Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from Saint Paul.
Nitrate Rule
This week, Governor Dayton renewed his regulatory push to address nitrates, unveiling a plan with the Agriculture Commissioner that would implement a rule through executive order. I was very disappointed in the announcement that seems to be nothing more than a rebranding of the unpopular nitrate rule put forward last year by his administration.
These rule change proposals have caused great concern for farmers, and I believe this is more about politics than good policy. Farmers are using less nitrogen than before, and with tight commodity prices and a slew of complicated and overbearing regulations already, I think any new rule should account for the input of the ag community and be science-based.
I believe this process needs to include legislative input and not just be forced forward by executive action. Farmers work to be good stewards of our land and we all share the goal of protecting our environment. As it stands now, Governor Dayton’s actions are overreaching and not good for the State of Minnesota.
House File 1535
This week in the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee, they held a hearing on my bill, House File 1535, that will expand workforce housing in Minnesota. The bill would make modifications to the Workforce and Affordable Homeownership Development Program to provide funding to help address workforce housing shortages—something particularly important in Northwest Minnesota.
House Public Information did a story on the bill which you can see here.
ATVs in Hayes Lake State Park
This week in the Environment Committee, we debated a bill I am authoring that would allow ATVs to be used on existing roadways in Hayes Lake State Park. House File 3142 was brought to me by constituents and has the support of Friends of Hayes Lake State Park and our local county commissioners.
Great Northern Regional First Robotics
With the winning team from Greenbush-Middle River. Check out more photos from the competition here.
I attended the Great Northern Regional First Robotics Competition on Saturday to see some great local students compete. Congratulations to Greenbush-Middle River on their first place win!
I also want to congratulate Mary and Russ Anderson of Greenbush-Middle River for winning Volunteers of the Year, to Warroad who won the Judges Award, and to Badger who was a regional finalist. A special shout out to Thief River Falls and Stephen/Argyle for their excellent showing as well.
These students did an excellent job representing their communities and demonstrating the importance of a strong STEM education. Way to go!
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
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