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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Clark Johnson (DFL)

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Legislative Update - May 18th, 2017

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Dear neighbors,

 

There is a lot of work and compromise that needs to be completed in this the last week of the legislative session in St. Paul.  I am encouraged by Governor Dayton’s offer of compromise to split the difference on how to use the surplus.  I think that is fair and makes good sense and hopefully will spring us towards resolution of the budget by May 22.

 

But there is quite a bit happening outside of St. Paul as well….

 

MN CREP – Protecting Our Environment

The Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (MN CREP) sign-up is here!  Starting this week landowners have a new option to protect environmentally sensitive land, MN CREP.  The new MN CREP is a voluntary federal-state conservation program that will protect and restore up to 60,000 acres of marginal cropland across 54 southern and western Minnesota counties, using buffer strips, wetland restoration and drinking water wellhead protection.  Landowners who are accepted in MN CREP will enroll in the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 14-15 years.  At the same time, the land will be put into a permanent conservation easement through the state’s Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve easement program.  Private ownership continues and the land is restored and enhanced for water quality and habitat benefits.  If you want to learn more about MN CREP, please contact your county SWCD office.  More information is also available by visiting www.bwsr.state.mn.us/crep.

 

Vacancies on State Boards, Councils, and Committees

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State today released notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in demonstration of public service. The newest vacancies are listed below, and the full list of 500 vacancies can be found on our website open positions.

 

There are three vacancies on the Minnesota Security Hospital Board for an attorney, a psychologist, and a spot for a member of the general public. To apply to one of these specific vacancies click here.

 

There are also four vacancies on Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, and Technology Transfer Advisory Panel for Agriculture Industry Statewide, Assn of Primary Manufactures of Forest Products, Organic or Sustainable Agriculture, Statewide Env. & Natural Resources Conservation Org. To apply to one of these specific vacancies click here.

 

Applications may be submitted online, and must be submitted within 21 days of the “Publish Date” listed on our Open Positions page, to be assured of full consideration by the appointing authority. Appointing authorities may choose to review applications received by the Secretary of State after the 21 day application period.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions about either program.

 

Sincerely,

 

Clark Johnson

State Representative