Legislative Update – June 30, 2022

Hello Northlanders,

The recovery continues following the devastating flooding in our region. This has been a historic disaster, but despite the damage, I’m inspired by the way in which we were all able to come together to support one another. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who stepped up to help our community in its time of need.

I also want to acknowledge the frustration many people have shared with the Water Rule Curve, administered by the International Joint Commission. The frequent and catastrophic high water events are deeply concerning. I’ve had meetings with Sen. Klobuchar’s staff and the Rainy Lake Property about the rule curve and will be working with other folks involved to help solve this problem which will ultimately need to be addressed at the federal level.

Frontline Worker Pay

Throughout the pandemic, our state was able to move forward thanks to hundreds of thousands of frontline workers who put their own health at risk to be there for their community. This session, lawmakers approved $500 million worth of bonus payments for these heroes in appreciation for their sacrifices. The application window is now open for these payments. Minnesotans who worked in health care, as first responders, in food service, retail, and other industries are eligible. To view eligibility criteria and apply, please visit frontlinepay.mn.gov. Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 22.

Veterans Service Bonuses

This session, I was honored to be chief author of the Veterans and Military Affairs budget bill supporting those who’ve courageously served our nation. The bipartisan legislation invests significant new funding to address veteran homelessness, provides additional funding for Minnesota’s three new veterans homes, enlistment incentives for members of the Minnesota National Guard and more.

As part of the budget, post-9/11-era veterans – and Gold Star Families – will be eligible for service bonuses of up to $2,000. There are approximately 48,000 eligible veterans, over half of whom deployed to combat operations including those in Afghanistan or Iraq. We have a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism.

We can never adequately repay those who’ve served for their sacrifices, but these payments represent a small thank you. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is facilitating the program. The application period will begin on July 7 and you can learn more here.

Drought Relief

Last year’s drought was devastating to Minnesota agriculture, representing a significant setback for an industry that feeds the entire world. This session, I’m proud we came together to invest in farmers and food producers by enacting a drought relief package for livestock and specialty crop producers who faced an impact due to the drought. The bill also included $5 million to replace seedlings on DNR-managed lands that were killed by the drought.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications from specialty crop and livestock producers for drought relief through July 6. Eligible farmers and producers may receive up to $7,500 for actual expenses incurred after June 1, 2021, and before May 23, 2022. Learn more here.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday! Please contact me with your feedback and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative