Dear Neighbor,
We are still working to finalize a new state budget as the Legislature's May 18 deadline to adjourn approaches.
There are numerous parts to the budget and the House, Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton each have their own proposals to compare and contrast. Extensive meetings have been taking place to find agreement among parties. There is resolution on some of the smaller areas of the budget such as higher education and courts/public safety. But the biggest two portions of the state's budget – K-12 education and health and human services – are among those yet to be resolved.
Things will happen in a hurry once compromises are reached so stay tuned. We plan on meeting through the weekend to finish our work.
In the meantime, we have been bringing other non-budget items to the floor this week. A package of measures pertaining to agriculture policy I assembled as chairman of the House Agriculture Policy Committee passed the House 102-25 on Monday. The Senate then took that legislation verbatim and passed it without a single vote against.
Key provisions in the agriculture omnibus policy bill (H.F. 1554) include liability protection for agri-tourism events, expanded agriculture loan programs and modifications allowing counties to work together in collecting waste pesticides.
The agri-tourism measure is one Anderson carried through the House himself. It provides basic liability protection for people who host events such as Breakfast on the Farm. This legislation protects property owners, but does not relieve them of responsibility in cases of willful neglect.
Agri-tourism is important to the ag. industry in Greater Minnesota and I am pleased our bill provides basic protection for people who open up their farms to visitors. It is an importation part of the bill and involved a great deal of collaboration to find a solution that all parties involved can agree upon.
The bill also extends the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation program to 2025. Beginner farmer loans, loan restructuring and livestock expansion loan programs and more are provided.
Language in the bill pertain to disposing of pesticide waste is something counties in Greater Minnesota are seeking. The bill removes a requirement that waste pesticide collections are available in each county, allowing for counties to co-op.
Sincerely,
Paul