Dear Friends,
Some updates from this week:
Avian Flu
The House and Senate both passed the first round of avian flu funding this week, providing more than $800,000 in assistance to state and local officials to continue the fight against the outbreak, and helping to make it easier for Minnesota to access federal funds. More help is on the way in the Agriculture Omnibus bill likely to be passed early next week.
On Tuesday myself and the members of the Rural Caucus will be hosting a turkey burger grillout on the Capitol lawn for legislators, staff, and members of the public to send the message that our food supply remains safe, and we should continue to support Minnesota's turkey growers.
Tax Relief
Middle-class families are the big winners in our tax bill passed off the floor this week. Families deserve tax relief at a time when government has a $1.869 billion surplus.
-Seniors, veterans, college students, and farmers all will see significant tax relief under our plan
-Our bill phases out the social security tax and the veteran retirement pension tax
-Tax credits to help students save for college, and for student loan payments.
Health and Human Services
Our omnibus Health and Human Services bill was passed earlier this week. While I don't agree with all of the aspects of the bill, I voted yes because it will be a huge boost for our area. Our bill bends the cost curve to protect taxpayers while putting more money toward nursing homes, caregivers, mental health, and other programs. The bill would help the Willmar psychiatric hospital keep its doors open.
I had the privilege to be on the Pioneer TV "Legislator Roundtable" Thursday night. If you want to see the show it will be replayed Sunday morning on Public TV. You can also watch the show online by clicking
here.
I also spoke with TPT's Mary Lahammer this week about the impact avian flu is having on Kandiyohi County. You can watch for that clip on TPT Almanac on PBS tonight at 7PM.
Congrats to Willmar and New London Prom-goers. Have a safe and memorable weekend!
2 weeks of intense work left for session and I am confident things will get done on time!
Have a great weekend,
Dave