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State Representative Tim Faust
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0518
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
NEWS COLUMN
AGRICULTURE AND VETERANS BILL WAS A BIPARTISAN EFFORT
The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Finance bill was the first major budget bill signed by the Governor this year. As a member of the Agriculture, Rural Economies, and Veterans Affairs Finance Committee and Vice-Chair of the Policy Committee, I'm thankful to have had a seat at the table in putting this bipartisan bill together. The fact that this is the first bill signed into law is an indication of the spirit of bipartisanship that went into putting it together.
I first want to highlight the Ag parts of the bill, which I believe will cement Minnesota as a worldwide leader in Agriculture for years to come. Key to the bill is a goal of 25 percent of all Minnesota energy (not just electricity) must come from renewable sources by the year 2025. This goal will spur innovation in making biofuels, like ethanol, from new sources and make Minnesota a 21st Century energy leader. The bill includes $1 million for the purchase of Minnesota produced milk for Minnesota food shelves and expands the Minnesota Grown program to support our state's farmers. I also chief authored a 50 percent funding increase for county fairs that was included in the bill.
With nearly 3,000 Minnesota National Guard soldiers coming home from Iraq this summer, it's going to be even more critical to support our veterans and members of the military. Fortunately, this legislation delivers that support to both our new veterans and older veterans. The bill includes funding for suicide prevention and psychological support for returning combat veterans, an increase in funding for the State Soldier Assistance Program, $3.4 million for Veteran's Outreach including $750,000 for services for homeless veterans, and an extension of education benefits for the spouses of soldiers killed in action. While we were putting this bill together, I thought it would be a good idea to provide some state support for the World War II Memorial dedication this June. Under the bill, any WWII veterans in Minnesota can now contact the Department of Veterans Affairs and receive transportation to the June 9th dedication ceremony in St. Paul. For more information on the ceremony, call 651-296-0080.
As we head into the final days of session, I understand that the other bills won't be as easy to compromise on as the Ag bill was. However, I think we should keep it in mind, because it shows we are all Minnesotans and there is a lot we agree on. Please feel free to contact me at 651-296-0518 or at rep.tim.faust@house.mn with your opinions and ideas.
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