Dear neighbors,
Tonight at midnight is the first of three self-imposed deadlines at the legislature to help us focus our work. I was pleased to have my bill improving farm safety heard in the Agriculture Policy last Wednesday. Long hours are not uncommon during deadline week as my bill was heard at 9 p.m. after a full day considering bills in other committees.
Buffers
Water does not run up-hill so buffers on many ditches and waterways would not make sense. Fortunately, the buffer law allows for the use of alternative approved management practices based on the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide. You are encouraged to work with your local soil and water conservation district, SWCD, to learn more about the practices. Last year, the Legislature failed to provide needed funding for the SWCDs to do this work. It’s important that funding be provided as soon as possible so that SWCDs can better help farmers adopt the best alternative practices to improve water quality.
Essay Contest
To celebrate reopening the Minnesota Capitol building after the restoration Minnesota students are encouraged to submit essays celebrating the historic State Capitol. Elementary, middle-school and high school students are asked to describe in their own words what their Minnesota State Capitol means to them and how the State Capitol has shaped our collective past and will impact future generations.
Winners of the essay contest in the three categories will be invited to share their short essays during the grand opening festivities during the weekend of August 11-13, 2017 and will also earn $1000 award for a Minnesota 529 college savings account.
More information on the contest click HERE.
Please let me know if you have any concerns or legislative issues where I can be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Clark Johnson
State Representative