ST. PAUL, MN—On Wednesday, the Minnesota House passed the Job Growth & Energy Affordability, Agriculture and Environment & Natural Resources Supplemental Budget bill (HF 3931) on a bipartisan vote of 72-54. Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, issued the following statement on a number of provisions contained in the bill.
“Our proposal invested in a program to help track and predict animal diseases, and over $3 million to conduct preparedness and response activities related to these diseases and other agricultural emergencies,” said Bennett. “Instead of waiting around for the next disaster to hurt our farmers, we’re getting out in front of the problem to find solutions.”
Along with the investments in agriculture, the bill included $40 million – in addition to the $7 million in the education omnibus bill – of funding for broadband grants in the next two fiscal years.
“We’re working to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas of our state,” said Bennett. “Combined with federal funds, Minnesota will see over $100 million of broadband investment. Our bill helps bridge the broadband gap between the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.”
###