Greetings,
With just over three weeks left in the legislative session, a lot remains to get done. Next week we anticipate hearing omnibus finance bills and a tax conformity bill on the House floor for debate and votes. Here are some other updates from the Capitol:
Bills Included in Ag Finance
The proposed Ag Finance bill (HF 3719) contains a bill I sponsored (HF 2896) which was heard in the Ways and Means Committee Thursday night. HF 3719 was merged into HF 4099, a large omnibus bill which includes finance bills from state government, environment/natural resources, and jobs/energy/housing (the originating finance bill). I carried HF 2896 and am pleased the Governor and House Ag finance committee agreed about the priority to fund these resources, providing funding for farm advocates who provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers facing crises caused by natural disasters or financial problems and authorizing the hiring of a second rural mental health counselor. Farmers and their families are under a great amount of strain due to volatile markets, high input costs, and low commodity prices, so making these resources available was a high priority this session.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Last week, the Legislative Audit Commission met to evaluate the Board of Animal Health’s (BAH) oversight of deer and elk farms, focusing on Chronic Wasting Disease.
To read the report in its entirety, click here. In response to the report, the BAH testified that they are concurring with the recommendations and are already working on some of them. The DNR has also said they are working with the BAH to improve communication and data sharing.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 28 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Minnesotans can drop off leftover opioids in approved drop boxes for proper disposal, no questions asked. This is the recommended method of disposal for opioids and helps prevent crime, drug abuse, and accidental poisoning.
To find nearby locations, follow this link.
Need for Broadband Funding Persists
Minnesota Rural Counties and the Minnesota Association of Townships have been distributing profiles of residents who are negatively affected by the lack of broadband in their area. This is part of a push to secure funding for broadband infrastructure in rural Minnesota, which has significant impact on the economies of our communities.
I have heard from constituents in rural areas within District 27B who need internet service for schools, businesses, and families.
Funding for broadband is a critical step in growing healthy, competitive economies all around the state, and I support these investments.
Please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol with your ideas and input.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Poppe
State Representative