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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Sondra Erickson

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Recent storms have caused damage across portions of north central Minnesota leading Governor Dayton to declare a state of emergency in 36 different counties across the state. Mille Lacs County was among those listed.

Because of the damage from these storms, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is making available loans to farmers through the Disaster Recovery Loan Program. According to the Department of Agriculture, zero-percent loans will be available to assist farmers with flood-related clean-up, repair, and replacement costs that are not covered by insurance. The program is administered through the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority, which is funded by the legislature.

The loans can be used to help clean up farm operations, repair or replace farm structures, and replace seed, other crop inputs, feed, and livestock. The loan may also be used to repair and restore farm real estate that was damaged by flooding.

If you are a farmer in Mille Lacs County that sustained damage from these storms, I urge you to contact the Department of Agriculture or my office.

Along those lines, I toured the area on Monday ahead of Governor Dayton’s visit. I discussed with some of the local officials ideas that may help with future flash floods to the Fish Lake area or other areas where there are homes close to the lakes and rivers.

Also, the state’s Scenic Byways Commission recently designated Lake Mille Lacs as the state’s newest scenic byway this week. The designation will open up opportunities for increased tourism and promote the region’s unique character.

Finally, due to Campaign Finance Board rules, email updates will cease until November. Nevertheless, if you need assistance on a legislative matter I am always available to help. You can call my office at 651-296-6746 or email me at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,

Sondra