Dear Neighbor,
Before we get to legislative news, I would like to wish a happy Mother's Day to the mothers in District 14B.
Our work to establish a new two-year budget continues at the Capitol as the May 18 deadline to adjourn draws near. I had another productive breakfast meeting with the governor on budget issues this week. In addition to work-related discussions, I also expressed to him my disappointment in not being able to participate in the Governor's Fishing Opener this weekend (I have yet to ever get to the Governor's Fishing Opener - things are always very busy at the Legislature this time of year). I do look forward to going fishing after session ends.
I have also been one of the three Republican members representing the House in our end of session negotiations with the DFL leadership of the State Senate. We have had several meetings, and will be meeting again on Sunday. At this point we have agreements on spending on two of the 10 different budget areas, and are making progress on the others.
The House approved the last of its budget bills this week. That bill was the agriculture bill, and it was intentionally held back in order to allow for more time in gathering information regarding the statewide outbreak of avian influenza. This is proving to be very damaging to the poultry industry. Over $7 million in additional funding was added to the agriculture finance bill to help efforts to combat this disease. This is in line with the overall theme of the bill, which focuses on food safety, streamlining regulations, and increasing business and export opportunities.
The agriculture bill is now in the conference-committee stage with the other budget bills. The House is busy hearing other non-finance bills as those conference committees continue working. For example, a bill I authored to ratify labor contracts for MNSCU employees, Minnesota Nurses, and law enforcement personnel like the State Troopers and game wardens should come to the floor for a vote next week.
Stay in touch and I will do my best to keep you up to speed as things heat up over the next week or so during the session's home stretch. Please be safe if you are fortunate enough to get out on the water to go fishing this weekend.
Sincerely,
Jim