Hello from the State Capitol,
Lawmakers had an interesting week in St. Paul as public safety and farmer loan issues took center stage.
SAFETY IN OUR CITIES NEEDED
Public safety is a key function of both state and local governments. Whether you live in Albert Lea or anywhere else in the State of Minnesota, you deserve to feel – and be - safe. Unfortunately, if you watch or read the news in the Twin Cities lately, you know that violent crime is on the rise, especially on public transportation.
In the not too distant past, we have watched as a number of progressive policies have been implemented that limit police activity and the elimination of rules, which has resulted in crime increases. Clearly these initiatives are not working.
In response, House Republicans rolled out a package of proposals at the Capitol on Monday aimed at improving public safety in Minnesota communities, a “Safety In Our Cities” plan. The goal is to identify and address many of the issues that are driving crime in the Twin Cities area. These new proposals recognized the need for additional officers and better resources that will allow law enforcement to battle the problems they see on the Light Rail and in our cities.
Over the years, I’ve talked to many people from southern Minnesota who’ve said they like parking near the Mall of America or Fort Snelling and taking the train downtown to see a play or watch a Twins or Vikings game. None of these people are going to want to ride the Light Rail if we don’t find ways to eliminate the crime, which is why Republicans and Democrats must come together and find a workable solution that addresses problems such as gang and Light Rail violence.
NEEDED FUNDING FOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM BLOCKED
On Wednesday, Minnesota House Democrats unanimously voted against and blocked a proposal that would have allocated funds for the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) loan program, which runs out of funds today according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
This saddens me greatly because it’s a subject that should not be a partisan issue. It’s not something new that needs to be vetted in committee. It’s a regular yearly budget item that simply needs to get approved - and time is of the essence.
The plan would have allocated $50 million to the RFA, which partners with agricultural lenders to provide low-cost financing to farmers on terms and conditions not otherwise available from other credit sources. Those farmers who are seeking loans for things like livestock expansion or ag improvements will now be left to wonder if and when any money will be available, and all loans that are in process will most likely have to restart that process.
Farmers have already been struggling on numerous fronts. They certainly don’t need partisan games played with a tried and true successful agriculture loan program. I hope that the House majority will bring this to the floor very soon. It’s a critical need for farmers and they don’t deserve to be the subject of partisan game playing.
COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION
I had an interview recently with KAAL’s Betsy Singer concerning the push in the Minnesota House for a K-12 comprehensive sex education mandate. To see the story, click here. The bill author made it clear last summer that he intended to being his proposal up again, so I expect it to come up at some point this session.
Have a good weekend,
Peggy