Greetings from the Capitol,
I want to thank the 50+ people who came to last Friday’s town hall in Herman where we discussed buffers (public waters), ditch mowing, and County Program Aid (CPA).
Last Friday, House and Senate leadership released joint budget targets focused on funding education and transportation infrastructure, as well as prioritizing middle class tax relief.
The Legislature is still weeks ahead of schedule from where it was two years ago during budget negotiations. This budget year, we are focused on avoiding last-minute lawmaking which has, unfortunately, become a staple in Governor Dayton’s end-of-session negotiation techniques. The House and Senate has met the Governor’s deadlines and it is time that he meets with legislative leaders prepared to seriously negotiate.
This week, I and other House agriculture leaders met with Speaker Daudt to discuss the importance of advocating to the Governor during budget negotiations for reforms to the buffer law, properly funding CPA, and funding the Good Food Access Program. I also had good discussions with Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, Rep. Davids (Chair of the Taxes Committee) and Rep. Drazkowski (Chair of the Property Tax Division) regarding removing part of the exemption for ag containment facilities, creating a larger tax base. This provision is good for West Central Minnesota and it is likely to be included in the final version of the omnibus tax bill.
Staying in Touch:
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929, 701-361-1909, or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
