Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Survey
For those who haven't done so yet, my 2015 Legislative Survey is available to take online. Your input is valuable to me, and I'd like to hear from you about important issues being debated at the Capitol this session.
Click on this link to take my legislative survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Kiel2015
Your feedback is appreciated!
Buffer Zones
Governor Dayton has turned up the rhetoric against farmers as of late, continuing his efforts to require 50-foot vegetation riparian buffer zones along all waterways in Minnesota including streams, ditches and ponds. Pointing the finger at farmers for water pollution, if his plan were signed into law, it would remove 125,000 acres of productive cropland across the state.
The Minnesota Farmers Union, the Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups are opposing this legislation. I know I have heard from many folks in my district including farmers and soil and water conservation districts opposing this plan, saying it's unworkable and unenforceable in its current form.
Water pollution is a concern we all share, but Governor Dayton's overreaching, one-size-fits-all plan will hurt farmers both large and small across our state.
I will keep you updated on this issue as session progresses.
Governor Releases Updated Budget
With the February forecast nearly doubling Minnesota's projected surplus to $1.9 billion, Governor Dayton has revised his budget recommendations for FY 2016-17. He now wants to spend $43 billion in General Fund money and use all but $13 million of the surplus.
For me, one of the most disappointing aspects of Governor Dayton's budget recommendations is that it does little for our nursing homes and long-term care facilities. While he does include $25 million for nursing homes in his updated budget (there was nothing in his first budget), he failed to make our seniors and disabled a priority.
For the hardworking staff who care for our seniors and disabled, for the folks who live in these facilities, and for constituents in my district, this is a top priority. This area of the state budget cannot be ignored any longer, and I will be working to increase funding for our nursing homes this session.
House Republicans will be releasing their budget targets next week, which fiscal committees will use as to put together their budgets for FY2016-17. I fully expect House Republicans to place a greater priority on nursing homes this session.
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If I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Have a great weekend!
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B