Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Agriculture Omnibus Bill
On Monday, the House passed the Agriculture Omnibus Bill which will help protect Minnesota's food supply and promote statewide economic opportunities in agriculture.
A particularly important part of this legislation is the increased funding for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Board of Animal Health to help combat the avian flu outbreak which has devastated the turkey industry in our state. Additionally, the Agriculture Omnibus Bill streamlines food safety regulations between MDA and the Minnesota Department of Health.
What's more, the bill also will help to bring more than $800 million to our economy and create thousands of new jobs by implementing three production-based bioenergy grant programs relating to advanced biofuel production, renewable chemical production and biomass production.
The Agriculture Omnibus Bill passed with strong bipartisan support and is now headed to conference committee for final negotiations between the House and Senate.
Education Conference Committee
I have been selected to serve on the Education Conference Committee where the Senate and House will negotiate a final, agreed-upon Education Omnibus Bill. The House has advanced legislation that includes meaningful education reform to empower students, teachers and our schools as well as increase the biennial per pupil funding.
Currently, the committee is working on a side-by-side comparison of the Senate and House bills to compare where they are similar and where they deviate.
I am pleased to have been chosen to serve on the conference committee and will continue to advocate for legislation that benefits not only the students, schools and families in our community, but across Minnesota. I will keep you updated on the progression of this and other omnibus bills as we enter into the last weeks of session.
BBQ to Support Minnesota Turkey Growers
Earlier this week, the GOP Rural Caucus hosted a bipartisan turkey burger feed to support Minnesota's turkey industry which has been devastated by the avian flu outbreak. Legislators, staff, media and even the governor showed up to this great event. More than 500 turkey burgers were given away in an hour!
Minnesota is the nation's leader in turkey production, and I am pleased people came to support our turkey farmers and industry workers. Don't forget turkey is still safe and delicious to eat!
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As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Bob