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Dear Neighbors,
We are one month into the 2020 legislative session and there is already a lot of news to report. This week’s email includes updates about the 15% biofuels standard, replenishing funds in the Rural Finance Authority, coronavirus preparedness, and information about the census.
If you have a personal story, idea, or question related to business at the State Capitol, please get in touch. You can find my full contact information online at www.house.mn/27B. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here.
Thank you for the honor of serving as your state representative. I’ll be in touch with news and updates about what’s happening at the Capitol all session long.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Poppe
State Representative
Coronavirus response funding signed into law
On March 9, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate unanimously approved a bill to ensure that public health officials are prepared to respond to COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. It appropriates approximately $21 million dollars to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and was signed into law by Governor Walz just today.
Minnesota confirmed the first case of coronavirus on Friday, March 6. A second case was confirmed on Sunday, March 8. A third case was reported today. MDH has set up a public hotline that will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 651-201-3920. You can also visit www.health.state.mn.us for up-to-date and accurate information about what Minnesota is doing to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Minnesota has one of the best public health systems in the nation, and I am pleased that legislators from both parties are setting politics aside to protect the health of Minnesotans as we confront the spread of the coronavirus.
Biofuel standards bill advancing after first public hearing
Minnesota’s biofuel producers are an important economic engine in our region and contribute to our entire state’s economic vitality. We’ve long been a national leader in biofuel production and we need to keep it that way.
In response to concerns about biofuel production uncertainty, I introduced legislation that would require fuel retailers to increase the ethanol in most gasoline sold in Minnesota to 15% (or what’s commonly called E15); currently, a 10% ethanol blend (E10) is generally required. House File 3699 would also keep the ability for fuel retailers to have at least one hose dispense E10 because pre-2001 vehicles cannot use E15. It received approval in the House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division on March 6 and will soon receive a hearing in the House Commerce Committee.
Minnesota was the first state to require biofuel blends in 1997, and this bill would make Minnesota the first state to increase the standard. Nine out of 10 cars on the road can use the 15% blend, and corn farmers could easily meet the increased demand with instate production.
Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap testifies March 3 on HF3699, sponsored by Rep. Jeanne Poppe, left. The bill would increase the minimum biofuel content in gasoline to 15 percent.
House approves legislation to replenish Rural Finance Authority
We all know 2019 was one of the worst years in decades for farming, whether it was extreme weather, mental health crises, historically low commodity prices, or uncertainty with global trading partners.
To lend a helping hand, the Minnesota House on March 5 approved legislation (House File 2959) to appropriate $50 million in bond funds for the Rural Finance Authority (RFA), a state entity that offers low-interest loan programs to farmers. Existing funds are nearly depleted and there is an urgent need to replenish the account to guarantee more loan availability.
As chief author of the bill, I am pleased legislators reached a collaborative and fruitful outcome that will give farmers the financial support they need to stay afloat. We advanced the bill in a transparent and accountable manner. It now awaits action from the Minnesota Senate.
The Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farm Bureau, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) have all expressed support for the bill’s swift enactment. To date, more than $289.7 million has been invested in 3,094 loan participations by the RFA, and they have a strong record of success. Through December 31, 2019, the RFA bonded programs had loan losses (totaling $555,707) on only 21 loans since 1986, an outstanding loan balance of $94.4 million, and 626 active loan files.
In the last two years, the RFA has seen increased participation in Beginning Farmer programs and increased numbers of bond funded loans issued. This increase can be partly attributed to the very low interest rates that RFA is able to offer, which are achieved through successful bond sales at interest rates as low at 2.15% in 2019. Education and outreach about these loans to farmers and lenders have increased their popularity. RFA loans are appealing to farmers and lenders during difficult economic times because the low interest rate also makes it easier to cash flow.
According to MDA, $35 million in user-financed bond sales historically would last about three or four years, but because of increased awareness, economic need, and low interest rates, the RFA has used $22-$25 million per year in recent years.
Census begins soon
The 2020 Census is coming! Watch your mailbox March 12-20 then count everyone in your home. Responding is easy, safe, and important. Census data will influence our community’s representation in government and funding for roads, schools, clinics and more. Below I’m sharing some helpful information to help Minnesotans navigate the census. You can also visit the census website at www.2020census.gov for even more information.
Click here for information about ways to respond to the census, including a video guide showing how to complete the census online.
Click here for information about the impact of the census in your community, including funding for roads, schools, and more.
Click here to get help and read an FAQ, including how to fight rumors and fraud.
Click here for non-English language support (2020 Census information and guides are available in 59 non-English languages!). Thank you to our regional public television station, KSMQ, for creating commercials in 16 different languages to be distributed state-wide.
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