Legislative Update
This week at the Capitol I had the opportunity to meet with a number of groups representing Minnesota agriculture, local schools, and cities. Hearing directly from the people affected by decisions made in St. Paul helps guide the work we do and ensures rural Minnesota’s voice is heard.
Supporting Minnesota Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of southern Minnesota, and I appreciated the opportunity to visit with pork producers, soybean growers, and corn growers who were at the Capitol this week.
Pork producers raised several important issues, including animal wellbeing, improving the permitting process so Minnesota remains competitive with neighboring states, and easing labor mandates so family farms can continue to operate and grow.
Another issue that came up was HF 3704, a proposal that would require farmers to receive permission from the Department of Agriculture before using treated seed. Many farmers have raised concerns about this bill. Treated seeds allow farmers to apply a very small amount of product directly to the seed, which can actually reduce the need to spray chemicals across an entire field later in the season. Policies affecting agriculture should be practical and grounded in the realities farmers face every day.
Meeting with the League of Minnesota Cities
I also had the opportunity to meet with members of the League of Minnesota Cities and hear directly about the challenges local communities are facing and how we in the legislature can better support them in their work. These conversations are valuable because they provide insight into how state policies affect cities and the residents they serve.
Paid Family and Medical Leave Concerns
No matter who I speak with, one issue always seems to come up: concerns about Paid Family and Medical Leave and how this one-size-fits-all policy will affect small and mid-size businesses.
I made it clear when this proposal was first introduced and throughout the legislative process that you cannot treat your local mom-and-pop business the same way you would treat a large corporation like Walmart. Small businesses operate very differently, and policies coming from St. Paul need to reflect that reality.
As we continue working to improve these programs, I will be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue sharing your perspective and how these policies are affecting you and your business.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions or thoughts about legislation. Hearing from you helps me better represent our district.
A Full Week at the Capitol
This week brought a number of groups and constituents to the Capitol to discuss the issues affecting their communities and industries. Below are a few photos from some of those visits and conversations.
Hunter Feldt & Darren Schler from Watertown-Mayer School District
Tony Bentz, Spencer Kelley, & Superintendent Tim Schochenmaier form Central Public Schools
MN Soybean Growers Association
From the City of Watertown, Council Member Deborah Everson & and City Administrator Dan Tolsma
From the City of Carver, Mayor Courtney Johnson and City Council Member Kayla Pascoe
Allison Rahn & Scott Walker with MN Pork Producers
Amy Roble of Carver with MN Land Title Association
From Dahlheimer Beverage in Green Isle, Tony Beneke, Travis Johnson, & Ben Dick
Thank You
Friends, thank you to everyone who took the time to visit the Capitol this week and share your perspectives on the issues affecting agriculture, our communities, and local businesses. Hearing directly from you helps ensure rural Minnesota continues to have a voice in the decisions being made in St. Paul. As we head into the weekend, please also keep an eye on the weather forecast, as a significant storm is expected to move through our area. Stay safe, take the necessary precautions, and have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
