Swift, bipartisan action was accomplished at the onset of the virus in our state, and I hope the Minnesota Senate can come to the table to also discuss the worthy provisions we’ve worked on in the House to deliver support to the Minnesotans who in turn care for us. This pandemic has highlighted the importance of caring for one another, and I remain committed to delivering the economic security the Minnesotans who grow our food, care for our elderly and disabled, support our students, and keep our state running deserve - during this pandemic and after.
One piece of legislation I’m proud to say was passed in the final days of session was my bill to extend the timeframe outlined by the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act. My bill, now law, HF 4599, pauses farm foreclosure proceedings in Minnesota until December 1st.
We want to give farmers who are in mediation with their lender, or those who soon will be in mediation, more time. As packing plants and ethanol plants have shut down, milk prices have dropped, and hogs and poultry are being euthanized, farmers are facing extremely difficult financial circumstances. For the sake of our farmers, our communities, and our food supply, we need farmers to be able to stay on the farm.
Special Session
Though nothing is certain, it’s highly likely my colleagues and I will return to our legislative work for a special session, looking at a date around June 12. There are multiple issues important to Minnesotans that we could address during this special session, the highest priority being delivering the economic relief our communities need to weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other issues include extending the peacetime state of emergency, a Jobs and Local Projects Plan that would deliver on important regional infrastructure projects like the Northfield Transit Hub, and more. I’ll be sure to keep you posted as I hear more about an upcoming special session.
Stay Safe MN
With the “Stay at Home” order expired, the new “Stay Safe” order allows for Minnesotans to gather in groups of 10 or less, and many retail stores are able to operate at 50% capacity, provided they follow public health guidelines. Governor Walz also announced that bars and restaurants would be able to open patios and other forms of outdoor service - with guidelines - which is already taking place. You can watch that press conference here.
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