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My niece, Jessaline Backer, spent the week in St. Paul as part of the high school page program.
Dear Neighbors,
On Thursday, the House voted to approve legislation that makes much-needed improvements to last year's buffer bill.
Some of the clarifications in the bill include:
- Eliminating problematic "benefitted area" language, and identifying the most recent public water inventory and public ditches that are subjected to buffers.
- Codifying the exemption for private ditches.
- Shifting buffer jurisdiction from state to local agencies. Under the plan, counties and local watershed districts would have jurisdiction. If they decline, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) would gain authority.
- Reinforcing that the DNR's only role will be to conduct mapping.
- Eliminating any change from current statute regarding the measurement of ditch buffers.
- Ensuring fair compensation for farmers by compensating for buffers based on property values prior to buffer installation
This bill will help clear up some of the confusion regarding last year’s buffer bill while protecting farmers’ property rights.
You can watch my comments on the bill here.
If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in the high school page program, click here.
On Thursday, several teachers from the West Central Area and Alexandria school districts visited St. Paul. Topics that we discussed included student support and education services, teacher retainment and student debt relief.
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions regarding this piece of legislation. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Jeff