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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL)

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Legislative Update - January 26, 2017

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Greetings!

It’s been a busy week at the Capitol. The Governor presented his proposed state budget plan on Tuesday and the budget committees will be reviewing it over the next several weeks.

One of the great programs our state runs is the Rural Finance Authority (RFA). The RFA works with local lenders to provide loans to qualifying farmers at an affordable rate. This a great resources for any famer looking to start or expand their organic farming operations. There is a growing market for organic food and this is an opportunity for some local farmers to expand their operations. If you are looking to start or expand any type of farming operation, you can find out more about the RFA and their programs by clicking here.

This week, I was able to ask the DNR about some of their current forestry practices in committee. For our region to succeed we need to make sure the DNR is doing everything they can to help the timber industry thrive, both in the long and short term.

We were also able to discuss section 404 wetland mitigation at the Capitol as well. We all agree with the need to replace wetlands in Minnesota when projects move forward, but the current system needs reform. Whichever plan we move forward with will have the best local and state interests in mind. It is a complex problem, but it is something we need to tackle for the sake of our region.

I was also pleased to visit with Karen & Doug Franchot of Koochiching County and John Bathke of Lake County about the University of Minnesota Extension programs.

 

 

I really appreciate seeing people from northern Minnesota making the trip down to the Capitol to make their voices heard. If you ever have a legislative issue that you are concerned about please feel free to contact. I am here to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative