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In our community, I joined my colleagues in visiting proposed funding sites that would invest in local parks, water treatment, MSOP, and the Minnesota State University, Mankato. These are all worthy projects, but I was especially interested in how investments at the university will be put toward solving the child care shortage faced by our region. This was a very informative tour, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for these projects in St. Paul.
Farmer Safety
It’s been two months since Landon Gran tragically lost his life in a farming accident, but the loss remains fresh in my mind. As Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to crafting legislation that not only bolsters our agricultural economy, but keeps our farmers safe.
It’s through this tragedy that I share in the Gran family's hope that we can find ways to make some of the more dangerous aspects of farming safer. In Minnesota alone, four people have died this year in grain bins or other agricultural confined spaces. It’s time to look towards a policy solution to these tragedies, and I thank Landon’s family for their grace and courage in starting this conversation.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease was a topic of legislation this year at the State Capitol, with the Legislature investing in research, enforcement, and accountability. As deer hunting season gets underway this year, I wanted to share some resources and updated information. I recently attended a Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance (MOHA) meeting at the Nicollet Conservation Club - spending over an hour just on the topic of CWD. Hunting brings over $1 billion into our state economy - not to mention that hunting is part of our Minnesota legacy.
Note that some areas of the state will have mandatory CWD testing this year, mainly in southeast and north central Minnesota, though you can always check deer outside of these zones yourself. For more information on CWD testing and this year’s deer hunting season, please check out the Minnesota DNR website.
On Tuesday, October 29, the Legislature will be holding a joint hearing of to provide an update on CWD, and you’ll be able to watch at live at 10am online.
Be Heard on Cannabis - Saint Peter
We’re inviting Minnesotans to join the conversation about how we will safely and responsibly create a comprehensive framework for the most thoughtful adult-use cannabis laws in the country.
Legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use will expand access and affordability for people who rely on it to treat PTSD or chronic pain, allow law enforcement to focus their resources on more dangerous crimes, and expand personal freedom for Minnesotans, including the thousands of minor offenders who have been swept up in our criminal justice system.
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