food market, make sense as good ways to move forward.
Please feel free to contact me with advice or questions. You can call me at 1-800-292-0012, write to me at 239 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 or email me at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.