SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, Rep. David Bly (DFL-Northfield) introduced House File 2225 to fund an emergency response to the avian influenza epidemic facing turkey farms throughout Minnesota. The bill would fund Minnesota’s portion of the emergency response not covered with federal funds. The Department of Agriculture would receive $514,000 and the Board of Animal Health would receive $379,000 to carry out their duties. Governor Dayton issued Emergency Executive Order 15-06 last week and the legislature is now responding.
Rep. David Bly moved to suspend the rules and immediately take up H.F. 2225. He released the following statement after the House unanimously passed HF 2225:
“I’m pleased that this measure was acted on as swiftly as it could be. Minnesota is the nation’s largest turkey producing state and moving as quickly as we can to ensure a response to the H5N2, avian influenza, virus is critical. This virus has the potential to seriously impact Minnesota’s turkey production and we took the right step today.”
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