Dear Neighbors,
Agriculture is and continues to be an important part of the cultural and economic fabric of Minnesota. For many, farming is more than an occupation, it’s a way of life.
During my time in office, I have worked hard to support farmers and agriculture. This year, we were able to secure a number of important legislative initiatives that are important to farmers. They included:
- Increasing the school building bond Ag credit from 40 to 50% of property tax to school district bonded debt levies for 2020 and further increasing the credit percentage to 55% for 2021. This will rise to 60% in 2022 and 70% in 2023.
- $50 million for small cities and counties through increases to Local Government Aid and County Aid Program.
- $40 million for the Border to Border Broadband grant program that will help farmers connected and current on information needed to conduct daily rural and farming business.
- Funding for rural mental health grants for farmers and others in greater Minnesota.
- Funding for the state’s noxious weed grant program.
- Assistance for dairy farmers who enroll in the federal dairy margin protection program. This helps dairy farmers cover the costs of the program and is directed toward smaller, family-type operations with fewer than 750 cows.
- $5 million for a soybean innovation processing and research plant.
For years, supporting our farmers has been a bipartisan effort that members of both parties have been able to get behind and I was proud to once again support this year's agriculture bill.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent our community in St. Paul. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you or someone you know has a question related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Glenn