Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
Buffers
I am urging Governor Dayton to work with legislators, rural groups and local leaders to find a compromise on buffers in Minnesota. On Thursday, a long list of county commissioners and agriculture groups including the Minnesota Farmers Union, the Minnesota Farm Bureau, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and many others sent a letter to Governor Dayton requesting we find a workable compromise on buffers, citing the challenges facing farmers to meet existing implementation dates.
Governor Dayton should not ignore the growing coalition of rural folks sharing their serious concerns about the buffer law and implementation. Clean water is a priority we all share, but where we stand right now is not a workable solution. Let’s come together and do what’s right for our environment, farmers and rural communities.
You can read the full letter here.
Budget Bills
The House and Senate began advancing budget bills this week, sending compromise omnibus bills agreed upon in conference committees to Governor Dayton. I am happy to share that our budget includes more than $1 billion in meaningful, middle-class tax relief to help families, college graduates, seniors, small businesses, farmers and folks across the state. We also increased funding for our students and schools, passed a transportation bill that prioritizes roads and bridges without a harmful gas tax increase, and worked to stand up for farmers and rural Minnesota.
My hope is that Governor Dayton will sign these budget bills into law. If not, I ask that he get serious about negotiating on these bills with us. We have a little over a week left, and he has already stated he won’t be meeting with legislative leaders over the weekend to negotiate. Our intent is to find a compromise agreement and get our work done on time.
I will keep you posted as we near the end of the legislative session.
Women Safety Bill Vetoed
I am disappointed to share that Governor Dayton vetoed my bipartisan bill House File 812 this week. The legislation was about protecting the health and safety of women who choose to get an abortion, requiring any facility that performs ten or more abortions per year to be licensed and inspected by the state of Minnesota.
I will continue to advocate for the safety of women and for pro-life legislation at the Legislature.
National Teachers Week
This week we are celebrating teachers, and I am grateful for the wonderful educators in Northwest Minnesota who have chosen a career in education, teaching the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, artists and world-changers. Teachers have had a meaningful and positive impact on my life, and I am thankful for their hard work and dedication.
Happy National Teachers Week to all the great teachers out there!
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Sincerely,
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B