DANUBE, MN—House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, Repersentative Tim Miller, R-Prinsburg, and Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, were in Danube Monday to visit a farm impacted by the avian influenza epidemic that
as of Friday has impacted 108 farms in 23 counties and resulted in the loss of nearly 8.9 million birds.
The farm is owned by a family in Danube, MN. The farm has lost more than 400,000 birds as a result of avian flu.
Two omnibus bills (Jobs/Energy and Agriculture/Environment) vetoed by Governor Dayton last month contained significant avian influenza relief for state agencies responding to the epidemic, as well as unemployment benefits for laid off workers and funding for the Rural Finance Authority to make loans for avian flu-related disaster recovery.
"This is not only devastating for businesses, but devastating for farmers and their families as well" added Representative Tim Miller. "I hope we can call the special session within the week and make sure that help is on the way."
"Minnesotans are tired of the political games and are ready for Governor Dayton to call the special session so we can pass much-needed relief for our poultry farmers," added Rep. Baker. "It's truly heartbreaking to hear the gut-wrenching stories from farmers, and I hope we can get this wrapped up soon and get avian flu relief on the way to the farmers that need it."
"We saw today the urgent need to pass flood and avian flu relief for counties and families across the state. I am looking forward to working with Governor Dayton and the other legislative leaders to finalize the agenda for special session so that we can pass these bills and provide peace of mind to Minnesotans," Daudt concluded.
Before coming to Danube, Daudt and House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers, traveled to Scott County to see areas impacted by flooding. Scott County is one of several counties that would receive disaster assistance as a part of a special session bonding bill.
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