BRAND NEWS with Rep. Jeff Brand

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Friends and neighbors, 

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July! 

This will be the last edition of BRAND NEWS until after the election. Whether running or not, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage. While I won’t be able to send out these updates for a while, you can still follow me on my legislative Facebook page. 

I’m also still available to meet, help with state level problems, and discuss issues important to our community. Get in touch by calling 651-296-8634 to reach me, or email rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov. Please do not hesitate to reach out! 

SD18 Town Hall Postponed

This weekend’s Senate District town hall has been postponed. Keep an eye on my Facebook page for a new date this summer! 

Manufacturing in Saint Peter

Last week, I was invited to tour the Jarraff by Prinoth here in Saint Peter as part of a 3 month long, 80 stop bus tour of American businesses put on by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The products that Jarraff builds each day primarily are for the agriculture and environmental services sectors.  

Despite my asking, I was not allowed to test drive their T-Rex machine - but they look super cool and effective. They even make a smaller version of their brush cutter that is remote controlled. Jarraff employs 85 workers in Saint Peter at their 6-building campus. Thanks for having me for the day! 

Investments in Fishing for Southern Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is allocating $24 million to completely renovate the Waterville State Fish Hatchery, built in 1954. The hatchery plays a vital role in sustaining Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskie populations in lakes across southern Minnesota. Without the hatchery's efforts, many of these fish populations would struggle to survive. The DNR anticipates the renovation will improve fishing success in lakes throughout the state.  

This funding is part of the state's $149.9 million Get Out MORE investment initiative, passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023. 

Accessibility for All at State Parks

Thanks to the dedicated disability justice organizers in our state, all-terrain track chairs are now available at 13 Minnesota State Parks. Track chairs are all-terrain, electric-powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs.  

Track chairs are available year-round in some locations, and seasonally in others. To reserve a chair, call the park you plan to visit.   

Tree Planting and Green Space in Minnesota

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded over $33 million to fund tree-planting projects across the state, part of a national $1.13 billion investment in 2023. Trees are vital for Minnesota's environment, cleaning our air, and preventing erosion. All Minnesotans, regardless of location, deserve the benefits of a healthy environment with access to trees and green spaces. 

Signing off!

I hope you continue to have a wonderful summer! It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.   

Your partner in Saint Paul, 

Representative Jeff Brand 

Minnesota House of Representatives