Legislative Update Greetings from St. Paul! This week has been filled with engaging conversations and productive meetings as we continue to focus on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans. I want to take a moment to share some of the important discussions and updates from the Capitol this week, including a bill that will help sustain family farms and the various meetings I’ve had with constituents and advocacy groups. Supporting Family Farms for Future GenerationsMinnesota has a strong agricultural economy, ranking among the top states in the nation for corn, soybean, dairy, and livestock production. Family farms are the backbone of this vital industry, and their success is essential to the prosperity of our rural communities and our state as a whole. House File 1409 is a bill that expands the list of relatives allowed to be actively farming a property for that property to receive a special agricultural homestead classification. This change will provide more flexibility to family farms, making it easier for them to stay in the family for future generations. Under current law, only certain family members can be involved in the day-to-day farming operations for a property to qualify for this special classification, but House File 1409 would broaden that list to include additional relatives. This bill is critical in ensuring that our family farms can continue to be passed down from one generation to the next. By making it easier for more relatives to be involved in farming operations, we are helping preserve our agricultural way of life that has been central to Minnesota’s economy for generations. This Week's Meeting RoundupI want to say thank you to all of you who took the time to meet with me this week. It was a pleasure to connect with so many of you, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Thank you for your valuable input and for making the time to be part of these conversations. Disability Day at the CapitolOn Tuesday, we hosted Disability Day at the Capitol, where members of our communities came to make their voices heard. This event provided a platform for individuals and families impacted by disabilities to meet with lawmakers and share their needs, concerns, and suggestions for improving services. I’m grateful to everyone who participated, and I look forward to working on policies that ensure people with disabilities have the support they need to thrive.  Pictured Above: Chelsey Busse of Arlington, Director of Operations for EON, Inc. Minnesota Farm Bureau Day at the CapitolAlso on Tuesday, we welcomed the Minnesota Farm Bureau for their Day at the Capitol. This was an opportunity to discuss concerns and priorities of our farming community including generational farming, environmental stewardship, research and innovation, economic and rural prosperity, and animal emergency preparedness. I appreciate the insights and expertise shared by the Farm Bureau, and I will continue to advocate for policies that support the agricultural community.  Pictured Above: Sibley County representatives Pam Uhlenkamp and Alison Eibs Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM)On Wednesday, I met with representatives from the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM). We discussed how we can keep small towns vibrant and thriving in the face of challenges like population decline and economic instability. I’m committed to supporting policies that encourage economic growth in rural communities and ensure that these areas remain strong and sustainable.  Pictured Above: Zach Synstegaard from Lester Prairie Minnesota Beer Wholesalers DayI also had the pleasure of meeting with Tony Beneke, a constituent from Green Isle, to discuss the beverage industry in Minnesota. Tony shared valuable perspectives on the industry and how lawmakers can support its growth while also protecting the workers and communities that depend on it. It was a great conversation, and I look forward to exploring ways we can help this important industry thrive.  Pictured Above: Tony Beneke of Green Isle representing Dahlheimer Beverage |