Hello Northlanders,
A few weeks ago I mentioned the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) in an update. They offer low-interest loan programs to farmers for a wide range of upgrades or improvements to their farming operations. On Monday we passed a bill providing an additional $35 million for the RFA. This will help more farmers start or grow their operations. I am pleased we are able to expand this program to offer more help to both our conventional and organic farmers.
The RFA provision should have been included in a larger bonding bill in 2016. We are long overdue for a bonding bill and our state desperately needs one this year. There are millions of dollars of projects in Northern Minnesota that are waiting on approval from the legislature. These projects create needed jobs and are critical for our region’s success. Click here to watch my speech urging my colleagues to pass a comprehensive bonding bill before the end of session.
The Subcommittee on Mining, Forestry, and Tourism is reviewing Minnesota’s role in mining right now. It is important to help other legislators understand the critical role mining plays both in our local economy and the economic future of our country. Last year royalties from mining generated roughly $30 for every K-12 student in Minnesota schools.
This week I had some good meetings with constituents from the district including the North Shore Health Group as well as some advocates for pollinators. It was also fun to have my son, Cory, shadow me for the day and join me on the House floor.
Please let me know if I can help on any legislative issue.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative